Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1890-09-01

with fiirt as my wife.
Idecided to try her, firsv, with her own
weapon, Irritation, and 50 became quite
cool and distant in my conversation TO
her and very assiduous in my attentions
to Helen Palmer, blue eyed, golden
haired little beauty. and also a most con-
snmmate fiirt, who met my advances
full half way.
Rhoda did not seem to be pleased at
the loss of her would be devoted cava-
her; and noticed that she did not APP
pear quite as lively and spirited as for
merly, but would sit. even when sur.
rounded by her merry friends, absorbed
in serious thought; and often, if |
& anced ut her from where | sat beside
the sprightly Helen. / would surprise her
eyes fixed upon me with half wander
ing, half reproachful expression in their
M m.lnight depths; but would not relent,
aud appearing not to notice her, would
continue the merry badinage with my
companion.
Bat Rh 3da did not flirt as outrageously
as size had formerly done; and inwardly
congratulated myself upon the success
of my stratagem.
One day, as / sat in the pleasant SUM
lit parlor. chatting gayly with my new
flame, noticed a very beautiful ring
that she wore, and begged for a closer
| inspection. 1t was a rare emerald, sur
rounded by brilliant diamonds, a com.
bination / always admired. She at once
slipped it off, and ha lded il to me, smil-
ingly remarking thai it was birthday
| gift from favorite cousin.
"Ahlp replied; cousins are serious
things sometimes, ! liss Helen, especially
when they happen to be gentlemen.
Size blushed, and candidly replied: ITO
| tell the honest trutn, Mr.. Sheldon, it is a
gentleman cousin, aid very dear one,
too, SO dear, that, six months from this
very day intend to change my name
for his. Therel is ~ confession a very
great surprise, sir?
| acknowledged that it was not. as,
from several remarks she had made, /
had already imagined that she was en-
gagged, and said, in nconclusion: Although
! am not fortunate enough to be able to
claim cousinship, should be much
pleased to replace yourring with wish. "
/ Silently she extended her hand, and,
taking it, / was about to slip the ring
upon her finger when a slight rustic
caused me to raise my eyes, and there in
the doorway that connected the parlor
with the library stood Rhoda Winter,
looking at us with mingled expression
of grief, contempt, and astonishment
Tie next instant she turned. and, with a
gesture of infinite scorn, swept away, and
1 n II lxa Annr nfnuo
after her.
This was an event hadnot anticipated,
and knew that as Rhoda had seen me
in the very act of placing ring on her
supposed rivals finger she would at once
infer, and naturally enough, too, that 1t
was the seal of our engagement.
This knowledge made me very uneasy,
and tried various excuses to free my
self from my companion and finally suc-
ceeded / hurried through the hall and
entered the fragrant garden.
glanced hastily around, but could see
no trace of Rhoda, and then suddenly
remembered favorite haunt of hers
a rustic bench at the foot of a sturdy
oak. from which the ground sloped
gradually to the rivers bank below. So
] FASTENED in that direction.
Rut saw nothing of her until came
in sight of her favo -.e resort; and there,
a. had surmised. she sat; but her face
was buried in her hands, while her whole
attitude beto1enel the deepest grief.
/ crept softly to her side, and then, by
her low suppressed sobs, l knew that
she was weeping; and ah, how / re-
preached myself then for my crueltyl
Tenderly / threw my arms around her.
and said, as quie.iy as my excitement
would allow me, what is the matter,
Rhoda, my darling? VIII you not let
me comfort your"
She started at my touch, and the ac-
companying sound Of my voice, but did
mot raise her head; and / continued,
Wont you tell me? Rhoda, won't you
give me the right to share your grief? !"
! cried passionately.
TIirusting me from her, she started to
her feet, and, drawllg herself to her full
height, exclaimed angrily, although the
bright tears yet s2arkled in her eyes:
SIS it that you wish to insult me, Mr.
Sheldon, that you, the accepted lover of
another, speak such words to me? Or
have you followed me only to reproach
me for being listener to your love maxi
ing? If the latter, can assure you it
was entirely unintentional, and her lips
curled.
-Far from it, cried hastily. II am
here to tell you that love, adore you,
and to ask you to give me this precious
little hand. to be my own foreverl
And pressed it to my lips
But she snatched it away, laughing
scornfully, and, thought. rather hys-
tericalIy. as she replied: Il am not one
TO be satisfied with second love, Mr.. Shell
don; must be first or nothing; but even
were content to take a secondary place
what would Miss Palmer think of my
acceptance OF her recreant lovera"
Hiss PaImerl She i nothing to me,
and xa0vor will he. and more than that