Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1891-11-28

lege, understood perfectly Ave languages,
had been all over Europe, written prize
essay on the inheritance of property, and,
it was whispered, was reading law A
woman can forgive another for being
badly dressed, but it is hard to forgive
superior knowledge; and SO it was that
although Gladis could find all sorts of
excuses for Miss Bscon's plain sensible
dressing, she could not excuse her for
having read Blackstone.
She was fretted and unreasonable,
and, like Beverly, felt her imperfections.
It had taken some time for her to ac-
knowledge that she cared for Beverly.
and the fact had not really come to her
until his unfortunate remark concerning
the Boston girls cleverness; that was
more than week ago. At first it had
the effect of making her a little thought
ful; then she had hunted up package
OF books some one had sent her early in
the season, and among which had been
the book she had loaned to Beverly
Besant's "All Sorts and Conditions of
Men.
Yes, she had read it, but felt sure not
as carefully as Miss Bacon would have
done; in fact, she had hurried through
with it so as to loan it TO Beverly, with
an idea of letting him see that she could
appreciate a good book.
He had taken it because she had asked
him to read it, but had forgotten that
he had it until that morning. Now he
would read it. But some way the story
dragged, and he summed up his verdict
long before it was time to appear at the
Clue. Anyway, he would walk down to
the hotel, and perhaps sec Gladis, if
only for moment, He did not think
of the time, or of what Gladis had told
him of Miss Bacon, but took his seat
near the front entrance of the hotel office,
and waited
it was just ten minutes to four when
Jack Hilton, Jally captivating young
man, drove up to the door in a hand
some cart, aud, running up the steps and
into the office, vita bright aud CHEEKY
nod to Beverly, sent his card up to Miss
Curtis.
Beverly knew it was going to be q
trying moment, but he determined not
to run away; SO he talked to Jack. ask
ing him all sorts of foolish questions.
Both men watched the stairway.
"fhere she comes" came involua-
tariiy from Jacks lips, in answer to
Beverly's question if he knew Judge
Dawson, and Jack went forward to meet
the belle of the season.
Gladis never looked lovclier, in a
a dainty white serge costume, with tau
colored cap, gloves and shoes. She was
drawing on her gloves as she came
toward them, and talking gayly to her
mother. Perhaps she did not know that
Miss Bacon was just behind her, in a
plain Brown gown, her only bit of color
being soft pale blue Liberty handker-
chlet" kuotted loosely about her Shout
ders.
Beverly never attempted to put himself
forward, but stood up, bowling as Gladis
passed him. Always before she had
stood moment and chatted with him,
making some future engagement; but
this time she had Shown him at her FIRST
glance that she was going straight on.
And she never had been so bewitch-
ing and gay; and while padding along
Jack was beginning to think that such u
companion would be delightful through
life, and was half inclined TO tell her SO,
when Giadis asked:
"What time did you order the cart2
am tired. know 1 must return"
but you promised me the whole
afternoon, and it wants a good half-hour
to sunset. Do let us paddle around that
yacht before going in"
'No. You will excuse me. 1 want
to return" Ald Gladis sent the canoe
forward with such strong, swift strokes
that there could be no installing her in.
tentions.
The trip home was rather a quiet one,
and it would have been hard for either
man to have understood Gladis's
thoughts.
She knew in her heart that Beverly
was not talking to Miss Bacon, aud vet
she accused him of it, and so determined
to prove herself right by returning at
once.
When they reached the hotel, the
piazzas were crowded, and life was at
full speed everywhere, so that she could
not help being influenced; and then,
too, Beverly might be watching her
from the club windows, and she certain
ly was not going to let him see her even
appearing tired. There sat Miss Bacon,
surrounded by a lot of children, to whom
she was reading "Aliee in Wonderland, -
bat Beverly was nowhere to be seea.
After wandering about a bit she went to
her room, and on her dressing table lay
the book she had loaned Beverly, with a
few sprays of golden roo.
Il did behave shamefully,n she
thought; ''and l will tell him so to-
night" Then she pinned his flowers,
the flowers he loved best-the golden
rod-in her belt and hair, and promised
herself happy evening. Bat how little
we know of the hidden powers that are
constantly either working for or against
usl Gladis was barely out of sight that
afternoon when a telegram was put into
Beverly's hand, and he. in the rush of
sudden departure, had only time to
leave the book and golden-rod while
taking polite farewell OF Mrs Curtis.
who was just starting for an evening en-
tertainment; so that Gladis did not know
of his going, and was not only puzzled
but anxious at his non-appearance, for
she knew now that she loved Beverly,
aud had made up her mind to be good
to him in spite of everything; so, dressed
in her loveliest evening costume and
wearing his flowers, she watched for him
as she never had before, playing the role
Of bewitcner to perfection, and capt.
waiting every one with her bright smile
and witty sayings.
Tine next day was one OF Moua
Deserts eloomiest days, and well suited
Gladiss feelings. She pleaded headache,
and kept her room until sheer WEAKNESS
of answering inquiries concerning her