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

She recalled words that proved her
suitor no mere puppy, but a man who
had read much and thought deeply. She
was certain that not one of her numerous
suitors offered attentions more delicately
or bore himself more gallantly.
The summer days passed swiftly to
| two of the quests at the Lakeside Hotel
and meaning smiles lowered over the
faces of the others when Mr.. franklin
and Miss Layton were mentioned, or
were noticed in each others company,
for the Irritation was carried on briskly.
It was only Irritation, TO punish him
for his insolence, Annie sternly told her
heart, when she caught herself musing
over his words, recalling the expression
of his large brown eyes, thinking how a
smile would brighten his face, wondering
If all men who had travelled were as fas.
cinating in conversation as this one
signing, too, sometimes, as she thought
of the pleasant summer that was drawing
to close, and that the time was fast
approaching When sho must dismiss her
cavalier from her side forever. For-and
her checks burned then--it was to her
money that this winsome court was paid,
and tho smiles, the Difference, tho atten-
tions to her were all for the sake Of
handling Der grandfather's legacy.
And while Annie sighed and mused,
the wooer was blessing the lucky hour
that brought him to that hotel for tho
season. Never in all his travels had he
met with face, voice, or manner
that had touched his heart as It was now
touched. Ho had forgotten his foolish
speech made about tho heiress, and he
had given bis heart to tho woman. He
saw her busy with feminine work In the
morning, and his fancy pictured her do
ing Embroidery in home. He heard her
rich contralto voice in song, aud he
thought of her rs making the evenings
| fly when husband came home to din.
ner. He saw her in elaborate evening
dress at the table d. hote, and he thought
how proud a man might be of her beau
ty and taste, when the voice of society
praised his wife. Aud all under these
surface attractions, weighty as they were,
he paid homage to the girls dignity,
modesty and pure heart.
The day came when his full heart
found won't in speech, rs the young
couple walked in a shady lane, Leonard
poured forth his hearts great love in
words warm and tender. 1t was some
moments before the answer came, for
Annie had to battle with her desire to
put her little white hand In his and give
him back love for love. But the answer
came cold and naughty.
"Mr. Franklin, my answer to you must
be to recall to your memory your CONVEX
sation with Mr.. Wyckham on the ter
race, the evening of your arrival, every
word OF which was distinctly au liblc In
my room"
"Then you have been playing with
mel" he cried fiercely.
~ have been trying to prove to you
that my money had a human append
age"
1t was we'll for her composurc then
that he turned abruptly from her aud
strobe rapidly back to the hotel. She
watched him disappear from sight, and
then turned into narrow by-path and
sobbed out her pain in solitude. For
she now comprehended that whatever
Leonard Franklin had sought in his WOO
ing, he had won her heart. She felt
lonely and heart-sick when she realized
all she had lost. Never again could she
hear the deep, musical voice speak ten
der words; never see the dark expressive
eyes look lovingly into her own again
never again feel the clasp of his strong
hand; aud never again see his bright,
winning smile.
AS the tears chased one another down
her cheeks, one of the unerring instincts
of true love came back to her heart, and
she felt deeply and keenly that the love
she had insulted and and rejected was
not the false suit of fortune hunter, but
a true heart seeking what is the only
sure guarantee for welded happiness.
She at last wended her way back to
the hotel, hiding her red swollen eyes
under her veil and went to her room,
hearing the voices of all at luncheon as
she went hastily upstairs. Upon her
dressing-table there lay an open letter,
and as she read it there stole through
her brain a quick, luminous idea. Over
her sad face stole look of resolution,
and certain hope, too, in her heart was
pictured in her face.
"Ill try it," she said "'SIy eyes are
in splendid condition for the purpose.
I'll try It."
She took her open letter in her hand,
and went mournfully into the room where
luncheon wUs in progress of demolition,
Her eyes were not so red nor so swollen
but that they detected Leonard Franklin
tritling with untasted food upon his plate
aud trying to look as usual. As she ap-
peared, Bessie cried out:
"Annie, what is this matter2 You
look as if you had been crying your eyes
out"
"'You would look so, too, if you had
my news to bear" was the answer with
u little sob.
"What is it, dearl" and Bessie was at
her cousins side, all sympathy.
"The Northern Express Bank has
failedw
"By jove," said Frank, call your
money was in that!"
Annie hid her face on Bessie's shoul-
der and sobbed.
"Uncle George was married last week 7"
Franks comment on that was con-
tanned in long whistle.
"Frank, you ought to be ashamed Of
yourselil" SAID Bessie Indignantly.
'Never mind, Annie. Come to my room,
darling"
And Annie allowe1 hersnlf N no ln1