The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1892-07-27

undoubtedly getting the cold shoul-
der"
Yet, despite himself, doubts would
break into the adverse decision. "Per-
haps she is true after all; her spirits
may be her way of entertainment. l
may be making fearful mistake"
Finally good luck advanced him and
ne became her partner for game.
She was all life again; exactly as she
had been to the author. He believed
he detected her wish to draw him on
to loving her, and though fattered,
the old doubt grew stronger. The
duties of hostess did not necessitate
such action, she had tried to draw the
author on; she was trying him now.
The only result would be that she
would reject them both in ridicule.
Music and promenading through the
spacious house followed cards. Cecil
FASTENED to engage Bessie as compan-
ion, but the author forestalled him.
walked angrily into the conservatory
and stopped before palm, ostensibly
examining it, but in reality analyzing
his state of mind. Was he jealous? If
so, he really loved Bessie, but could he
ask her to be his when all he had seen
confirmed her coquetry?
Bessie and Hughes came near and
stopped before huge plant, but with
their backs toward Cecil, who was well
screened from them.
"Miss Fallington," said the author,
in the unmistakahle voice of devotion,
"do you like literature?"
81 love it," she replied. "Let me tell
you little secret that you must never
reveal. have lately had quite num-
Der of poems published anonymously,
of course"
adorable" he cried, enthusiastic
cally. "You must show them to me-"
''By no means. You would criticise
the poor little attempts"
Not for worlds. They could not
help being full of fire and genius.
But would you not like to devote your
life, yourself, to literatureP"
"Oh! Mr.. Hughes. my humble tai
ents wouldn't last fortnight"
q don't mean in that way, though
your talent would. 1 mean, would
you not like to live always in a literary
atmosphere-in fact, Miss Fallington,
as the wife of an author"
Pardon me, Mr.. Hughes" she ex-
claimed, "but l do believe this rare
plant is dying. | must tell father at
once"
Don't turn me aside" pleaded the
author, trying to catch her hand. Il
love you to -"
"Hush, hush, Mr.. Hughes" she whis-
pered. Here comes some one."
The some one was Tom Plotton, and
he was coming directly for them.
"Mr Hughes" he said, 'they are
for Won bo
discussing the authorship of late
anonymous poem. They want you to
help them out"
very WE'LL" replied Hughes, gal
lantly, "and l think can make a good
decision on the latest and directest in
| formation"
Don't you dare" exclaimed Bessie.
with a light laugh, the meaning OF
which came in words as soon as the
author was out of hearing.
"Oh! I'm SO glad you came, for, don't
you think, he was just declaring his
love for me-"
Both broke into a hearty laugh
Conviction struck Cecil. If this wasn't
an evidence of heartless coquetry,
what could be? He sincerely thanked
his good fortune that his doubt had
kept him from declaring his own love
several months before in a similar
place.
"And / have no doubt" he hearC
Plotton say, "that if were now to say
that l love you, you'd thank some one
for interrupting, and laugh as heartily
over my Stiffness, wouldn't you?"
perhaps l should"
| Though you have given me some
encouragement, Bessie"
"Have l? Come, want to tell fathel
this plant is dying"
They moved away, and Cecil re
turned to the parlor, thrilling will
pleasure at his narrow escape. He re
joiced greatly that Bessie Fai1ingtol
had never had a chance to laugh a
him. He shortly withdrew elated, bu
in the night, doubt of his decision
troubled him. The heart and heaC
would not agree. The stronger be
came the latter, the fuller was tn,
former of regret that he could not hev,
Bessie FalliRgton.
Next morning he FASTENED to Plot
toms ablishment and found tina
gentleman in his glass Office, lookin!
quite happy.
sHappy commission stroke?" askec
Cecil
"Yes, an unusual one. Well, sup
pose YOU have come to compare note
about Bessie Fallington.
"Yes."
"Well, what's your decision?"
"That she is a heartless f1irt, and
think I'll give up all thoughts OF her.
"You think SOP"
"Yes, only think, for l still can't d'
eide, and l came again to get you
opinion"
: "Wen, I'll let you have it. l don
think she would make you good wifi
1 believe myself she is tlirt, and ths
she has lots of faults. If were 20
I'd look elsewhere. +"
"This is your earnest, sincere advice
t is itp"
at is. But there is another reaso
why I'd give her up if were YOU"
"What is it?"
"She is engaged"
:; engaged, and flirting around tt
, way she did with you and Hughes an
t myself. It's awful Who to?"
I "Well, it's something of secret ye
a She engaged herself only last night
| Last night? Not to Hughes?"
Plotton laughed heartily, and sal
"Guess again"
81 can't Give me the name"
L "Thomas j. Plotton."
u Cecil sank into chair and stare
: Tom laughed boisterously, nine-tent
J. of it being pure unalloyed joy.
u "But you said" stammered Ceci
n "that she was flirt, no housekeepe
and full of faults"
81 know IT. and saw so still !"
~And going to marry her!"
e "Yes, by all means, and Well be
e happy as any one can be on earth.
r love Bessie Fallington, and if she h
d ten times her faults, my love deman
! that must have her, and it will ha
/ her. As I told you before, love W
70 move heaven and earth to get its c
8, ject. I've won her, and let her fau
d be what they may, l love her and mi
have her."-HOUard N. Hope, IN Va
IS Zee Blade.
= No Induc ement.
l. 10 1ao1.Dinn but lOUIc fl