The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1891-03-11

tmpOrbdHI udJure II you lOuHu ~ uoCeS-
sary to bring mo all the way here for
the purpose Of telling me-"
"Yes, it Is, indeed. wanted to tell
you that love you," ho said
These were probably the very last
words which Armida would have ex-
pectcl to hear from his lips, and all at
once she recognized that she had acted
unwisely. In the next few seconds she
accused herself OF numberless unwise
actions to which she had never given
thought before She blamed herself for
leading this young man on to such an
extent and in q moment bitterly repont-
ed that sho had not acted with more
discretion. All these thoughts we're
chasing each othor with frightful rapid
ity through her mind, and she was try
ing to formulate reply when Eugene
spoke again:
'May ever hope for some return of
my passion?" he asked. still Armida
could not answer, though she knew that
Eugene would in few seconds misin-
terpret her meaning for silent consent
II she did not speak.
At last, with an effort, she gathered
her senses and replied: Eugene, you
have made a great mistake; such a
thought has never entered my head. |
admire you, respect you, but love you
oh--never.
"Then your actions have belied you,"
said Eugene, rudely.
'If they have it has bocn contrary to
my intentions" replied tho beautiful
girl. 81 would not for the world have
misled YOU"
THAT is a pretty speech to mako
now" said Eugene. 'You ought to
have thought of that in the by-gone
months and not have deluded me-" he
continued in passionate manner, and
told her how she had led him, by her
kind and sympathetic actions, to think
she must have some greater regard than
friendship for him, and assumed the in
jured air Of one who had been greatly
wronged. But it made no change In
Armida; she admitted the truth Of his
assertions, but insisted that 1t could
not change her sentiments.
Eugene pleaded, but his strenuous ef-
forts were OF no avail, and 1t vas with
q heavy heart and . jealous mind that
he went back to town. That night as
Armida was tearfully relating the oc-
currences OF the evening to her mother,
Eugene and his father were closeted
together in another part Of the city.
~ am convinced 1t is nothing but my
poverty which keeps that girl from
loving me; she is as proud as an old
Spanish countess, but will humble
her yet. You can count on me to lend all
the assistance you require in securing
that fortune which lies waiting for an
owner, and the sooner we commence
the better" So spake Eugene.
Persuasion had failed to destroy tho
young mans morals, but the green
eyed monster had gained an easy
victory over his good intentions.
"Now you are talking sense, my boy.
We will get to business at once. have
q man ready to 60 to Now York and |
know he will act fair and square and
divide with US when the time comes.
So the sooner you get that handwriting
the better II you have any smartness
at all about you you can easily do 1t,
and we must have the writing TO carry
tho thing through" These were the
words which Eugene's answer ELECTED.
He listened attentively and asked:
well. what do you propose to do3"
"The first step will have to be taken
by you," said limerick, but will make
a suggestion. The man who is to per-
senate Percy Lovel is an expert PEN
man and can easily learn TO sign his
name like the Englishman, but you
must get the copy; and the best means
/ know will be this: you had better
maintain your pleasant relations with
the Delaros and tell Armida that you
made q great mistake which need not
sever your friendship. You will then
be speedily reinstated in your former
position with the family. Then some
afternoon-the sooner the better-try
and persuade that fat old Blodger,
whom you say is with them, to take
Armida and his fat boy to the exhibit
tion, or anywhere out OF tho way, and
you can stay to keep Mrs, Delaro com
pany. II you do not make an oppor-
tunity during that time to get one OF
that Englishman's letters you are not
quite as active and smart as think you
are"
"Yes," replied Eugene, That ap-
,~aora 90 ha N faaaibla r1ar and tho