Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1891-03-21
the compliment, mindful of Bdrns's ad-

the compliment, mindful of Bdrnss ad
vice to still "keep something to mysel
| wadna tell to ony."
Life settled down into an unexcitina
but endurable routine. Mary and I Wis.
tied each other and arranged our next
winters campaign, for l had invited her
to pass the cold weather with me in New
York. One day, in the middle Of one Of
these pleasant chats, servant came in
and banded me card. The name on il
reused at once all the antagonism in my
nature. 1t was, "Geoffrey Gardiner"
Now it so happened that the existence
of this gentleman was the one thing
had kept back in my condolences with
Mary. So I had now to explain who and
what he was. wanted her to come into
the parlor with me; but no, she would
go home first and dress; but she prom
ised to be back to tea.
dlsliked Godfrey, yet was glad to
see him. My mental faculties were rust
ing for want of attrition. Father would
not quarrel with me, aud Mary was my
only face card, l could not throw her
away. Besides, | rather liked to see his
great, handsome figure in the room. He
was so full of life that he seemed to
vitalize even the chairs and stools; they
tumbled about and got out of the way in
the strangest manner. | told him about
Mary Lacelles, and warned him that he
would lose his heart. He gravely told
me he had none to lose.
Imagine six feet two inches of man
hood without heart!
We waited Tea for Mary, but she did
not come till quite dark, and we had our
tea. She said she had been detained by
company, but l knew better than that
She was dressed with reference to candle
light effect, and would not lose its in.
fuence on her first appearance. l never
saw her look so lovely; her rose colored
dress, with its broad shimmering bands
of white silk, wonderfully enhanced her
charms, Godfrey looked delighted, and
she gave him the full benefit of both her
upward and downward glances.
When tea was over, left the room
few minutes, and when | came back;
found Godfrey and Mary sitting opposite
each other, with the chess board be-
tween them as an excuse for Irritation.
The move had been so rapid that l was
astonished, and little angry, too; and
father did not improve matters by
whispering, as passed his chair;
"Checkmated, Olive"
1t was not pleasant evening for me,
and it was the beginning of many I'M
pleasant ones.
GLOW it came let doctors tell, but
began to like Godfrey just as soon as he
began to like Mary. l called up pride
to the rescue, but it did not help me
much, and l suffered a good deal in
watching Geoffreys attentions to Mary,
and listening to her prattle about him.
thought her supremacy silly, and told
her so. She was astonished at my
petulance, but l don't think she sus-
pected the truth. Only father did that,
and he looked so! ''Serve you right,
miss" that l longed for him to be a
woman for an hour or so, that l might
talk back to him.
One day, after Godfrey had been n
month with us, riding party was pro-
/ posed to the top Of the mountain.
Father and I, Godfrey and Mary-that
would be the order, of course; and was
prepared for that; but there is last
straw in every burden, aud my last straw
was this incident: They were mounted
and waiting for me, when Mary dropped
her glove. From my window l saw
Godfrey pick it up, put it on the hand
laid so confdingly in his, and then kiss
! it. After that was not going to ride
for King nor Kaiser. l sent positive
refusal to all entreaties, and as soon as
they were out of sight INDUCED in a
/ good refreshing cry. | cried myself to
sleep, and woke about dusk with a new
born purpose in my heart which com
forted me wonderfully, the key note of
which was; "She stoops TO conquer -
Yet did not dress again. l knew they
were to take tea at Mr.. Lacelless; so
threw my dressing gown around me,
and taking novel in my hand, I ordered
cup of strong tea and went into the
sitting room. As l walked in at one
door, Godfrey walked in at the other.
~ came to take you to Mr.. Lacelles's,
Olive" he said.
Chow do you propose doing 1t, sir?
and get couple of men to tote me there,
really don't think YOU will succeed"
II could carry you myself"
"Could you9 don't think you would
enjoy the Journey"
"Will you dare me to do it3"
''Not tonight. should like to insure
my life first"
"Olive, you have been crying"
81 have not, sir" Indignantly. "And
If have, what is that to your reproach-
fully.
ga greal deal. Oh, Olive, you teas
ing, provoking, bewitching little mortal
How often must tell you 1 love youl
How often must 1 ask you to marry
me2"
at is not six months since the last
time, Godfrey"
~ don't care; it seems like six years.
And, oh, Olive, you know that you love
me-"
81 do not"
"You have loved me ever since you
were eight years old"
81 have not"
s'Now you must take me forever OF
leave me forever tonight. l have asked
you three times before
"Four times, sir. F."
"Well, four times, then Odd num-
bers are lucky; here is the fifth time.
You know what l want, Olive-your
| promise to be mine. Is it to be2 Now
or neverm
| suppose every one has good angel.
Mine must have been at his post Just
then, for a strange feeling of humility
and gentleness came over me. / glanced
up at the handsome face all aglow with
loves divine light; at the eyes full OF
gracious entreaty; at the arms half
stretched out to embrace me. Yet pride
struggled hard with love. / stood VI
silent and trembling, quite unable to
acknowledge myself vanquished, until
saw him turn away grieved and sorrow
full. Then l said:
"Geoffrey, come back; it is now"
That is the way I said eyes" and ]
have never been sorry for it. III live tC
the age of DIethuselah, shall never be 3
meek woman; but still l suit Godfrey,
and take more kindly to his authority
than ever did TO paternal rule. Father
laughs with Sly triumph at Geoffrey''
victory, and he sent me as wedding
nresent a handsome cnnH of tsThe Inn