The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1891-02-11

lenges the attention of the room. But |
knew that he did see me, and with that
subtle quiet understanding that never
had needed signs between us, knew he
would be at my side presently.
His devotion to the girl grew even
more marked, but was not surprised
when, although l was deep in conversa-
tion with some one else, felt him take
my hand. He drew it in his arm.
"Come," " he said, and led me to the long
gallery where up and down we paced in
the moonlight all the evening.
As we passed the long open windows
could see within. The girl to whom
John Temple was said to be engaged had
left tho dancers and two kind girl friends
were trying to screen her unhappiuess
and fearful eyes.
The gay visitor to whom he had been
all devotion was laughing still in hard
strained tones, and looking about with
wondering eyes; youth is hard and re-
morseless, l felt no pang. enjoyed my
triumph.
This was the beginning. When was
not present John Temple repaired his
omissions and paid court right and left.
But when was present was all in all.
We sat out dances and paced the side
walks, wandering up and down the
block with that freedom which village
life allows.
"He can't propose to her, because he's
engaged to Edith" l heard a voice say
one evening.
"That wouldn't be straw in his
way" was the reply.
heard both indifferently.
l saw Edith grow paler aud thinner,
and unhappiness settle on her face like
disease. pitied her, only her preten-
aions to John Temple seemed absurd.
He was mine-if cared to have him.
One evening 1 was late at dance.
When l came in John Temple was the
center of a group of girls. There was
a laughing dispute among them.
''But have documents" he said, and
pulled from his pocket time stained
card. "Years ago l kneY there was
time coming when you would deny your
ages so l took precautions to get them
then. / guess Pm equal to the arithmetic.
There was cry and hands flung up
to seize the card which he quickly re-
stored to his pocket.
"Who would have thought you could
have been so sly" one cried.
"What base advantage of innocent
confidence" exclaimed another.
Well as knew him, that he could so
long and secretly cherish such little
scheme was revelation.
He disentangled himself from them
and came to me. After few languid
whirls he said, "Let us leave this" And
as usual we went out on the gallery
where we sat down on a bench beneath
the vines.
John Temple had never made love to
me. He treated me with an air of pro-
prietorship as one might care for rare
vase, or something too delicate and
precious for common use. IL was so
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. 'In
my thoughts you are still fiery little
child"
care you going away tomorrow" he
asked after a silence.
eyes"
''You must not go. I cannot let you
go. You always stay so long. All
Kitty, you won't goa"
"There are others"
"There is only you, Kitty. Did you
ever know that years ago made bet
about youl"
"Yes, Iheard of it,"
"The time is up, Kitty, the gage was
a ring. have it here. But want you
to wear it. Where is your dear little
hand. Yours2 Mine. ! can't remem-
ber the day when did not claim it."
I began nervously to pull off my
glove, warm and clinging from his strong
grasp.
"Where is the ring2 1 put it here"
He began to probe the traditional waist
coat pockets. / turned over the long
glove stripping it from my hand now
half revealed. aye gods" he laughed
loudly. 81 had forgotten. Laura
Golden wears that ring. 1t is Laura's
hand that is mine"
She was the Southern girl.
How, know not, but diamond bau-
bic that had borrowed from my aunt
changed its place and then tore off my
glove.
The ring danced in the moonlight,
but my heart stood still, stunned by the
brutal blow.
"You never wore that ring before, 4"
he challenged.
81 only got it to-day"
"What does it meant"
"That there is some one at home want
ing me back"
"You said you were going to Mays
Vile"
81 am for few days only"
"You have outwitted me-"
My heart had grown steadier. could
now ask as well as answer.
''Now tell me why you have taken the
trouble during all these years to play this
little gamei"
"When you were little girl you
humiliated me. l said then would be
revenged and l never relinquished my
purpose"
My inability to understand such vim
dictiveness brought my head to the aid
of my heart. ''Do you feel satisfied" /
asked, not without malice.
''You have outwitted me, l said be-
fore" he answered sullenly, and l could
have told him but for an instant's mis-