Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-02-05
FOILED AT LAST.

his duty in the proper investment OF
her money, but left her intellect and
character to be formed by the servile
crowd of money-Worshipers who sur
rounded her. Consequently she grew
up selfish and naughty, impatient of
contradiction, claiming and receiving
homage and admiration as her right.
She possessed great beauty OF both
face and figure and was well educated
and accomplished.
Josephine resided with her guardian.
He was widower, and his family con-
sisted only of himself, Josephine and
his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Monroe.
Mrs. Monroe was a nice, patient little
woman, scarcely more than a child in
years or strength of character, yet old
in sorrow and trouble. She had mar
ried George Monroe against the wishes
of her parents, who saw and cOmpre-
hended his utter wOrthlessness, and
very soon she rued her hasty step, for
he proved wild and dissipated and
careless of her comfort or pleasure.
Unlovelv as was Josephine in many
respects, the rich treasure of affection
of many a manly heart was lavished
upon her; but her heart remained I'M
touched until she met Norman Rem
ington. He was her equal in birth
and station, and greatly her superior
In moral worth and true dignity of
character. She soon loved him with
all the ardor of her passionate nature,
and gladly plighted to him her trOth.
Norman lavished upon her the earnest
devotion of a strong, loving nature.
He thought he saw beneath her appar-
ent heartlessness some true wOmanly
sensibilities which he fondly dreamed
it would be his care to awaken and
develop.
Soon after their engagement Nor
man had expressed his disapproval of
Mr.. Casper Fenton, one of the most
persistent Of her followers. He was of
good family and of rather progresses
inc appearance, but he had a disSi-
pated, unsettled look Josephine, with
her womanly instinct, had mistrusted
him from the first and had only per-
mitted him to join the train of her adj
mirers that she might have the pleasure
of scorning him when he should pre-
sumo to propose.
There was to be large charity ball,
got up by the elite Of the place.
Norman asked Josephine to 90. ex-
tending at the same time his invitation
to Mrs. Monroe. Much to Josephine's
chagfin she accepted the invitation,
and when alone she petulantly asked:
'Why did you ask that low-bred
widow to accompany usP You might
at least have consulted my pleasure
first"
My dear Josephine, cast aside all
such unWomanIy thoughts and feel
ings. pity her loneliness, and it
surely will not harm us to give her
one evening of pleasure"
Josephine shrugged her shoulders,
but remained silent. She did not care
for an open rupture with her lover,
but she mentally determined to punish
him by Turing again to her side Casper
Fenton, whom he despiSed and hated,
as did every honest man.
The ball had already begun when
they entered, and Mrs. Monroe being
claimed by an old acquaintance for The
waltz just forming, Norman and Jose
phine were soon floating about in its
dizzy mazeS. After the dance he left
her TO speak to some friends.
Casper FentOn who had been watch
ing his chance, now stepped forward
and paid his respects to the naughty
beauty. She was all smiles. And en-
boldened by his suave reception, he
begged the favor of her hand for the
set just forming. She graciously ac-
cepted. darling a look of triumph at
Norman, who was just leading Mrs.
Monroe to form one side of the same
quadrille.
After the dance was concluded Nor
man led Mrs. Monroe to seat and
hastily excused himself. Turning to
seek Josephine, he saw her just step
ping through the open window to the
balcony. The Silyery moonlight strug-
gled family through the parted cur
tains, and glistened softly on her satin
robe as she swept from his view. He
hesitated moment and then strobe
after them. Walking up to them. he
offered Josephine his arm. without
noticing Fenton.
The night air is too chilly" he
said, after the heat OF the dance. You
had better return
Meeting his rebuking glance with
defiance, she said jocGSely: Excuse
me, Mr.. Fenton, l suppose l have to
obey"
Fenton bowed, saying, Remember
the next waltz is mine"
Norman hurried her in without Civ
Ing her time to reply. He said moth
ing; but with determined, almost
fierce look upon his face he led her to
the conservatory and, placing her in
seat where they were hidden from
view, he said abruptly, Now, jose
phlne explain your conduct"
Really. Norman, Your tone of COM
mand is highly offensive"
Josephine, don't trihe with me.
You have lnSulted me. and evidently
with purpose. | want YOU to tell
me why You have thus openly defed
my expressed wish hv receiving that
base scoundrel with freedom and suay-
ity."
You have no right to sneak to me
in such an authoritative manner, |
resent it. You Choose youy own com
panons, and | claim the liberty of do
ing the same"
Josephine. once more | will sup
press my Just Indignation and beg of
you 10 shun that man. He is. under
the outward semblance of a gentle
man bold. bad mau; an adept in all
manner OF evil, gambler and
scoher ut women. You know me 100
we'll to think | would thus maliyn any
one without undeniable proof His
very presence Is contamination to any
woman. and my wife must never CON
sort with such an exceptionable char
&aaea~D