The Bottineau pioneer. (Bottineau, N.D.) 1885-1895, 1893-10-14

her in his affections was an anguish al
most too poignant to endure and retain
her reason.
"Oh, Jack! oh, darling, if you ever
really loved me, how could you forget
me so Soon?' she walled.
She longed impatiently for the morn
ing when Miss Barrington's angel cake
was to be deli vel ed.
If she could only see nee more the
dark, bonny face she worshiped! If
she could only hear again the thrilling,
manly voice which was the sweetest,
dearest sound to her in all the world!
1t was late In the forenoon when she
presented herself at her cousins stylish
residence.
Instead of the airy white muslin,
she wore q pretty gown of some fine,
shiny cotton fabric in black with n
jaunty little white lace cape and the
daintiest imaginable little bonnet of
black gauze ornamented with silver
thistles and a jeweled buckle.
1t was a simple and inexpensive dress,
but it had the chic, the look of dis
tinction, which far more costly cos
tunes often lack.
Aida knew this; and there was a
sparkle of fun in her lovely gray eyes
as the servant ushered her into the
drawing-room as obsequiously as if she
were a grand duchess.
1t was this spirit of fun which pre-
vented her from delivering the angel
cake without entering the house.
She had only a few minutes to wait,
as her cousin was really expecting an
early caller.
Della swept the train Of her silken
morning dress majestically across the
threshold, her ringed hands extended
with atfectionate cordially, her sallow
features all smiles and apparent delight.
"Oh, Jack, I'm so pleased to see you.
I thought'-and then she stopped.
And her expression altered to such
and edifying degree that Aida laughed
outright.
Il don't see why you didn't ring the
servants bell" Della snapped vindic-
lively as she sec wled at the charming
vision on the rose-satin sofa. "Since
you have lowered yourself to the level
Of vulgar shop-people, you must ex-
pect to be treated like them"
Aida rose quietly and placed a neat
~ wrapped box on a table before her
cousin.
IF you will please pay me for the
cake, I'll CO." she said, with graceful
composure.
You don't exI ect me to pay for it
before I know whether it suits me, !
hope? Della exclaimed with her most
offensive air. Really, you ought not
to get a cent for it after the way you
have upset me this morning with your
impcrtinence. This idea of a common
baker woman delivering her goods in
such a ridiculous dress as you are
wearing
Aida ignored the insolent speech en-
trely. She had the look and manner of
a gracious young queen who knows
that one of her royal rank must not
deign to notice insults.
1t was a look and manner which Miss
Darlington would have bartereG half
her wealth to possess; and because It
was u~nattainable, her narrow, envious
mind resented it as an injury.
II don't see why you are waiting,
Aida" she exclaimed shrilly. IF MI.
Hamlin comes while you are here,
you need not expect 7 shall introduce
you as a relation. OHe would never for
give Inc for such an impertinence.'
At that instant there was a loud snap
ping sound, and a faint, startled cry
from Aida.
AS she moved toward the door she
had trodden upon n of those danger
GUS trit1eS known as parlor matches.
1t had instantly ignited with the
strong f1aring flame familiar to every
body who is brave enough to use the
article; and in a second the flame had
kindlcd the soft cotton fabric Of her
gown into a blazeZ, and she was
wrapped in a sheet Of fire.
"Gracicus goodness! It seems to me
you only come here to make trouble
and confusion" Miss harrington ex-
claimed With inhun n. urconcern, as
she rung a bell for assistance.
For an Instant Aida stood motion
less with terror. But before she could
stir a hand to help herself, some one
flung APART the tapestry portiere which
divided the back ind front drawing
rooms, and sprung to her rescue.
A second later he had wrapped her in
enc of Miss Barrington's priceless ORR
entail rugs, and thus extinguished the
flames, which had Consumed her pretty
gown, and had already begun to scorch
her tender flesh and SINCE her tawny
hair.
For pity sake, Jack, you have quite
spoiled my beautiful rug" was Miss
B~arrington's characteristic remark.
DO come with me and let my maid at
tend this young woman"
Jack shook Off the hand with which
she was trying to draw him away, and
gazed at her with an expression of cold,
wondering contempt.
He had noticed Aida as she assembled
the steps, and he had entered the house
a moment later, passing into the back
drawing room without being observed.
Now, after that single, cold scrutiny,
he withdrew his attention entirely from
Della Darlington.
Aida, who had been partially insens-
ible, regained her senses to see her old
lover bending anxiously over her, and
to hear his dear voice calling her by the
old endearing names.
"Oh, speak to me, my beautiful, my
hearts queen. Oh, love, tell me that
you are not hurt. Oh, cruel flames, to
harm my darling" he cried as he lifted
one great tawny coil Of hair and press
ed it to his lips.
The words, the little caressing action,
were SO like her bonny lover of the old
en- blissful days, that Aida lifted her
lovely gray eyes with a happy smile.
do you love me so much yet, Jack?'
she whispered rapturously.
II love you more. than you can ever
realize" he replied solemnly. MY life
since I lost you has been like some end,
less f"ever-dream Of pain. And I tried
so hard to find you, sweet. Since
learned tha& Miss Darlington is your