Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-06-04

McArdJe gpvc him cordial tDcIcomc.
And yet this knowledge, though in
one sense thorough, was one sided and
unfair. Herself the center of a planet
airy system, she saw only the bright side
of her satellites, as they turned toward
her. The Steiner virtues, the side men
seldom show to reigning bellies, she could
not see in the very nature of things, and
hence she misjudged men, not III spite
OF, but on account of, her knowledge of
them
But above all she vulgarized the senti-
ment of love. She could rot help doing
so; it was part of her education as lady
Of fashion and society. Size learned that
men did not mean what they said: that
few or none dieJ of love; that rejected
suitors soon married other women and
settled down very comfortably and hap
PLY as commonplace husbands. Then
her female friends married and told her
stories of their new life which took away
its glow of romance.
Moreover, in her works of benevolence
and charity she was often brought in
contact with hard facts in social life,
high and low, which robbCd it of beauty.
Men she had trusted turned out badly;
she heard disappointing News of this one,
disgraceful gossip about that. Men sank
while her standard rose. And so she re-
mainel single; more beautiful yearly, in
as great request as ever, happy, cor
dial, winSOme woman, only mot of the
marrying sort" As lovely as overland
vet a trained eye could vaguely zee a
change, a difference. In a word was she
not becoming shopworn? Had not five
years of balls, teas, drives, picnics, calls,
Irritation and miscellaneous wear and
tear brushed the velvet from the but
terfiy's wing? Was her soul as chaste,
her eyes as pure, her speech as frank,
her mind as quiet? And was she reany
satisfied with her life, and making as
much of it as she might?
She was asking herself these questions
very seriously one day after an hours
call from one of her old friends who had
talked, talked, talked about her babies.
Here, then, was Lottie Faucet, once the
gayest OF the gay, scOrnful of men and
mAtrimOny, now a bOastful mother in
capable of conversation beyond the era
die. There is some mystery about this
thought the beautiful Miss Sheffield.
She was bordering this matter so
earnestly because much concerned over
another, for she was beSieged by an in
3efatigable lover-a prosperous, gallant,
handsome banker-whO simply would
not take mo" for an answer. Miles
Powers knew women and loved Louise
Sheffield. He was bound to win her.
And he did-to the establishment of the
gossips, who held up their hands in won
der. Lulu Sheffield engaged at lastl
Well, well; there is then no longer de-
pendence to be placed in wOman!" They
approved the match, however, and
Louise, on her part, was as happy as
pride and victory and such love as she
was now capable of could make her.
She had taken advice, had been prudent
and judicious, and had succeeded.
At 10 she had so much to learn; at "a
she had so much to unlearn. The dis
ease of worldly wisdom had grown des-
perate and the appliance must be heroic.
Ruined by success, she was to be rescued
by misfortune. 1t happened thus:
One day, shortly before that set apart
for the wedding, she learned, without
her seeking, such explicit proof of her
lovers treason and sinfulness that love
shriveled into disgust and marriage was
impossible. She indeed-the one so
sought, the very queen of hearts-tp be
made a convenience, to be one of several
to await his lordshiPis leisure and take
what share Of his favors he might deign
to bestow! Oh, it was cruel; her shame,
her humiliation was complete! And be-
sides, what after all was the important
thing, she had loved him-loyed him
truly, wholly, honestly. Her heart
might be worn, but, such as the world
had left it, it was his, and he broke it
and saved her soul!
When he called on the morning after
the discoveries she received him calmly
and politely, but, shrinking from his
caresses, said: ''Mr. Powers, our engage
ment is over, and it will not surprise you
TO hear it If say that have discovered
your real character and habits. If you
must learn more refer you to my uncle,
Col. McArdle."
81 don't understand you" said Powers;
but shall see the colonel at once" And
TO McArdle's Office he went with what
assurance he could command. He found
him busily engaged on legal docu-
ment.
Colonel" he said, plunging at once
into his business, Miss Sheffield has
broken our engagement, and says you
can tell me the reason"
McArdle prided himself on his brew
ity. His explanation in this instance
was made in four words. Turning
sharply around in his chair so as to meet
his visitor face to face he said, with a
frOwn, ''Habitual and systematic hcen-
tiousness."
The two men-men Of affairs, men OF
the world-stared at each other a second
or two in silence; then Mr.. Powers rose
with easy dignity and turned to go.
'sGood morning, colonel" he said.
GOOD morning, sir, replied McArdle,
and resumed his writing.
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