The Lamar register., 1892-12-31

earth's dominions," was his passion.
ate reply.
Meantime. while a nobler and a
drawer lover was wocins the rustic
maid In the cleaning among the gold.
en- sheaves. Dick Sedley had reached
MS room in the little village hotel.
he was not feeling very especially
Andy Strathmere's rebuke had
humbied his conceit somewhat, despite
his callous sensioilities.
moreover. to be publicly ignored in
the future by a parsonage OF Strath
meres distinction and prestige, mus
Dc counted a signal calamity.
Ihis tame and stupid place makes
me weary" he grumbled to himself.
might as well shake its dust from
my teet. Anyhow. suppose Miss
81. John has arrived in town by
TINS time, and the sooner | begin to
storm the citadel OF her affections.
the sooner shall capture her mil.
lions"
Having decided to take his depart
ure, he went at once. He did not
hnger even for n parting interview
with the girl whom he had favored
with his attentions during the sum-
merIng in the delightful little village.
NO doubt she'll cry her silky eyes
out; Tor OF course she loves me, al
though she was too sly to admit it.
But knew the signs, ] fancy" he
ooasted mentally, with the smile OF a
eonquering hero,
lie reached town only to learn that
Flossie St. John. the beautiful young
heiress, would not arrive for q fort
night yet
1t was several daye after she really
had arrived, that fate vouchsaied him
the privilege OF meeting her.
This event,ul meeting occurred at q
select party at the house of a gay
social leader, with whom Dick Sedley
was something OF a favorite.
What Is she likef Il she plain or
handsomel" he einquired OF his hostess.
"Flossie is the most beautiful
creature you ever saw" was the EN-.
thusiastie reply. "IIer hair is simply
Fiorious-red-sold-jus. the tint Titan
loved to paint, you know And her
complexion is peTfect-real alabaster,
with such bewitching little freckles to
enhance its fairness. Then she is so
graceful, so cIever-and she has such
NapaANANAltI I!lhilDtESs
"i am prepared to see goddess"
Sedley remarked politely.
A moment later he was presented to
the young lady whose appearance he
had awaited with such peculiar
interest
She was standing in the full light of
a brilliant gasolier-a tall and supple
figure in iusterless white silk. with
cleam OF priceless pearls about her
milk-whi;e throat and in her coronal
OF shining hair.
As he looked the honeyed smile van
isned from his countsnanee.
The glance OF studied alteration
changed to stare OF blank amaze
ment. not unmired with dismay.
In F1ossie s.. John. the petted heir
ess. he recognized Fiorinda Masten.
the dcSpised rustic maid.
He soon recovered his ordinary air
of polished assurance. And a little
later IL happened that he was left
alone beside her.
els /, really Florinds Masten. my
little Florindag" he had the audacity
to whisper. And may ! know the
meaning o. this charming metamor-
phosisf"
shesmiled; it was dangerous smile.
only he was hardly astute enough to
perceive the fact.
'.St John IL the name was Obliged
to assume with my inheritance" she
explained pleasantly. "Masten IS my
o~n true name. Those people in the
country are my relatives, and while |
was with them preferred to dress as
they did IL wa. not necessary that
should tell sverythi about myself to
everybody. ! let the village folks
think what they chose"
"You might have informed me,
Sedley complained. tenderly.
.Why should l." she queried with
an uninterested look.
"Why?" he repeated with show OF
surprise. "You knew | loved you.
You are cruel Flossie, since your trans
Think adored you more
in your character of winsome simple
ity." &C.,.
an instant. Her own were dark with
scorn. :.
Then she laughed-a low, ripping
laugh OF genuine amusement
II fear that freckled, red-haired ls-
norant little rustic deceived you, Mr.
sedley. And anyhow, the heiress does
not choose to be won, principally Tor
her Millions" she said between little
thrills OF exasperating mirth.
He started back, as if from physi-
cal blow. His features were livid.
At that instant portiere Just De.
hind them was drawn apart, and
Andy strathmere stepped to the girls
side