The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-04-02


Count with her most fascinating air but IN his
absence WAS decidedly sober distract, aud OK
ccUdinElv uuCOmmuuiCatiye. "lu love-" her
mother had explained, smilingly, when the
Judge made mention OF Edith's changed man
ner
John now devoted himself 10 his clerical
duties, mugling less aud less with the family.
Only L0tte saw all this. No one but the dark
eyed little girl knew of his trouble or cared for
his peace Of mind. After time he realized
this and sure OF her sympathy was uncon-
/ sclUusly drawn into her society. JIG would
now seek her whenever there was an oppor-
tunity for a moments conversation alone.
Neither Of them mentioned the subject upper
mos; In their minds. Lottie sought only 10
make him forget his pain. John made brave
effort TO interest himself in other things.
" ] wonder ] never learned in all these years
how truly unsofsh this little Lottie is said
the young man TO himself one night, after
Lottie had made an excuse 10 stay at home
from some gay entertainment, and had spent
the greater part Of the time chatting with him.
"Plcasc 90 tonight" IT was Lo.tie who
had waited until the others went into dinner,
when she approached John with this request.
Wont you excuse me?' was the quick re-
iOnder. 81 appreciate your kindness, but no
one particularly desires my company"
=" lou are wrong quite wrong. You know
Senator R. is an old and particular friend Of
p8pa's. lie especially invited you"
well" smiling down upon the little girl.
"And-I-l want you 10 go"
Then ] will, was the ready response. i
was only waiting Tor that, and the young man
held out bis hand to her. For IN instant a lit
tie hand rested lightly ia HIS then they both
laughed. IL was such an absurd ceremony for
old friends.
At 10 o'clock John Henderson, looking very
handsome aud elegant IN evening dress, waited
at the foot Of the stairs for the family party.
First came Edith. She WAS superb Ia a low
cnt, trailing gown OF shimmering blue silk, the
Whiteness Of her neck aud arms riyaling the
snowy plumes that clustered in cOguettish
shoulder knots and nodded above her yellow
hair There was however, an unmistakable
trOwn on the fair face, aud she glanced with
disiav0T upon the bouquet Of white roses that
she held iu her hand. But 10 minutes before
a note from the Count accompanying tho roses
had Informed her that be might be detained
from the reception by most important mat
ter. lie would try, however, 30 make his APP
pearauce in time for one smile from +" la belle
Edith"
The imperous beauty. who seemed 10 enjoy
the nObleman's public admiration more than
his private love making was now distinctly
vGNed. She had told her mother that she knew
this night would settle IT,
She caught sight of John. "Ah, he Is going :
and how handsome he isl" she said 10 herself
Then she sighed. The frown gave way 10 a
smile. Such smile she had not given him
for weeks. Why should she not enjoy herself7
She would make him happy for one evening.
She nodded Raily, then paused at the foot Of
the stairs. he was 10 adjust her wrap and
take her 10 the carriage
But the erstwhile vassal, after stepping aside
aud Eravely bowling 10 the beautiful girl, re-
sumed his place, and, leaning on the siair-Eail-
ing looked eXpectantly toward the upper land
ing.
The portly Representative aud wife now
fled slowly down, followed BY little white
robed figure, a tiny woman, whose face had
become Suddenly radiant as she glanced down
upon the scene IN the ha!l. LOttie had evil
4 deutly witnessed the little encounter between
/ Henderson and her sister. She had seen him
cOolly draw back from Edith, aud turn gazing
upWafd-lOr her
why little girl, you are lovely tonight"
said the Judge, iHv0lnntar.ly, rs he caught sight
Of her Rs Size came gliding after him. Look
70 your laurels, Edie," he said plRyfuily, f0r
/ Lottie Is blossoming out in a most amazing
manner lately"
Your father Il right" This was what John
Henderson was saying ID an uudcrtane as he
/ carefully wrapped her in big plush carriage
/ cloak, aud then tucked the little hand under
Z bis arm, The girl made 10 answer TO the
light compliment, but be felt her hand treHlble
] IN his CWu.
Edith was silent. She followed her parents
70 The carriage, and, perhaps for the FIRST time in
4 her .l.c, suffered the dslgrCcaDle experience u
| what Is termed a cut.
On reaching the brilliantly lighted and
/ already crowded residence of The Senator, she
+ Was again permitted 10 remain under her faith.
4 eIH charge, while Lottie emerging from tho
/ lacius' dressing was appropriated by
I ff.i.f s..HI Ill
Soon EcltA had apparently forgotten both
4 the delinquent lover and lHu rchCllous slave
I She Was surrounded by other admirers and il
wac not Until after midnight that Sue aud John
/ Henderson found themselves Tor a moment TO
gctIcT aud alone. They stood for mOmcul
/ together IN the empty MUSHROOM, near the
deep window that had been turned into a tete
s-tete corner, shut % by towering palms and
/ other pOttua shrubs and plants.
There WIS q moment Of embarrassed silence
which, before either Of the couple could speak
was broken by voice within the green selnicir
Gle. il was the voice Of a man, familiar voice
the man spoke English, but with a fine Frencl
accent.
only million. That is not SO much" b,
was saying.
"A pretty good sum-" laughed the other
land beautiful woman bcsidesn
But Tie other one" persisted be Of th
accent
"Oh, Miss Tighten. Yes, she has heap NOR
money, but common, stupid while Miss Nc
Lean is q regular beauty, and aristOcratiC
looking as an empress
Edith and john exchanged glances. Tn
girl was whittier than the white plumes tia
decorated her gown.
What you say is true" returned the smoot
first speaker behind the green wall, "but
need money. have lost everywhere. Why
I'm not only in debt 10 you, but 10 others
debts Of honor, you understand. j. must
the one with the most money, and tonight.
shall pay court b. Miss Tighten tonight. III
beautiful Edith must be- sacrificed"
Then both men laughed softly, and passin
out arm la arln, intent upon their commerei
, enterprise, they Gld not SEQ the woman whit
with humiliation nor TIC man who trcmbll
with rage.
, John would have followed, but Edith, grasI
+ ing bis arm, managed 10 cry out:
no, no. il must 90 40 farther"
Then pausiug, a. II 10 gather strength 4
sucA d confession, hac turned aud looked in
the eyes VI the man vino Lad been loving n
patiently FOR years.
John lHe old naughty look was gon
the old imperious tono was fallen 10 a me
whisper can you forgive me,p she sal
This was al ny vanity. u was only his tic
tho wretch but nov speaking rapidly
never cared for him. ! have been miscral
from the first. know you arc angry, but y,
will forgive mci
nr,tft Tlf4F. AL % IA .--.-.--