The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-09-12

attention from gentlemen other than
her betrothed. Ofcourse, there were
many young men in our circle of ac-
quaintances, hut perceiving Miss
WestcOtt's lack of interest they
Wonld naturally all turn to Charlotte
and [ feared that Edith would pres
emily find it very stupid in conse-
"Why don't you ask Mr.. Haskell
quence.
tu come down? ?" l finally ventured
to ask her.
Edith cOlored delicately.
U = bs.lieveaL will,n she said, and
Mr.. Haskell, whose first name was
Howard, in due time presented him
self at the beach. He was charm
ing blonde of thirty.fiye or more. |
liked him very much so did Char
lie.
"Oh, Filth !" she sighed. "what an
elegant fellow! Rich, too, isn't he ?
You're "A lucky giri."
EIith's betrothed,lin turn, took a
great fancy to Charlie. She had such
buoyancy, such glowing health, He
could not keep his eyes from her.
There! | might stop at once and
let you guess at the sequel; but you
would probably not guess it quite
right.
Spme things come to pass Curl
ously.
1t did not trouble ne. as time
passed. that Mr.. Haskell eVinced II
great liking for little Charlie. Per-
haps | did not give it much thought
at the time, though afterWard ! re-
membpred that he danced with ner
a good deal and was very fond of her
singing.
Nor do know what Filth thought.
[ only know OF the awakening.
A month hau gone and Haskell
was still at the beach. Oje morning
five us-iuclurIing a Mr.. Marshall,
whom | had Intended as Charities es
cUrt, but who had chosen to attach
himself to puor, old, matronly me
went fOl II long walk back into the
country, aWty fIOm the seaShOre.
Returning we took a short cut to de-
r,e,,,ad rathn"- Etnan hill -HaW it.
happened l dc not quite know, out
ii seemed that Charlie made mis-
step, fell aud rolled down ward fot
some little distance, until her dress
caught on Il shrub or stone and stop
ped her. 1t ali transpired in an in
stant, but Harold Haskell was quick
to lift her in his arms and insist that
he should carry her home.
But Charlie, though trembling.
managed to laugh.
II am not hurt" she quavered.
Put me down quick. Pm a terri
BILE weight !"
We all laughed Historically, but
Haskell was still pale with fright.
Immediately we had reached the
cottage Charlie sank upon sofa.
Ppm awfulIy shaken up, you
know" she said. 81 shall not still
for an hour"
Edith was going to her room before
luncheon. Charlie called after her
Would you mind tossing dowr
my book, Edith. dear ?"
II will bring it down." Edith re
piled.
Neither of the girls had brought
maids. Charlie always preferred tt
dispense with hers when she could
and Edith had my own at her ser
vice.
A few minutes later / was in the
breakfast room giving some orders
about luncheon and talking to Mrs
Webster, my chaperone. Mrs. Web
ster, good soul, turned from the room
out through rear passage and
turned to re. enter the library, when
the sight l saw through the antique
portiere beyond transfixed me. Har
q. d Haskell, the betrOthed OF Edit
Westcott, had clasped Charlie FOste
to his heart and was kissing her Das
siOnately.
MY darling, I love you !" he mur
INJURED.
| slipped from the breakfast-roOn
into the main passage, feeling colt
with horror, when, glancing up,
saw Edith, midway on the staircase
white AS death, and supporting her
self by the handraiI.
Had she seen and heard? | fel
must say something.
Are you coming down. dear?"
asked.
II was coming down" she reptile
in strained voice, "but don't fee
well. | think the sun has affncte
me. | will 90 back and lie dow
Here is Charles book. Will you Civ
it to her 2"