The Lamar register., 1891-08-22

verse. hAughty,
proud, arrogant,
these were the terms applied TO her by
those into whose faces she had never
smiled.
Steven Welmore thought her divin-
ity. because he was in love with her,
mud because she hrd smiled upon him
two most excellent reasons for his
opinion! Stern, reserve man as he was,
this woman had found the way into
his most inner heart. Whether he had
also found the way to her heart was
quite another question. and one which
he dared not ask as yet Miriam
favored him, certainly, but she favor
ed other chosen few also. There was
young Dr.. Walter, who came every
morning a, sunrise aud took Miriam
cnntering over the hill lie was, per.
haps, as formidable rival as Steven
Welmore had-or, at least. he was
feared the most. steven Welmore had
full faith that Miriam would be his in
the end, for he believed in fate. and
the iatcs undoubtedly meant her for
him. Or if they did not be would win
her in spite Of fates or iuries either.
He rode up 10 the Cedars one early
September morning, just as the sun
was rising. hoping to iorestall DR.
Walter and secure Miriam for himself:
but they were already gone; so he
turned about and waited until they
should return.
In perhaps half AN hour he saw
them coming over the road in the dis
tauce at a brcnk-neck pace, Miriam
ahead
only race she said ns she drew
her painting horse up beside him.
And fairly won, the doctor add
cd also drawing rein near them.
DR.. Walter. inwardly provoked that
be must leave them alone bowed his
adicu, saying he had an unavoidable
engagement at :. and departed.
1T is my turn now, isit notl" Steven
nsked
lie thought Miriam's face had
become serious at Dr Walters leav-
ing
yes, If you please. Suppose we 20
down to the woods FOR quiet
talk.
We'll Nothing would please ME
more
What au opportunity for himl
They dirvcs ed their horses through
the gate az the back Of the house, and
down a foorpath leading out OF the
grounds and into the road toward the
river; then. cHnterins on for perhaps
a quarter OF mile they came under
the gorgeous mRny-colorcd trees.
you do not believe in dreams, do
youl' she began.
mo. Why"
al suppose you did not, she CON
timed. But, nevertheless. have
been so oppressed withterrible visions
for week that they begin to have
their effect. / am actually growing to
believe in them, and half fear some
impending evil.
An amused smile half broke over
Steven Welmore's face, but died away
as Miriam caught the expression in
his eyes
you are laughing at me. Therefore
you are not my friend"
She spoke in sober earnest.
~ did not suppose you admitted
me within that charmed circle. l
nave never been very fortunate IN
making many friends"
He said it with a reserved air as if
more truth lurked under his words
than he cared to have revealed.
"Nor |. Let us shake hands upon
that" Miriam said, with n sudden an
imation, at the same time extending
her hand.
"You. You say that, who can bind
- -. fhrAna ~
Her face was gloomy and sad as she
answered him.
"You are mistaken. / am in need
of a friend. Such a one as you might
be, If you would"
Stephen WeImore's face grew lum-
nous. He bent toward her, looking
into her eyes eagerly, as only one who
loved her as he did was capable OF
looking.
81 will be you friend forever, if you
will accept me. Love you as no NOR
tai ever loved you beforel" he said.
"Oh, do not mean thatl Not thatl
How could you have misunderstood
me so?-'
He was upright in his saddle in a
second; his eyes dilating and flashing
and his whole face as hard as a rock.
"All women are devils, and all men
are FOOLS" he said, in clear, ringing
tone; and, putting the spurs into his
horse, he dashed down the road like
madman, leaving Miriam alone.
Miriam was sorry, to say the least.
Her face flushed angrily. Would no
one understand her, then?' She need
ed friends, not lovers. She turned her
horse's head, and, touching him with
her riding-whip, rode swiftly away in
the opposite direction from which
Steven Welmore had gone.
Her anger was spent in the long,
fierce ride she took, and she came
home quite herself again. That even
ing. while Miriam sat in the moon
light, running her fingers dreamily over
the piano-keys, Steven Welmore came