The Bessemer indicator., 1893-04-08
4 BLIGHTED ROMANCE.

| path violet Graham life had been
q simple, uneventful one. The only
child OF poor country doctor, reared
where beautiful, rugged nature still
held sway, she yet enjoyed many OF
the comforts of modern life and con-
cerned herself little about what the
good people of Boynton were pleased
to call society. The care OF her
fathers house, in which she took
great pride, demanded so much OF her
time that she was able to give little
attention TO outside affairs.
But with the advent OF the hand
some, dashing stranger from the
"city, came u change, and one that
the girls fond father noticed with re-
gret.
1t was at the house of mutual
friend, on the occasion of q birthday
party which Violet had been prevailed
upon to attend, that tho young people
first saw each other; and us Violet
was the pretticst girl in the room,
Herbert Reynolds at once singled her
out as the subject of his attentions
Violet was naturally battered and
pleased at this mark OF distinction;
the latent coquetrv which is in every
woman's heart. rose to the surface,
and she parried his compliments and
gallant speeches with readiness
which surprised herself.
Man of the world though he was,
Reynolds was charmed with her, and
from that evening became her avowed
suitor.
DR.. Graham, however, did not ap-
prove of Reynolds, and, on more than
one occasion, said, Somehow or other
don't like that man. l wish, my
dear, you would discourage his visits
here"
But why. papaa" Violet asked,
half petulantly. "He is very agree
able and entertaining"
There's something wrong about
him; I'm sure of that. Where did ho
come from and what's his business9 ?
Do You happen to know"
"Of course / do not! How should
ta"
That's just it. Why should you
not? 1t is natural for men to talk of
their affairs to women If everything
Is as it should be. Come, Violet,
you've always been q good, obedient
girl; send this fellow about his bust
ness, and please your old father"
But Violet would not otpromise. All
the glamor of romantic first love
was upon her, and she seemed com
pletely dazzled; could SEQ and hear
nothing to Reynolds disadvantage
Hence. when finally asked the all
important question, there was not
the slightest doubt in his mind as to
what the answer should be.
He was right. With becoming
bushes and hesitation she accepted
his offer, and he left her with u
triumphant smile upon his lips.
That evening he called upon the
doctor to obtain his consent to tho
marriage. The old gentleman re-
solved him coldly. and frowned in
anger when he learned his errand.
"How dare you ask me for my
daughters hand?" he said in u harsh,
measured tone. ''You must havo
OWNED from my manner that would
not give her to you If you wore the
last man in the world!'
Herbert Reynolds WINGED at tho
,ontemptuous words, but managed to
control his voice and asked, COM
posedly, "Will you tell me why?"
Certainly" responded the other,
promptly. because l am sure you
are not an honorable man, From the
outset have had my suspicious con-
cerning your character, and to-day
learned that which caused me to re-
solve that your attentions to my
daughter should cease, and at once.
Now hear me. l shall forbid Miss
Graham to have any further inter-
course with you. / have nothing
moro to say. Good night!'
White with rage, Herbert Reynolds
took his departure, resolving that he
would possess Violet now, by fair
means or foul.
He sent her a letter the next day.
apprising her of what had taken
place on the previous night. and pro-
posing clandestine meeting; but
the doctor had anticipated that, and
tore the note into fragments, and
cast it into the waste-paper basket.
A dramatic scene was enacted be-
tween father and daughter when, on
the morning following her lovers
dismissal. Violet timidly inquired of
tho doctor If Mr.. Reynolds had asked
him very important question, and
what his answer had been.
Yes ho coldly replied, 1.-THE fell
low was impudent enough to ask for
your hand. You know that I never
approved Of his attentions to you, and
can guess what my answer was.
| forbid you to have anything what
ever to do with him in future, If you
value my love and respect. Do you
understand"
Poor Violet uttered little moan
'.Oh, papa" she cried, "you will
break my heart"
And she fell at his feet serseless
heap.
No one will ever know what heart
pangs her distress caused the old
man; there were none to see tho tears
that fell upon that silent form Us ho
bore it upstairs. But the decision
had been necessary-there was 10
other course for him to pursue.
A day or two later Violet was sit
ting ut window, with her hands
lying in her lap. looking thoughtfully
out upon the picturesque winter land
scape, when something alighted up
on the window sill. 1t was small,
square block OF wood, with piece of
white paper attached.
why, it is a letter" she cried. II
do believe it's from Herbert"
1t was. sure enough. She opened
it in feverish haste.
Dearest violct;-1f you ever caro- to zee
| again the man who loves YOU above all others
| who would do for you II need be-bo at tho
railroad station tonight nj c!Itt, as 1 leave
| hero never to roturh
| Violet stared with wild eyes at the