Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1891-02-19

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case. Flirt, too. Be quite uncon-
sclous that you are neglected. Be
even engaged yoursel T for the once
till
'Oh, delightfulp
She was on her feet, her eyes spark
ling with enthusiasm.
'But-tbe lover, o, dear me,
couldn't tell stranger. I'll have to
give it up and 1t was splendid plan.'
Suppose you forget my antiquity,
and In this trying hour of need accept
my services
The colonel bowed gaily-he spoke
lightly, but he changed color precept-
IDLY.
'You2 Of all people in the world
OF course 1 will. You are so good.
Are you sure you won't mind2 she
cried excitedly.
My child, believe me. / would
rather be your play lover than the
accepted suitor of any woman on
earth
Col. Felix took her restless hands
and looked earnestly into her eyes.
Now, he said, cheerfully, shall we
inaugurate this auspicious event with
a drive along the shore?'
There was not trace of her past
grief in Rosalind's face when she re-
appeared ready for their outing.
Two hours later, bowling along the
sands, Rose met Harry seated in Miss
Van De Venter's phaeton, she looking
suspiciously bored. The colonel
helped her out by remarking in
devoted whisper that it was "a fine
day. bending over her with an en-
raptured air. Harry scowled, with a
brow like thunder cloud, at Rosa
iind's careless nod, while Miss Van
De Venter reused up to remark, what
fine, soldierly man Col. Darlington
was, and so devoted to little Miss
Hattie, for, to do her justice, she
knew nothing of Harry Maxwell's en-
gagement whatever.
Time went on. 1t was good fun,
Rose admitted, looking at the big
diamond which shown like prisoned
dewdrop on her dimpled forefnger.
The days we're one round of pleasure,
and L'Heronade, only opened to
amuse its patrons, flung the doors of
its dancing salons wide nightly, and
the glowing heroes chased each other
in rapid succession, overfull of mirth
and merriment.
Among the beautiful women who
graced OcesG Grove with their pres.
ence there was not one reigned more
completely queen of love and beauty
than Rosalind Heath, the pennlless
fiancee of Col. Felix Darlington.
Fresh and bright as her native name
sake, sunny and sweet, she won hearts
royalty, by her own bright personali-
ty, while the prestige attaching to her
by reason of her supposed engage
ment was not uncomfortable.
She enjoyed, with the keen jest of
youth, her daily drive after the iron
gray ponies, holding in her hands the
scarlet ribbons; the colonel setting
back with folded arms and smile of
enjoyment at her innocent pleasure.
1t was balm to the sore, girlish
heart, this whole-souled devotion that
never failed her; the gentle, unwearied
kindness that saw no flaw in word or
deed. Harry had constantly chafed
and hurt her sensitive spirit, as proved
as loving. To do her justice she
never remembered Col. Barrington's
wealth and position, beyond a vague
feeling that is was very comfortable
to have every passing wish gratifed
and very sweet to be so loved. What
it might be to Colonel Felix was TO
her an unsolved problem.
Can it be that you are really going
home2 That the summer is over2'
The colonel asked the question idly,
but his dark face was somber and
melancholy as he looked down on the
curly, brown head and the 1.-THE,
graceful figure, in her simple morn
ing gown. Somehow Rosalind looked
very womanly and grave as she turned
the ring round and round her finger
and nodded afirmatively. They were
standing In the morning room, where
they had plighted their jestlng troth
early In the season.
1T has been SO pleasant she said
softly, but mamma is anxious to get
home before cool weather. have
been very happy, and owe it all to
you, colonel, as, indeed, do every
thing. cannot half thank you
'Stopr
Col. Barrington's voice rang out
decisively, even sternly; he trembled
the look Of pain deepened about his
eyes. Looking into his kindly face,
you saw how tagged and weary he
looked as he leaned back in the big
chair.
Don't insult me child NO. as
she would have disclaimed this in.
dignantly, i know what you would
ssy--let me speak. Harry has come
to you, ! know; repentant; | want you
to be happy-but-don't be in hur.
ry.'
No, shall not