Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1893-02-15

julia, rushing to unfasten the bolt.
A stout, motheriy- looking woman en-
ter d, wearing an expression of deep
concern upon her pleasant face, She
sat down on the couch, end pointed q
q reproving finger at Angelica.
What have you done to Clifton De-
Vereux?" she demanded solemnly.
And you al o, Julie, facing Miss Dell
with sudden savageness. What has
become of .ieddy Vane?'
Both girls blIshed deeply, and aver
ted their eyes fro their hostess's keen
gaze. She looked at them searchIngly,
and resumed IN sharp tone:
do you know tina. both Clifton and
Ere !dy left this morning one some alb
surd pretence of a walking tour? 1t Is
no walking tonr that takes them away.
You two girls are at the bottom of this
audden resolution"
Juiiana Dell plucked up fictitious
courage and faced her hostess.
Rally, Mrs Seymour" she said
weakly, "wby should we be response
bic for the whims of two foolish young
men?"
Don't dare to speak in that manner,
Julians Deli" burst out Mrs. Sey-
mour sterIly. "You and Angel have
both behaved shamefully to those two
poor boys. Six weeks ago, when you
tour arrived at Meadowside, would you
have dubbed Clifton q foolish young
| man 2"
Here Julisna blushed still deeper and
stared steadfastly out OF the window.
Until the appearance of my nephew
Aloysius everything went right. Clifton
and Freddy, IN their own words, were
having Jolly good tune; and as for
you"
Both girls declined to fill in Mrs
Seymour's expressive pause.
Suddenly change occurred. An
gelica, you gave up tennis and took to
| church embroidery. Julie, you for
swore riding and attended every saints
day service Those poor boys were
t1outed at every turn. Now the climax
has come: your joint cruelty has ac-
tually driven away both my Wis tors"
Moved by the tears in Angelica's soft
eyes, Mrs. Seymour stopped her scold-
ing.
"At pres mt l will say no more" she
said, stopping to kiss Angelica. "You
two motherless girls are III my charge
and feel bound to rebuke you at
times. Now L am going down to
Aloysius s"-both girls started uneasily
Ito discuss the very important step
he is about to take"
She patted julie on the shoulder,
nodded kindly to Angelica, and sailed
out of the room in search of her
nephew. Hurriedly Julie locked the
door and threw herself down by Angels
side.
You heard Mrs. Seymour" she
said in trembling excitement. "Angei,
what is TINS important step2"
Marriage, Julie, marriage!" replied
Angelica breIthIessly, a red spot burn
ing on either cheek. "Quick, quick
This very moment We must draw lots
for Aloysius He cannot wed us
both"
True" said Julie, hastily producing
the papers and enclosing them in a bag !;
land If one of us-dissppears," allud-
ing gracefully to Angelica's contem-
plated suicide, "Aloysius will be more
decided IN his choice"
With a firm hand she held out the
bag to Angelica.
"Close your eyes and take one out, "
said Julie, conscious of her own trem
bling fingers.
Angelica closed her eyes, put for tn
her right hand, dipped it in the bag,
and then drew 1t suddenly back.
"Oh, Julie, L daren't." she whim-
pered feebly; "what If | draw the
blank?"
Over Julians's face swept an express
ion of deep contempt; she shook the
bag again and held it unfinchingly
beneath Angelica's nose.
Coward" she said sneeringly.
Choose your fate at once.
At this peremptory tone Angelica
once more closed her eyes, held her
trembling hand poised half-second in
the air, and then with a sudden decis-
i've movement plunged her fingers
boldly into the bag.
"Quick, draw a paper outp com
mauded Julisns with brusque imps
tience.
Slowly Angelica Withdrew her slim
fingers, between which was held the
fateful slip. Her eyelids quivered with
impstience; she looked up piteously at
her companion.
Feel my heart beating" she said
brokenly, not daring to unfold the pa
per. "Julie, 1 haven't strength to read
the slip"
"Then L will read mine," said the
dauntless Juliana, diving into the bag
for the remaining paper,
But Angelica's fingers involuntarily
opened the slip, aud her eyes mechanI-
cally followed the movements of her
hands A dreadful cry broke from her
lips.
"Blank, blank j. she sobbed, throw
ing herself down on the couch, ''Ju-
llama, my heart is broken Aloyslus
is lost to me for ever u
Juliana's grey eyes were radiant
with Joy; she crushed the precious
paper to her lips, murmuring half
aloud, mine for ever, mine for ever /!
Beloved Aloysius.
AngelIca's sobs grew louder; she bur-
led her lace deep down in the cushion,
and every now AID again convuls1ve
movement of her body testified to the
acute agony of her mind.
dearest Angel" said Jnlie, kneel-
ing by the couch. "don't be 50 cast
down. Aloysius couldn't marry US both /;
and 1 really think he loves me best"
The ring OF triumph in her voice
proved too much for Angelica's strained
nerves. She raised herself suddenly
from her recumbent position aad
pushed Julie on one side
"I believe you cheated, Juliana Delr'
she said fercely, exhibiting tear
stained, swollen face. "I won't abide
by the drawing"
Julians drew herself up with tragic
dignity.
"You horrid little wretch" she ex-
claimed passionateiy, chow dare you
accuse me of cheating? Had you been
the winner you would never have sug-
gested such a thing"
Pressing her handkerchief to her
eyes. Angel began to sob spasmodically.
"torgive me, Julie" she gasped
chokinglg, "fm 50 mIserab Q don't
know what I'm saying. You're going
to be happy with Aioysius; and I'm
g-going to d-d-die."
Forgivingly Juliana placed her arm
round the neck o. her wretched COM
naniOn