The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-09-26
FIGHT FOR AN HEIRESS

When Miss May returned from her
drive she was informed that Howard
Fairleigh awaited her in the reception
room.
"He has come to bid you goodbye,
said, Roth, who had followed her up the
long flight of marble steps.
"Only thatP" said Muriel, lightly.
"Only that; you don't believe itP"
do youP"
yes; 1 know the man"
She frowned ever so little and made
movement toward the reception-room.
"We shall see. Meanwhile, Mr.. Roth
81 may goP Yes, butt shall not go
far. See here, Miss May; you think
I'm doing Farleigh an injustice, but I
am not. I'll wager a box of gloves
against that rose you wear that things
will turn out as l have predicted.
you can have the rose now, if you
the stake is not high enough; 1 would
take far heavier odds. I, too, know the
man."
Roth drew his breath quickly.
Suppose say the rose and its wear
erP"
"This is too serious theme for jest
ing sir, said Miss May, flushing.
Il was never more in earnest in my
life. You must have seen how we'll l
love you, ,Muriel-how earnestly I desire
you for my wife"
'What, even now, when you know I
am poor?" she interrupted, almost mock
ingly.
protector. And have enough for both.
Oh. my darling"
Il take the wager, she said, cutting
him short. "You will never claim it,"
and with nod she left him.
Fairleigh was restlessly walking the
room when she entered it. He seemed
i'll at ease, and wholly unlike his cool,
impassive self.
eat last!" he exclaimed, advancing to
meet her. 81 feared I should be obliged
to go without seeing YOU"
'And then?" she returned, looking at
him with brilliant eyes.
"Have you not heardp start for
the West tonight; this is our last meet
ing"
She sat down before she answered,
motioning him to do the same. Her
face was turned from the window, but he
saw it had lost color.
"Is not this very sudden?" she asked
after perceptible pause.
''In one way, yes. knew Travers
thought of sending me to Chicago to
look after the Brown case, but l hardly
expected to go so soon."
She sat quite still, looking at him ex-
pectently. He went on with some con-
straint:
$50 came to say goodbye, Muriel.
| suppose you will have left town long
before return"
81 hardly know-my plans for the
future are not definitely arranged.
You have heard that 1 have lost my
money!"
"Yes, and 1 feel for you deeply
deeply" He spoke with feeling. "The
misfortune must be an overwhelming
one."
at is not the worst that can befall a
woman, " said Miss May, and there was
no mistaking her meaning.
Fairleigh flushed all over his dark
smooth face.
81 know am acting like cad and
villain, Muriel; but what can doP
am poor. Even if you were willing K
take me can not afford to marry a pir
without money. 1t would not be fair t.
her. I had hoped to make you mine
for before God, I love you, dear" II,
essayed to take her hand, but sh,
proudly drew herself away from him
"As things have fallen out, it is better
for your sake as well as my own. tina
our intimacy should end here ant
now"
She rose from the chair. Her fac
was white, but there was naughty fir
in her eyes.
Il agree with you, Mr.. Fairleigh. NJ
one can doubt the wisdom of you
course nor the disinterestedness of you
prompt action. You have lost no time
1t was yesterday, believe. that you be
came acquainted with the fact that l wa
no longer the rich Miss yesterday
at the clubp"
He could only stare at her for a mo
ment in his surprise.
"How-how did you knowp" he STAN
mered.
"Mr. Roth also heard the story"
"He has been to you with it alreadyp
"Yes. News of that sort travel
fast"
There was something in Miss May
selfcontained manner that embarrassed
Fairleigh, man of the world though b.
was. With a lower order of women b.
knew how to deal. Reproaches coulc
be met with explanations, even som,
sort of defiance. But lady requires
different treatment. He stood facing
her uncomfortably, longing to go, ye
dreading the final word.
'It is pity you did not try to verify
the rumor before placing implicit con
fidence in it," Miss May went on, will
smile she tried to render contemptuous
but could not; her wound was fresh
"for it is not true"
Fairleigh uttered a startled exclama
ton.
at was my cousin Lucy's idea. Sh'
has always said you were a fortune
hunter. but I would not believe it.