The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1894-11-30
EBENSBURG Pa FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 80 1894

Win IL at once.
She pinned the heartsease in the
lace at her throat, cast a parting
glance at the mirror and started down
the stairs
AS she reached the lower hall the
front door opened and a servant ad-
mitted girl in gray with a bunch of
roses thrust into her muff
why, Edith" she said rapidly. 81
never thought to find you down so
early. If you are going out don't let
me keep you"
Il am not going out; come into the
sitting room and get warm"
No, | won't sit down. / only want
to see you a moment l came to ask
you to join our house party-there
will only be eight of us, the same old
crowd we had last year"
The same crowd? How delight
ful.''
THE same, and not the same 1
won't invite Mr.. Agnew now"
And what has poor Mr.. Agnew
done?"
What has he done? Oh, nothing
unusual; they all do it sooner or later:
but an engaged man is de trop at an
affair of this kind. No girl wants
him for her partner, and really, one
- can't blame them"
AN engaged mani For one horri-
BILE moment Edith Alton thought she
was about to faint; the next, however.
the tables and chairs righted them
sei'Sa' ho- visitors face ceased its
grotesque gyrations and she was con-
scious that she was speaking.
$50! Where did you hear that pleas
ant bit of news?" she asked, seating
herself on the arm of chair.
why, last night: Mr.. Lane told me
coming home. Strange he never men
toned it to you. l am horribly disap-
pointed. Fancy Charlie Agnew mar
ried to Boston girl You remember
her-a terrible little creature who
visited the Mores- Wealthy, of course
trust Charlie for that-but, OH so
plain"
Beauty is in the eye of the be-
holder" quoted Edith, lightly. She
felt longing to cry out, to bury her
face somewhere, instead of which she
must smile and look unconcerned and
discuss this love affair with the indif-
ference of a mere acquaintance IF l
remember RI ightly, she was a nice little
thing"
Nice? Heavens, Fancy Charities
coming to Enthusiastically to marrying
nice girl. His best enemy couldn't
wish him worse luck. He has disap-
pointed me dreadfully. l thought
significantly, ''he fancied some one
else, somebody nearer home"
Somebody nearer home?-oh, do
you mean myself? How awfulIy fun
ny! Why, we are very good friends.
we have always been friends: but =
a rapid flash of thought: then, with
rising color: Il am going to marry
another man"
Her visitors face expressed intense
surprise. Going to be married. - she
repeated; Il had not heard"
No one has heard" said the other,
with some emotion. ''and. by the way.
Mr.. Manning is waiting for me in the
library. l must ask you to excuse me"
Mr.. Manning!'
did you not guess? l thought of
course you would. Don't speak of it,
Janet. | only told you because" (slow-
ly) you are such a good friend of
mine"
And l appreciate it accordingly. /
wish you every happiness" laid
her hand lightly on Edith's arm-''you
know that, don't vou?"
why, yes-you have always wished
me well, haven't you? See how po-
tent your wishes have been. But to re
turn to our first subject. ] shall be
glad TO go with you to Arley. Last
years visit was dream"
Then / shall count on you. Come.
you will have to let me out; | am not
au fait with your latch"
What a strong wind there is draw
up your wraps. Good-by and again
thank you for thinking of me-
The front door slammed and Edith
stood a moment in the hall. gathering
courage for what was to come: then
she turned and went into the library.
Manning, who was standing at n
distant window, came forward at her
entrance.
Il am afraid l kept you" she said,
giving him a trembling hand, but l
was detained by an early CALI from
friend"
IAN early call" he repeated; then
what do you think of me?"
"Ah, but | to.l you to come; that is
altogether different. 1 wanted you"
You wanted me?" he cried eagerly:
my darling. may l interpret that after
my own fashion? Do you really care
for me a little?"
She could not speak, but for answer
she came to him, laying her beautiful
head on his breast
Love me-" she whispered, passion
ately; "only love me, and you can
make of me what you will"
"Do you know" he said to her,
about an hour later. "at first You
frightened me, but when you didn't
say No at once, | began to hope !
knew it wasn't like you to keep me in
suspense-you are too true of heart
for that"
TOO true" she thought, remorse-
fully. ''Oh, Herbert, Herbert,''
But aloud she said, smiling half
sadly into his loving eyes: ITO think
of your being afraid of me-of poor
little me-who am not half worthy of
your'-N. o. Times Democrat
Eecundity Fishes
Only the innumerable accidents to
which fishes eggs are subject prevent
the overpeopling of all bodies of water