Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1891-12-19
A WOMAN'S LETTER.

summertime, but Philip Bronson did
not appear to be keenly alive to its
beauty. As he sat in the picturesque
little summer-house that stood in the
middle OF a smooth-shaven lawn
skirting Mrs. Leary's cosy cottage,
there was a frown on his face almost
as black as the clouds that were rap
idly rising out of the west and obscur-
ing the clear, blue sky. This was
rather surprising, inasmuch as he was
almost within speaking distance OF
the woman who OF all Others in the
whole wide world seemed the most
lovely and lovable. The trouble was
Philip was far from sure that she was
also loving, and that doubt was what
stihed his happiness.
Up in the bay window above him
sat Winnitred Erskine, his promised
wife, and q woman in whom the in
stlnct OF Irritation largely preponder-
ated. She was writing letter. Philip
could see her little white hand move
back and forth over the paper, and
the perfect contour Of her head out
lined against the crimson drapery be-
hind which she sat. She certainly
made charming picture, and one
that Philip might have been expected
to contemplate with feelings OF pride
and pleasure. Instead OF that he was
angry and resentful.
Winifred had not looked up once,
and she had been there half an hour.
He presumed that she knew OF his
presence, but refused to take any no
tice OF him. Obviously she had not
forgiven hlm tor his sharp words the
night before, when be had accused her
OF flirting with Harmer Terry.
Philip had not a sanity temper,
you see; nor had Winifred either, for
that matter: The course of true love
with them had been often troubled
and turbulent.
Philip was frightfully jealous, unfor-
tunately, and Winifred was a most
provoking girl.
81 cannot stand this much longer"
he said to himself, as he watched the
gathe. ing storm. II could not be
more miserable if l were to lose her al
together She cannot love me or she
would not act as she does, and / do
not want a wife in whom | cannot
have confidence. She is perfectly
heartless, | see that plainly. Then
why do love her so? Why is it that
the thought OF giving her up is like the
bitterness OF death ITSELF"
He glanced up at the window again,
but Winifred had gone. The gusty
breeze was swaying the curtains to
and fro, futtering the loose sheets Of
paper she had left lying on the table
Sometimes the very accidents of life
conspire against us. Fate seemed to
have determined on Winitred's un,
doing. She had hardly left the win.
dow before the frolicsome wind had
snatched up piece OF paper and
whirled it away.
1t circled in mid air, rose and fell
huttering and floating on the breezy
air till at length it sank, by a strange
fatality, at Philips very feet.
He glanced at it indifferently. II
was covered with writing in mascu
line hand unfamiliar to him. HI
picked it up and was about to put il
in his pocket, intending to return il
that evening, when his eyes fell on tht
words, "Winifred; my darling" anC
the initial III, " with which the lettel
was signed.
Philip was a man OF honor but h
thought be was entitled to know whC
it was that addressed his betrothal il
this lover-like fashion. Heread every
word OF the letter, which was filled
with the most passionate utterances
It's testimony was irrefutable. i
blasted his last hopeof happiness.
80 Winifred, Winifredl" hegroaned
"Why have you deceived me? ii vol
had told me OF this, / could hav
borne it; but, oh, my God! to fin'
you so utterly false!"
Poor Philip! He bowed his head Of
the table before him, oblivious to tn
pelting rain-drops that fell throug
the lattice roof of the summer-houst
He was conscious only of the fata
letter before him, which he knew to-
well had been written by Harme
Terry.
"Winifred, my darling, think OF tn
unhappiness. Why will you not cor
ent to 90 with me at once? 1t is a
most more than my love can bare t
see you so constantly in the societ
of my rival The plan / propose
last evening ,sould be solution {
all our difficulties. If you woul
marry me secretly, Winifred, woul
be content to wait years ere elaine
you. But this probation is KILN
me
How the words burned themselve
into Philips heart and brainl TIL
pain that fel unnoticed on his throi
bing head was powerless TO cease tn
pain they caused They rang in hi
ears above the roll 81 the thuDde
that pealed through the air; the
gashed Dos0rs his eyes in cha scter