Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1892-03-25
IN SPITE OF HERSELF.
BY L. r.

Lola Atherton had lived for five wears
In the pretty New England village of Lin
denville. At first she had been the un-
noticed occupant Of an attic room which
she dignifled by the name of studio for
Lola was hard working artist Success
attended her efforts, and she was now
mistress of pleasant apartsments in
neat vine-covered cottage.
Here she sat one bright summer m orn-
ing with her kind landlady. Mrs. Marsh.
listening to her lawyers words
Il am instructed to inform YOU" he
said, that with your deceased grand
sires fortune you are also required to as.
snme the name of Clifford. {"
my mothers maiden name, returned
Lola.
ayes, said the lawyer. All the neces-
sary papers-are at my Office, awaiting
your signature, and would like you to
call as soon as convenient.
So saying he bowed himself out.
II am so glad for you, dearl" cried Mrs.
Marsh. mo more tiresome art teaching;
you are rich woman"
"Yes, replied the girl, thoughtfully.
"But you might have been that before
II you had been less stubborn-if may
say so, Lola.
The young woman started aud flushed.
II have done only what any girl with
O particle of spirit would have done,
she answered. Il have never given YOU
the entire history of my troubles. but
will do so now. Grandfather Clifford
was wealthy, but he disinherited mother
because she persisted in marrying tho
man of her choice. can scarcely re-
member father, so young was when ha
died. We were very poor, mother and | !;
what did that matter so long as we had
each other? But there came one terri.
ble day when they told me she was dy-
ing. Poor motherl was only 16, and
she thought she acted for the best when
she insisted on my marriage with Paul
Thornton, whom l had never met be-
fore
Never met before?" echoed Mrs.
Marsh, in amazement.
NO." replied Lola. sour mothers
We're 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 tho
other. When mothers fatal illness
seized her Paul was allowed to see mo
without my knowledge, and had tho
grace to fail in love at once"
She spoke the last words bitterly.
"And you could not return his affec.
ton, Lola2"
II did not try, she answered indig.
nantly. II had never been wooed, so
why should l be won? l was forced
upon him that might have the protec-
ton of rich husband. After mother
died told Paul Thornton that would
have neither his money nor his protec-
ton, and left him."
"Yet he has placed his wealth at your
disposal and has never annoyed you in
any way. He must be noble man."
Lola colored uneasily.
"And / have never touched cent OF
it, she retorted. at would not have
been right
at is very sad story, said the sweet.
faced lady. "But there are happy DAYS
in store for you; this unexpected legacy
will bring rest after years of hard work
and loneliness You will have an abun-
dance of pleasure and many visitors, for
you are rich and-I hope you will not
consider it flattery from your old friend
when l add-very beautiful.
Mrs. Marshs words were prophetic of
Lola Clifford's changed life. In all tho
bright, happy summer days that followed
she did not allow the remembrance OF
the wretched tie that restrained her free
dom to trouble her until she met Gerald
Winthrop.
She saw him first at Newport. He was
handsome young man, With a well pro.
portioned figure. His eyes were deep
gray, honest, penetrating, and capable Of
showing mirth and rare gentleness.
As Lola was strolling down the beach
one lovely morning, she met him face tc
face, and looking into his eyes realized
tnat 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 he.
young friend as chaperone. IF /
were you | would not permit it. You
know very little about him; he may nos
be your equal; besides, dear Lola, yol'
must not forget that you are bound to
another.
But will not be bound any longer
will be freel" cried the excited girl
~Gerald Winthrop is my superior il
every thing but wealth. Oh. how hate
myself when think OF my sftuationl"
VIII you tell him Of"
@The whole miserable story at the
proper time, interrupted Lola. decidedly.
The proper time came soon--much
sooner than Lola meant it should, for she
never intended 10 listen to words Of love
until she could obtain legal separation