Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1893-12-21
moi A SUCCESS.

Clarence Northall's black brow contract
ed as he turned carelessly toward Pierce
Melton, leaning comfortably back among
the carriage cushions.
''Let me tell you, as a friend, that you're
all wrong in the matter we've been talking
about-wrong from beginning to end. l
may be mistaken, but / was certainly I'M
der the impression that I discerned some
thing of the Othella type Of character last
night, when all the innocent enjoyment OF
Miss Nina's evening was overloaded by
the grave annunciation from Mr. Northall
that he considered it very improper thing
for an engaged young lady to waltz
well, / don't waltz myself, and who
wants to see his fiancee whirling around
ballroom with the deuce only knows Who?"
Mr.. Gray's conservatory was a pretty
place. The afternoon sun was showering
its golden drops of light among the pol
ished japonica leaves and clinging passion
vines in this little section of the tropics
when, had Mr.. Clarence Northall been able
to takea peep among its buds and blossoms,
he might very easily have discovered what
Nina was doing"
For she stood EMPOWERED in geraniums
and Cloth of Gold roses, her apron full of
flowers, engaged in the important business
Of selecting a fitting bouquet for the even
ing soiree, while her cousin, Warner Gay,
was standing half way up little rosewood
stepladder, armed with a pair of garden
scissors, clipping off blossom after blossom
as she pointed them out.
And Charles Browning stood beside her
,1,vfu11v pr IN har ca1artinOs
"Now cut me that sprig of heliotrope,
Warner" said Nina gayly. I'm particu-
larly interested in that, for you know hello
trope is Clarence's favorite flower"
"Heliotrope, eh, said Warner, and deity
nsnuating his scissors amid thicket of
dropping stars he lightly tossed the purple
plume Of fragrance through the Towering
shrubs that interposed between him and
Nina.
What splendid chance for me to dis
play what little chivalry possess!' said
Browning, STOPPING for the sprig ere Nina
could recover it, and sinking melodramat-
ically on one knee to present it.
Fair damsel, deign to accept the floral
Offering from the hand of one of the hum
blest of your adorers."
"What nonsensev' said Warner Gay,
laughing. Il could have done better my
selfp'
1t was nonsense-then why did Nina turn
so suddenly pale and gaze with such mute,
| startled earnestness toward the door?
Browning sprang to his feet in an instant,
| and turning just in time to catch glimpse
| of Clarence Northall's lowering brow and
| flashing eyes.
Come in, Northall!' he exclaimed. I'VE
are having u tableau comique."
"Clarence!' appealed the soft, tremulous
voice of Nina "Heis gone-oh, do go after
him and bring him back, Mr.. Browning!"
But ere Browning could reach the door
Northall walked out Of the house in a tu-
multi of contending emotions, first and fore
most among which stood out the green
eyed monster"
Don't mind it, Miss Nina. Just let him
alone until he is ready to apologize for his
very absurd conduct, and then matters will
be all right again."
So Nina sat down to her desk and wrote
little tear stained note that would have
melted the heart Of Gibraltar itself and
dispatched it by Warner Gay.
Northall opened it, glanced over the con
tents and quietly laid it aside.
Come now, Northall," said Gay goot
humoredly, don't keep up the farce any
longer Put on your hat and come rount
to our house. Nina's in the slough of de
spond."
Il am very sorry" said Clarence stiffly
shat it will be impossible"
When Pierce Melton lounged into North
all's room as usual toward twilight t.
smoke cigar, Clarence handed him asmal
: folded note.
what is it,"
"Only few words to dissolve my en-
gagement."
Melton started from his chair, dropping
both note and cigarin dismay
Clarence Northall! you're not going t.
give up the sweetest girl in New Yorl
through mere phantasy!'
"Give her up9 No." said Northall, will
cold, sneering smile. But l am going tt
teach her lesson that she will not soor
forget"
IF you do not give her up, what is tn,
meaning of this noteS"
simply that it will do her good to fancy
the engagement definitely Cancelled fol
awhile. When I think she has come to hel
senses, the matter Is easily replaced on it!
old footing"
Northall calmly reached over and pulled
the silken tassel of the bell. A servant
! two of delay.
Vance, take this note to Mrs. Gays
There is no answer"
Two weeks crept slowly by-three, ant
at length the month came around with it,
beautiful crescent moon.
II think it's getting to be high time t,
call around at Nina's," said Northall t,
/. himself. "She will be pentent and sub
missivc enough by this time, dom
doubt"
Nina came forward to greet him, looking
exceedingly lovely. but her manner wa
; strangely self possessed. Instead of burst
ing into u self convicted shower of tears
!, and pleading humbly for his gracious par
don as he had fully expected she would dc
she quietly sat down and awaited hi
"lead."
ut Is a long time since we have met
Nina"
q Eyes" she answered simply, with tn
). black brown eyes fixed on his face.
Nina" he said huskily, II have com
here prepared to forget the past and t
: overlook all minor indiscretions. My dan
+ ling, you are forgiven"
Forgiven? ask no such boon at you
4 hands, sir. Your forgiveness is no longe
a matter of moment to me-"
u "Ah, that belongs to the past, said Clal
9 ence magnanimously. 1--WE will allude t
r it no more"
Nina frigidly withdrew the hand he ha
ventured to take.
you are too late, Mr.. Northall," sh
!. said. "Your own act has longAgo destroys
: whatever faint vestige of liking may hav
. felt, or fancied felt, toward you.'
q She opened the door of an adjoining room
. Charles, will you tell this gentleman