The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1891-08-28
5Mtscellaneums.
A BOLD STROKE.

ed courage and looked up at him. 1t was
more of an effort OF late than it used to be to
meet those clear, quiet eyes of his.
Really, Jack"
Oh, she did so hope he wouldn't make a
scene! She hated scenes and what good
would be gained by so doing? But she
might have known him better than that. He
was brave enough to take his blow without
an outcry.
"Tell me one thing more, Mary. Is tt ere
any one else"
She did not answer for moment. On
either cheek came out a pink glow. Then
she said in low voice.
"Yesw
The sensitive lips under the brown beard
were compressed in a stubborn line. No
need 10 ask the name ofhis rival. He turned
to go.
She put out her hand to him with little
depreciating gesture.
You're not angry, Jack ?" with timidi-
" new to her.
He smiled, but with more sadness than
mrth, as he c!asped her fingers in his nerv-
GUS grasp.
"Of course not, dear"
He could not all at once put aside the old,
affectionate manner of speech. 1t was hard
to give her up. And how pretty she looked,
standing there in her home dress of some soft,
dark stuff, her hair gathered back in knot
of crinky sunshine, her lips parted, little
grieved, half-frightened look in her uplifted
eyes.
He had thought of her, hoped for her, plan
ned for her, so long had been so sure of her,
too, till just a month ago. And now
She went into the hall with him.
you will come and see US sometimes"
she faltered "as YOU used to ?'
He shook his head.
I'm afraid not. May II" and then, as she
did not turn away, he bent and kissed her on
the forehead. "God bless you, dear. l' tri-
fle hoarsely and he was gone.
She had only done what dozens of girls do
daily when she thrust aside a good fellow
and loyal lover for more dsshing sutton.
Rejecting on the subject one is tempted to
agree with the cynic who asserts that wo-
mans choice is Influenced by the probable
opinion of other women.
She had known Jack Scovil-oh, ever since
she was q rosy tot and he big, awkward
school-boy. She had sent him valentines,
and looked eagerly for his birthday gift, and
pricked her poor little fingers working him
slippers, and taught him how to waltz, and
laughed at the verses in her album over
which he had puzzled and pored in revision
for hours; and bought magnifying glass for
watching The development of his mustache,
as she gravely assured him when that promis-
ing adornment was three weeks old, and sue
ceeded in making him supremacy happy,
what ever she did, till she went to the
Armory ball month go with Harvey
Campbell-a stranger, who had come TO
Eumala one fine day and taken by storm
half the unappropriated hearts in town, and
dazzled the men with vague, magnificent pro-
iects as to his possible investments.
He was tall, broad-shouldered man, thirty
or Whereabouts, with a pair OF flashing black
eyes and ferocious military mustache.
One of his very first acts was to present at
tue splendid stone house upon the hill the
letter of introduction he carried. 1t was mon!
cordial in its character and the writer was as
old and intimate friend OF Mrs. Miller, re-
tired New York banker. This, of course,
gave him the entree to the home of "the
wealthitst girl in Carroll county," as Mary
Miller was designated. Such good use he
made of his opportunity that she now, after
a bare months acquaintance, wore his ring
of betrothal.
When she showed it to her particular
friend, Jennie King, that straightforward
young lady looked up earnestly.
"Do you really love him, Mary"
of course"-lightly. who could help
it?"
Jennie knit her thin, dark brows.
But why"
Her neighbor's red lips took on bewitch
ing curl as she shrugged her pretty shout
ders,
'Oh, because he loves me, and is as hand
some as a hero out of Byron and all the
girls in town-half, anyway-are crazy about
him; and he has such charming manners,
and"
Here she broke down.
"And ?" suggested Jennie, gravey.
"And that's all, you practical little wretch
You ought to be lawyer. Isn't it
enough 7"
But Jennie only shook her positive little
head.
81 don't think So"
Mary caught her round the waist and
whirled her away down the grand drawing
room.
Now stop being dismel, or l shan't let you
be nv bridesmaid. This is the middle of
April. Pm to be married the 10th of May |;
Harvey is furious that won't consent to the
end of this month, but I couldn't possibly do
il, YOU know. Well be rushed to death as it
is. Oh, by the way, Jennie, all this is Sc
cret. Mr.. Campbell has reasons for wishing
the whole affair to be kept quiet as long
as possible"
The fact of the engagement was suppressed,
but the preparations tor the wedding went
rapidly on. Mr.. Harrison's letter and Camp
BELLS own assurance had satisfied Mrs. Mil
Ter as 10 the social and financial standing of
the groom elect.
And Just as she was one day congratulate
ing herself on the same, who should walk in
but Mr. Benjamin Harrison.
Down your way, and couldn't pass with
out dropping in to-day. How dye do?" he
exclaimed, as he shook hands. Charming
day for the end of April, isn't itP Yes I'll
stay TO dinner. How is Mary?"
He was rosy, rubicund, white-haired old
man, who rubbed his hands continually
while he was talking.
About to tell him the greatest news, Mrs.
Miller suddenly checked herself. No, No!
She would give both her old friend and future
son-in-law pleasant surprise.
So she merely told him of her daughters
engagement, positively refusing to give the
name of the happy man.
sis it that fine young fellow l met here last
summer p he questioned.
"Jack Scovil? Oh, dear me, no Be patient
You shall meet him. But | am surprised you
have not guessed more accurately"
Had he quite forgotten his letter of intro
troduCtioES
Evidently he had not dreamed of all to
which it might have, and had, led.
Mary, out riding with Campbell, went
straight to her room when she returned
Her mother explained the situation with
much CHEEKY anticipation.
"But where is Harvey ~
"He went back to the hotel to dress He
will be up to dinner"
And he was.
He came into the drawing room, where the
two ladies sat with Mr.. Harrison.
What picture Mary made, to be sure-all
bronze-green velvet and pale pink roses
But his admiration of his betrothed was
of brief duration. For he had caught sight
of Benjamin Harrsons bewildered face.
One step he could net move.