Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1890-07-19
HER MISFORTUi
BY EVA RICHMOND

Whats that you say, HsS1en? The
Bolton Bank broke? 1t can't be posi-
bleI"
And Frederick Wells, who had been
reclining in one chair, with his feet
resting on the back of another, the very
picture of indolent enjoyment, sprang
to his feet, tipping over his chair, and
sending the cigar he was smoking to
the further end of the room.
"Yes, it is; it is here in the paper, as
you can see for yourself. But what is
it to you? Did you have anything in
vested there?"
mo, but Miss Neal had, which
amounts to about the same thing"
An air of intense chagrin overspread
his handsome, though rather effeminate
features, as he read the paragraph to
which his companion pointed.
"Confound it, he muttered, "It's al
ways my luck to have my dish tipped
just when it's full! Though must say,
if it's got to come, that Pm glad it hap
pened the month before our marriage.
Charles Hayden, a young man whose
features, though less regularly formed,
were expressive of far more manliness
and goodness of heart, gazed at the
speaker with an air of undisgaised as
constituent.
why so, Wells? you surely did not
seek the hand of Miss Neal simply for
her money!"
We'll, no; can't say that. She is a
most lovely and charming woman; and
it really cuts me to the heart to give her
up. But then I am too poor to afford
such luxury. And Miss Neal can no
more afford to marry poor man. So
we're about even"
And you have no thought for the
pain that your desertion will infiict upon
the heart you have won," said Hayden
In tone of suppressed indignation.
SOFTLY, my dear fellow" said Wells,
who had resumed his former comfort
able position, and was sclacing himself
with a fresh cigar. Il hardly think
that it will be any such desperate affair
tc Miss Neal as you suppose. Indeed,
I've thought several times of late, that
had it not been for her foolishly hard
idea of the binding nature of such a
promise, she would have broken the en-
gagement herself"
And knowing this, you would have
held her to it's fulfillment."
@Not being sufficiently disinterested
to refuse the gift of $4,000, I rather
think 1 should"
you are not worthy of a true-hearted
woman like Ellen Neall !" was the indig-
nant response.
"Then so much the better for her,
that should leave her to he appropri-
ated by some one that is-you, for in
stance. 1t strikes me that you used to
be somewhat interested in that quarter !;
now is the time, old fellow, for you to
go in and win."
Charles Hayden scarcely felt or
heard the covert sheer in those words,
30 much was he engrossed by the new
born hope that had sprung up in his
heart, and which made its pulses beat
30 quickly and strongly.
so you are to be married next
month, my dear?" said Mr.. Thornly to
his ward, Ellen Neal.
yes, believe So" was the rather
indifferent reply.
Mr.. Thornly studied his wards face
for q moment with his keen eyes.
Il don't believe you care two straws
for Frederick Wells"
@Oh, not so bad as that, guardian,
said Ellen, with faint smile; though
] have sometimes feared that I don't
give him the affection that he deserves.
He. ems to be very strongly attacked
to ID,
aHumphl my opinion of Frederick
AI.1 l., = ~ IN
with his own handsome face to be very
much attached to any woman"
sIou are. too severe. Any way,
have promised, and cannot break my
word.
~Oh, no, certainly not; far better
break your heart.
@I don't believe I've got any was
the laughing reioinder. IF have I've
never been able to discover it Never
fear for me guardie; I dare say shall
be as happy with Frederick ss any one.
Yet In spite of these lightly spoken
word there rose up before her men
tai 1.ion one with whom she knew she
could be far happier. But even If she
had been free to choose, how did she
know that he would choose her? True
she had sometimes fancied, but what
right had she to indulge In such fancles
When Mr.. Thornly reached his
Office he found Frederick Wells wait
ing to see him, who said with an air OF
constrHint, not 70 say embarrassment,
net at all remarkable, when We consider
the awkward errand on which he came.
Il heeId of Miss Ne&l's misfortune
last evening. sir, and I assure you with
deep .egret."
Miss Meals misfortune7 What the
deuce dye near ?" said the old gentle