Sullivan republican. [volume] (Laporte, Pa.) 1883-1896, 1891-02-13

but once. Among them was John
Temple, even more triumphant than of
old, for he wore the all-cnquering uni
form of West Point cadet. He had no
rivals. When he appeared, Others re-
tired. He took by right, and,cansed no
jealousy. Such was this.complete.domin-
alton.
1t was while the \gayety was at its
height that came. l. saw himl first, at
an evening party. Rwqor had engaged
him to a young girl of tile town.who|had
won him by years of devotion. He had
brought her that evening".
There were strangers 'presmt, one a
gay and handsome South hern, girl. He
was bending over her when L first saw
him. He pretended he didtnot see me
at first. I am not a person that chal-
lenges the attention ofstheI room. But
knew that he did see me- iandi with that
subtle quiet understanding that never
had needed signs betweenSis II knew he
would be at my side presently.
His devotion to they girl grew even
more marked, but l was mot surprised
when, although was dsep'in.conversa-
ton with some one else, felt'him take
my hand. He drew it in his arm.
"Come," he said, and led dsmetostheilong
gallery where up and dow IN wetpaced in
the moonlight all the everiing.
AS we passed the long open windows
I could see within. The girl to whom
John Temple was said to'baeengaged had
left the dancersand two kind.girl friends
were trying to screen hers unhappiness
and fearful eyes.
The gay visitor to whomshe had been
all devotion was laughing still in hard
strained tones, and looking, about with
wondering eyes; youthN is 2hard and re-
morseless, l feltino pang. ffenjoyed my
triumph.
This was the beginning. When,I was
not present John Temple, repaired his
omissions and paidlcourt right and left.
But when / was present, Twas alAin all.
We sat out dances andtpaced the side
walks, wandering up and down the
block with that freedomi w.hlch,villagc
life allows.
"He can't propose TO her, kbecausethe's
engaged to Edith,W heardSa'voice say
one evening.
"That wouldn't be a.strawtin his
way" was the reply.
heard both indiffGentlv.
I saw Edith grow, paler and thinner,
and unhappiness settleAon her face like
disease. pitied her, ,sonly her preten-
sions to John Temple seemed absurd
He was mine-if caredsto have him.
One evening was late at dance.
When came in John Temple was fthe
center of a group of girls. There was
laughing dispute among .tliem.
"But have documents, The said, and
pulled from his pocketsa time stained
card. "Years ago IFknew hthere was a
time coming when you would deny,your
ages so took precautions'te'get them
then. guess I'm equal tosthe arithmetic. "
There was a cry and hands fiung,up
to seize the card which he Jquickly.re-
stored to his pocket.
"Who would avc,thought you could
have been so sly" one cried.
"What base advantaget of innocent
confidence" exclaimed another.
Well as knew him, that3he could SO
long and secretly cherish such atlittle
scheme was revelation.
He disentangled .himselff from them
and came to me. After,a few laRguid
whirls he said, "Let,us leave this. !" And
as usual we went out ,on the gallery
where we sat downAon atbencht htheneath
the vines.
John Temple had never made,love to
me. He treated me with an airtof epro.
prietorship as one might care fora rare
vase, or something too delicate and
precious for common use. 1t was sc
different from the free,and easy relations
of young people even when they are in
love, that it had an unique and most
agreeable value.
"You will always be young to me
Kitty" he said, as we sat down. ''Ir
my thoughts you are still fiery littl.
child"
"Are you going awaylto-morrow2"'ht
asked after silence.
eyes"
"You must not go. I cannot let 'yo,
go. You always stay SO long. AL
Kitty, you won't gof
"There are Others"
s.There is only you, Kitty. Did 20,
ever know that years ago ! made be
about youa"
"Yes, Iheard of it."
"The time is up, Kitty, the gage wa
a ring. have it here. But want yo'
to wear it. Where is your dear littl
hand. Yours2 Mine. 1 can't remem
ber the day when l did not claim it,
began nervously to pull off m,
glove, warm and clinging from his strong
grasp.
"Where is the ringa I put it here.
He began to probe the traditional waist
coat pockets. / turned over the Ion,
glove stripping it from my hand noy
half revealed. "Ye gods" he laughed
loudly. 81 had forgotten. Laur
Golden wears that ring. 1t is Laurai
hand that is mine"
She was the Southern girl.