The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1893-05-20

his features growing pale. Evidently
all is settled between them and has
been for some time, tor Mayo
accepts his new title like one who
has grown accustomed to it, while
Ruth-ah, Ruth, you have deceived
me; but you shall never know how
nearly complete is your victory,
for
His meditations were cut short by
the arrangement Of Ruth and her
partner.
Why, Mr.. Clayton, are you herer
Won't you come in and join us?
Thank you. Miss Milburn, replied
Clayton, icily. | do not understand
the game and will not try your
patience in teaching me. As my
dinner is rapidly growing cold |
must hurry on. Good evening,
and with a most formal bow he
turned and left them.
Clayton's peculiar conduct so
panied and surprised Ruth that she
could scarcely act herself, during the
remainder Of the game. Noticing her
pale face and distracted manner, her
companions inquired if she was i'll.
Only headache, was the reply.
Advising her to seek rest, the
party dispersed and left Ruth alone
with her thoughts, but as COM
panions these were far worse than
none.
Now better than ever before did
she realize the charge which the last
few months had wrought, for having
lost that which she had fancied was
already gained, she discovered the
full depth OF her affection.
Perhaps, however, she was bor-
rowing trouble. for but a few days
previous he had wandered danger
ously near the subject, but Free
Mayo had arrived most inoppor-
tunely. Surely, nothing had hap
pened in the meantime that could
have given offense. No. her trouble
must be imaginary; but he was pre-
occupied and did not act himself.
When Clayton met Ruth upon the
street he observed the same frigid
politeness as when he had left her
beneath the tree near the tennis
court
The days heightened into weeks,
no explanation came. He had not
called since that memorable afternoon.
He had not called, because he knew
that he had not yet mastered the
passion that had SO long held sway
within. He sought to drown her mern
ory in the companionship of others,
but it was many months ere he could
say, | have obliterated the last stain of
her deceit.
Later on legal matters again brought
Clayton to the residence OF Mr.. Mil
burn, but he seemed wholly engrossed
in business, and Ruth seldom received
more than a friendly recognition, for,
conscious that he was once more
master of himself, bis friendly manner
returned, but it lacked that ardor which
once characterized it, and told Ruth
that she had place there.
He was walking slowly down the path
one evening 6, after brief consultation
with Mr.. Milburn, when he discovered
Ruth sitting in the old rustic seat be-
meath the tree, where they had so often
sat. He could trust himself now the
struggle had been long one.
You seem very contented all by
yourself, Miss Milburn, he said. |
have often thought that people display
good judgment when they select them
selves for company. Such guests do
not discuss distasteful subjects.
frd that such guests are too fond
OF bringing up memories to be entirely
congenlal. Won't you be seated
making room for him.
Why do we see so little of you O.
late, Mr.. Clayton? continued Ruth a
moment later. Have you cut US from
your social list1
l have been paying more attention tc
business of late, was the evasivs
reply.
That is a very good excuse, if there
is any truth IN it, but, gravely shaking
her head, | am inclined to believe it {
makeshlft. | hope we have not ofienC
, ed you in any way.
, Far from it Miss Milburn, | am anC
and shall always be deeply grateful TO
the kindness your family has showr
me-
| am indeed glad to hear this, fol
> we have feared that, inadvertently, VIZ
had offended you. | hope, then, wheI
the pressure of business is lessened yo,
may again find it your pleasure to favo
US with more frequent calls.
A spirit of resentfulness seized Clay
ton. 1t was little less than exasperat
. ing to hear Ruth speak with suCl
apparent sincerity when he knew we
\ every word to be false. He resolve'
to tell her how nearly she had consum
!, mated his misery and how fully he hat
n thwarted her designs.
2 have always enjoyed your company
s Miss Milburn, and, as you know
avalled myself of every opportunity c
d enjoying it, but l was too presumptu
:. ous
r Too preSumptuous l do not under
e stand you.
IS Too presumptuous in that l essaye
: to win the hand of the only woman
ever loved This. | learned when a