St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1892-02-18

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life presents but once. Among
them was John Temple. even more
triumphant than of old, for he wore
the all-cOnquering uniform of West
Point cadet He had no rivals.
When he appeared, others retired.
He took by right and caused no
jealousy. Such was his complete
domination.
| saw him first at an evening
party. Rumor had engaged him to
young girl of the town who had won
him by years of devotion. He had
brought her that evening.
There were strangers present, one
a CAV and handsome Southern girl.
He was bending over her when first
saw him. He pretended he did not
see me a first. lam not a person who
challenges the attention of a room.
But knew that he did not see me,
and with that subtle, quiet under
standing that never had needed
signs, between us, knew he would
be at my side presently.
His devotion to the girl grew even
more marked. but was not surprised
when, although l was deep in con-
him take my hand He drew it in
me on to the long gallery where up
and down we paced in the moon
light all the evening.
AS we passed the long, open Win
dows l could see within. The girl to
whom John Temple was said to be
engaged had left the dancers, and
two kind girl friends were trying to
screen her unhappiness and fearful
eyes.
The gay visitor to whom he had
been all devotion was laughing still
in hard, strained tones, and looking
about with wondering eyes; youth
| is hard and remorseless; l felt no
pang. l enjoyed my triumph.
This was the beginning. When [
was not, and doubtless making
proper occasions, John Temple re-
paired his omissions and paid court
right and left. But when 1 was
present, 1 was all in all. We sat
out dances, and paced the sidewalks,
wandering up and down the blocks
with that freedom which village life
allows.
"He can't propose to her, because
he's engaged to Edith" [ heard a
voice say one evening.
That wouldn't be straw in his
way" was the reply.
| heard both indifferently.
saw Edith grow paler and thin
ner, and unhappiness settle on her
face like disease. l pitied her, only
her pretentions to John Temple
seemed absurd. He was mine-if |
cared to have him.
One evening was late at dance.
When came in John Temple was the
center of group of girls. There
was a laughing dispute among them
but l have the documents" he
said, and pulled from his pocket a
time-stained card; years ago
knew there was time coming when
you would deny your ages, so took
precautions to get them then.
guess I'm equal to the arithmetic"
There was a cry, and hands flung
up to seize the card which he quickly
restored to his pocket.
"Who would have thought you
could have been so sly p
"What a base advantage of in,
| nOcent commence! !
Well as l knew him, that he could
so long cherish such a little scheme
was revelation.
He disentangled himself from them
and came to me. After few languid
whirls he said, Let us leave this. >
And, as usual, we went out on the
gallery, we sat down on a bench
beneath the vines.
John Temple had never made love
to me. He treated me with an air Of
proprietorship, as one might care fo1
a rare vase, or something too delica te
and precious for common use. 1t
was so different from the free and
easy relations of young people, even
when they are in love, that it had a
unique and most agreeable value.
You will always be young to me
Kitty" he said as he sat down. "Ir
many thoughts you are still fiery
little child"
Are you going away tomorrow 1"
he asked after a silence.
Yes"
You must not go. 1 cannot lei
you go. You always stay so long
All, Kitty, you won't go?"
There are others"
There is only you, Kitty. Die
you ever know that years ago made
a bet about you? '
Eyes, | heard of it."
THE time is up, Kitty; the gags
was a ring. 1 have it here. But
want you to wear it. Where is your
dear little hand? Yours? Mine.
can't remember the day when 1 die
not claim it."
1 began nervously to pull off my
glove, warm and clinging from hi:
strong grasp.
where is the ring? put it here.
He began to probe the traditional
waistcoat pockets. l turned owe
the long glove, stripping it from my
hand, now half revealed. "Ye gods,
he laughed loudly II had forgotten