Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1892-08-11
NchniIbwn Frederick County, Maryland Thursday August H. 1892

first sigot OF her unbalanced it in her
favor. She was rarely beautiful, and
her welcome rang with genuine hospi-
talitv. 1e seemed impossible to crlti-
else her good, true heart must he the
centre of such physical loveliness, but
doubt whispered wait and watch.
Of guests, there were seven ladies and
eight gentleman. Bessie, had, there
fore, to chose her first partner, and Ce-
Gil watched eagerly to see which this
would be. 1t was Alfred Arnoldson
Hughes, who had lately won literary
fame. Bessie smiled brilliantly upon
him as they took seats at the ace table.
Shes flirting with that fellow NUT
tered Cecil, as the bell rang for play.
When it rang again for changing
tables he was obliged to reman at the
jack table, because, in Watching, he had
blundered stupidity. Bessie and the
author won the game, aud though they
were not partners in the next the mel
riment between them continued, and
he saw her dart a perfect coquettc' g
smile at him as next he went down to
the kings: .,. Il. .~ b,
Tom Plotton was her next partner,
but her sparkle Was gone. She scarce.
ly spoke. g..
1Iumph,' muttered Cecil, quite de-
scent from literature, to -four; Plotton
and I will surely agree. for he is I'M.
doubtedly getting the cold shoulder
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
he became her partner for Il 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 nattered, the
old doubt grew stronger. The duties
of hostess did not necessitate such &C.
ton; 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 rdicule.
Music and promenading through the
spacious house followed cards. Cecil
FASTENED to engage Bessie as compan,
ion, the author forestallel him. lie
walked angrily into the conservatory
and stopped before a palm, ostensibly
examining it, but 1t in reality analyzing
his state of mind. WIS lie Jealous ? If
so, he really loved Bessie, but could he
ask her to be his when all lie had seen
confirmed her coquetry? .. %.
Bessie and Hughes came near and
stopped before large plant, but with
their back toward Cecil, who was we'll
screened from them.
Miss Falllngton. said the author, in
the unmlstakable voice of devotion, dc
YOU like literature p,
4 love it, she replies. Let me tell
you little secret that you must never
reveal. l have lately had quite mum.
Der of poems published-anonymously,
Of course
Adorable he cried, enthusiastically,
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 deyore your life,
yourself, to literature p
Oh Mr.. Hughes. my humble talents
wouldn't last fortnight.
Il don'G mean In that way; though
your talent would. l mean would you
not like to live always in a literary at
mosphere-in in fact. Miss FaliLgton, as
the wife of an author?'
Pardon me, Mr.. Hughes she ex.
claimed, but 1 do believe this rare
plant is dying. l must tell father ut
once
Don't tnrn me aside pleaded the
author, trying to oatoh her hand. i
love you TO- /
Hush, husil, Mr.. Hughes, she wtls'
pered. Here comes some one.
The some one was Tom Plotnn, ana t
he was coming directly tor them
Mr.. Hughes he SAID. they are ask'
ing for you in the paror. They're dis-
cussing the authorship of a la'e anon
vmous poem. they want you to help
them out
.Verv veil, replied Hughes, gallant
lv. .and think can make good de-
cisicn on the latest and dlrectest infof'
n,atioa.
Don't YOU dare exclaimed Bessie,
With a little laugh, the meaning OF
which came in words as soon as the
.uthor WAS out of hearing.