Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1890-09-12
there was much more in it to him than
|, LII L. L

there was much more in il to him than
the most fulsomc laudation.
He thought of it rs he FASTENED to
his office. more than once during the
day. and the seed thus sown might
have blossomcd and fruitcd had not the
gloriously beautiful vision of Annie
Bedford constantly obtru'led itself and
dazzlcd his eyes. For beauty to the
great majority Of men is rs sunshine
to the flower and dew spark ling in lily
cup to thirsty bird.
That Annie Bedford was determined
to win her brother his sister saw with
misgiving and regret Scarcely day
passed without some token from him.
q flower, an invitation to a seat
''in our opera box" to accompany her
in ride-a something to bring him to
her side.
But jeanette Mason was too wise to
interfere. She knew how much love
grew by opposition; how many Il man
and woman had married from pique
and defiance, and carefully held her
tongue" hoping that time would
ultimately work cure.
Would it? Marry in haste and repent
at leisure, seemed destined TO be the
bitter experience Of Robert Ellis. and
when Fighting up his study one
morning, his sister found costly
solitaire ring. she began preparing
herself for the coming of a sister-in-
law she feared she could never love,
even respect.
With tears starting from her eyes
she watched her brother as he came
from his chamber that evening. and
saw lie was dressed with more than
usual care: saw that an hour would
settle his fate and her heart sank with
in her. But hiding her feelings she
asked:
WHITTIER tonight, Bob?"
TO win you a sister, Jean. Be pre-
pared to take her home and heart"
Then you have full decided"
Beyond change"
Between the photographer"
Between Them"
will you let me speak, Roberto,
NO. | will have no interference in
my love matters. not even from you. l
am fully able to decide for myself"
kiss me. Rob. God bless you, my
brother" and as he shut tho door be-
hind him she stole away to the privacy
of her chamber to emphasize her bless
ing with prayer.
1t was early to call. would not be
etiquette to do so. but his restless spirit
would not permit him to remain within
doors. A walk was necessary to claim
him and turned into a nci.hboring
park. From there be could see the
house of his charmer, perhaps even
catch glimpse of the face and form
| to him now the most beautiful of earth.
The house was unlighted; his divin-
ity absent. He wished the wings
might be swift that brought her return
and thrilled with exultation as he saw
his desire gratified. Almost at the in-
slant the girl dashed up upon a spir-
tied horse. No groom was in waiting.
A little beggar boy volunteered to
assist her, hoping to earn few pen
mics. In his eager haste his foot
slipped from curb to gutter and the
costly dress and pink and lily face of
the fair rider were literally bespat-
tered with mud.
You miserable little wretch" was
passionately exclaimed. take that for
your carelessness and stupidity" and
the ringing whip sang in its passage
through the air and half dozen sting
ing blows fell upon the sad, pinchcd
little face.
In his effort to escape the boy fell
with his head striking the sharp edge
of the curbstone and he lay stunned
and bleeding. The angry girl gave
him not even glance of pity, resigned
her horse to the groom with loud,
sharp words and swept proudly into
the house. leaving the injured boy to
his fate.
But if she was regardless of human
suffering another was not. A lady
who was passing along saw the un.
pleasant episode, crossed the street,
raised the child. wiped the blood and
filth from his face, bound up his head
with her dainty perfumed handker.
chief, and. giving him some money,
sent him upon his way rejoicing-to be
shortly interviewed by Robert Ellis.
Half an hour later the lights flashed
out from the parlor of Annie Bclford.
She was listening to fattery and glibly
responding. though often her heart
leaped at the sound of the door-bell.
and her eyes were turned wistfully to
| see who would enter.
In the study of the lawyer was the
man she longcd for. but who came not.
A soiled handkerchief lay upon the
table beside two photographs and
| plainly was given to view, the initials
cxquisitely embroidered upon it.
AS once previous his sister came
softly in, saw how he was engaged, and
for the second time asked:
(Which, Robert, which,"
From his pocket he took the costly,
flashing diamond. laid it upon the lip!
of one of the pictures. and it was moi
upon those of Annie Bedford.
Robert Ellis had chosen at last.