Iuka reporter. (Iuka, Miss.) 1888-1894, 1890-02-06

papa actually did - that heard
some one in here talking with you. OF
course it was only tho windl"
He shuddered visibly; but Ruby did
not observe it, for she was busily oc-
cupied in lighting the gas. The great
crystal and gilded chandelier was soon
in blaze Of glory, and then she came
and stood before her father.
Look up, papa" Gin sweet, plead
ing tone). II want you to see my
dress, and tell mo how 1 look. You
forget that am going to tho theater
tonight with Mrs. Chillingworth, in
spite of the wind and rain, for it is the
last night of the new play. We have
never seen it, and in the carriage we
will be-why, papa, dearest-you are
I'LL"
No wonder she thought so. His face
was CHASTITY white, and he trembled
like man with the palsy.
mo, mol not ill, only little tired,
pet!" he faltered. II have some disa
greeable papers to look over tonight,
so will not be able to accompany you
but you will go with Mrs. Chilling.
worth, and-I hope you will enjoy your,
self, my darling. Be happy while you
may!"
She folded her white arms upon her
breast, with meek, tragic gesture,
which ended in gay little laugh.
! "Now, l call that too bad" she cried,
with affected disgust. Here I am,
| gotten up regardless of expense; for,
| papa, this is my new costume from
Worth's, you know; and yet, not q
word OF praise or disapproval from
| your lips. Do look so very hideous,
papa?"
And she flashed about on one tiny
foot, like bright-winged tropical
bird. A vision of beauty in an ex
| quisite robe of violet velvet, with
amethysts upon her breast and arms,
and in her ears, and cleaning in the
spun gold of her hair. A mist OBJ
scured the fathers eyes for moment
"Hideous? My darling, you could
never be that! Ruby, you are so beau
tlful that You take my breath awayp
| She laughed aloud, sweet, ripping
laugh, throwing her white arms about
his neck and laying her satin cheek
against his careworn face
He bent his head and showered
tender kisses upon her forehead, lips
and cheeks. Kisses to be remembered
through long dark years to come. She
fitted to the door, then paused, with a
swift backward glance.
Goodnight, papa, darling" she
cried, gayly. II shall look in upon
you when I return, if it is not too late.
You will be sleeping, but I shall not
disturb you. And now 1 am Oft.
Ready for the fray; and papa" Qaush-
ing. lightly, II feel in my prophetic
soul that I shall meet my fate to,
night"
He had arisen to his feet, ond his
eyes, full of deathless love, were rest.
ing upon the girls beautiful, happy
face. He held out his arms once more,
"Rubyw
She was back again in an instant
the golden head upon his breast, the
white arms flung around his neck. One
long, last kiss, and he turned away. II
was like farewell.
"Good-by, my child!" he said, softly.
and as she went away the words came
floating after her in mournful echo,
which struck to her heart with an un.
accountable pang, and cloud fitted
over her sunny face for a moment.
A ring at the door-bell warned he,
that Mrs. Chillingworth had come.
She picked up her white fur opera
cloak, and threw it around her graceful
shoulders; and, with her jeweled fan
and bouquet of white and purple
pansies, entered the drawing-room, to
receive her chaperon.
Ten minutes later the carriage rolled
away, through the stormy night, and
Ruby Lawrence had gone to meet her
fate!
And all this time no one had OBJ
served the dark form crouching outside
the library window, drinking in the
scene within, with wide open, stormy
dark eyes. While low under her breath
Gabrielle st. Cyr muttered sibilantly:
"They who sin must suffer- A blow
for blowl A heart for . hearth A
life for life!"
TrA