The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1891-09-23
LOVE OR MONEY,

you an occupant of this hotel, and, as I
am new arrival, and not posted, tell
me who is here this summer"
Leonard Franklin llghtod cigar as be
spoke, and balanced his chair dextrously
on two legs, as he pulled away in the
moonlight.
His companion, Frank Wyckham,
smoking and rocking in precisely the
same manner, as they sat upon the wide
terrace of the Lakeside Hotel, replied:
"Some of last seasons party, and some
new ones"
"That's definite"
''DIy wife has a cousin with her this
year whose name is Annie Layton. She
is young, handsome and accomplished.
An heiress, too, LEONARD"
''What's her fgure2"
"Ten thousand from a grandfather in
her own right, and probably as much
more when her bachelor uncle, who is
her guardian, leaves this world"
''Is there any chance9"
''She is fancy free as yet, I believe,
and l should be pleased to bcstow nv
oousinly regards upon you, Leonard.
But, after all, you have no occasion to
look out for an heiress with your fortune. ~
''Bless your ear innocent heart,
Frank, man l. (er has so much but he
wants more, if it only bought dresses
aud finery for tho future Mrs. Franklin.
l think will try for it."
Frank Wyckham and Leonard Frank
lin had been schoolmates and college
chuns; and now Frank was q Benedict
and Leonard bachelor, close friendship
still existed between them. Neither OF
the young men were aware that their
conversation had been overheard; but
leaning from an upper window and. con
cealed by the ledge, Annie Layton lis
tened to their words, and when the two
men at this point started for stroll, she
drew in her head with very decided
jerk.
upon my word!" she soliloquized.
81 am really much obliged to Frank !
So bis friend will try and win my money,
will hef Not word about mel Don't
even ask II am an angel or a witch.
Thinks he could easily dispose of my in-
come, and would even kindly allow me
to buy fiuery with my own money. The
impudent puppy I'll make him pay for
this, or my name is not Annie Layton :"
There was spice of coquetry in the
heart OF the pretty heiress that had not
been crushed out in any experience of
her petted life, and that famed up into
a brilliant blaze under the provocation
of this overheard conversation. She was
scarcely to be censured for her annoy
ance, and she firmly resolved that il the
suitor for her money had heart she
would add to the sting of her refusal of
his offer by wounding that organ If pos.
sible.
So when Leonard Franklin was pre-
sented by pretty Mrs. Wyckham, to her
handsome cousin, Annie Layton, lie
found himself bowing to the loveliest,
sweetest woman he had ever seen, and
he was greeted by her with a graceful
cordiality that was lattering as well as
delightful.
1t was after breakfast upon the terrace
that the introduction took place, and
the gentleman, who looked handsome
himself in his seaside suit, decided that
the heiress was very fascinating little
damsel. Her dress OF clear white mus
lin was relieved here and there with
vivid red ribbons that well became her
rich dark brunette beauty, for she was
something more than merely pretty, with
her large dark eyes fringed with their
jetty lashes, and the heavy wavy masses
of dark hair. The crimson cheeks, and
the clear olive complexion, showing to
the best advantage under the brim of
her straw hat.
1t was on the programme for the pleas
ures of that pleasant sunny day, that
party was to wander In shady woods,
and there to enjoy a picnic luncheon.
So, as the ladies and gentlemen mar
shaled for the procession, it fell out that
Miss Annie Layton found by her side
Leonard Franklin's handsome, manly
figure.
Before the morning was over, Mr..
Franklin was secretly wishing that he
had not been so frank with his old friend.
What if Frank betrayed him to his wife,
and Bessie told Annie! He shivered at
the mere idea.
Already in his heart he called her
Annie, and he had found out that the
hand he had held while assisting his
charge over rough pile of stones, was
soft and pretty; that the voice that rip
pied out of the delicate ros"'ud mouth
was low and sweet; and thai the deep,
dark eyes could flash and melt, laugh
and sadden, in a way that was express
sive as it was delightful.
He was in the net Miss Annie was
spreading for him before the place of
luncheon was reached. And the lady?
Commencing her Irritation with her heart
full of pique, and desire for revenge,
she would not admit 10 herself what
made her morning so pleasant. She told
herself it was mere qualification that her
plans were working so nicely, aud the
prospect was SO fair for her to make Mr..
Franklin smart for his insolence.
Yet-and she stiAed little sigh at
the thought--it was pity that this defer