The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1892-05-28
IN SPITE OF HERSELF.

IN SPITE OF HERSELF.
Lola Atherton had lived for five
years in the pretty New England
village OF Lindenville. At first she
had been the unnoticed occupant OF
an attic room which she dignltied by
the name of studio; for Lola vas a
hard working artist. Success atten-
ded her efforts, and she was now
mistress Of pleasant apartments in a
neat vice covered cottage.
Here she sat one bright summer
morning with her kind landlady,
listening to her lawyers words.
| am instructed to inform you, he
said, that with your deceased grand
sire's fortune you are also required to
assume the name of Clifford.
Ny mothers maiden name, return
ed Lola.
Yes, said the lawyer. All the
necessary papers are at II office,
awaiting your signature, and |
would like you to call as soon as
convenient.
So saying he bowed himself out.
| am SO glad tor you, dear, cried
Mrs. Marsh. No more tiresome art
teaching; you are woman.
Yes, replied the girl thoughtfully.
But you NIGH have been that
before if you had been less stubborn
if may say so, Lola
The young woman started and
flushed.
| have done only what any girl
with a particle OF spirit would have
done, she answered. | have never
given you the entire history of my
troubles, but will do so now. Grand
father Clifford was wealthy, but he
dis;nherited mother because she per
sisted in marrying the man OF her
choice. | can scarcely remember
father so young was | when he died.
We were very poor, mother and | !;
what did that matter so long as we
haI each other2 But there came
one terrible day when they told me
she was dying. Poor mother! |
was only 16, and she thought she
acted for the best when she insisted
on my marriage with Paul Thornton
| whom | had never met before.
Never met before? echoed Mrs.
Marsh in amazement.
No, replied Lola. Our mothers
were schoolmates and the most
romantic OF friends. They made an
agreement that in after years the
first son of one should marry the
first daughter OF the other. When
mothers fatal illness seized her Paul
was allowed to see me without my
knowledge, and had the grace to
fall in love at once.
She spoke the last words bitterly.
And you could not return his
affection, Lola.
| did not try, she answered indig-
nantly.
| had never been wooed, so why
should l be won? | was forced upon
him that | might have the protec-
ton of rich husband. After mother
died I told Paul Thornton that |
would have neither money nor his
protection, and left him.
Yet be has placed his wealth at
your disposal and has never annoyed
you in any way. He must be
nobleman.
Lola colored uneasily.
And | have never touched cent
of it, she retorted. 1t would not
have been right.
1t is very sad story, said the
sweet faced lady. But there are
happy days in store for you; this un
expected legacy will bring rest after
years OF hard work and loneliness
You will have an abundance OF plea
sure and many visitors, for you are
rich and-I hope you will not con-
slider it hattery from your old friend
when,I add-very beautiful.
Mrs. Marsh words we're prophetic
of Lola Cliford's changed life. In
all the bright, happy summer days
that followed she did not allow the
remembrance of the wretched tie
that restrained her freedom to
trouble her until she met Gerald
Winthrop.
She saw HIM first at Newport
He was a handsome young man with
we'll proportioned figure. His
eyes we're deep gray, honest,
penetrating, and capable of showing
mirth and rare gentIeness.
AS Lola was strolling down the
beach one lovely morning, she met
him face to face, and looking
into his eyes realized that she loved
this man with love that would not
be controlled.
Mr.. Winthrop is becoming very
marked in his attentions to you, my
dear, said, Mrs. Marsh, who had
accompanied her young friend as
chaperone. If | we're you | would
not permit it. You know very little
about him; he may not be your
equal; besides, dear Lola, you must
not forget that y3y--ass' bound tc
another.