The star. (Aberdeen, S.D.) 1891-1898, 1894-01-18

asked me to he his wife. And oh, Law
renee, / am SO happy!
Lawrence could not speak 1t was as
IL great load had been lifted from
him. He drew a deep breath of re-
lief. -
"Why don't you congratulate me? Are
you not glad?'' she asked, poutingly.
He took her hands in his and as he
looked tenderly into her eyes, said:
"Glad? / am so glad that words
would not express my feelings. Dear,
II I could only tell you-"
He stopped abruptly and walked to
the window. She followed him in Sd
lence.
"There comes jack" he said, as the
familiar figure came up the street. II
think III vanish. don't want to be
crowd. Good-by and-God bless you"
and he was gone.
She watched Jack as he came in the
gate and saw him meet Lawrence, rs
the latter ran down the steps. But
she did not hear Jacks, ''Well, have you
heard the happy news?" nor Lawrenoe's
reply, as he wrung Jacks hand, Eyes,
old fellow, and I congratulate you from
the bottom of my heart"
Jack looked at him q moment, then
AduSueu d AOChAASs OAeIoA laugh eAu
said: .s.
"Congratul me and her-six
months from now" and he ran up the
steps.
It was lovely evening in April. The
air was balmy and redolent of the
doors Of spring. The chirping and
twitterings Of the sparrows, as they
duttered about looking for places to
| build their nests, were the only sounds
disturbing the soft silence. The scene
was serene and beautiful, but it's peace
and beauty were lost on Lawrence Ra-
per, as he swung along the road, switch
ing tho grass with his cane rs he passed.
He was thinking Of Vera; when did
he not think Of her? and also Of Jack,
whose conduct was puzzle to his old
friend. For short time after his en-
gagement to Vera had been announced
Jack had been the most adorable lover
the heart Of any girl could ask and
then had come the change.
His neglect Of Vera became as mark
ed as his attentions had been. No op-
portunity to slight or humiliate her
had been allowed to pass, and Raper,
looking on in helpless silence, had seen
the happy light die out Of the girls
lovely eyes and pathetic lines come
around her moath, as she tried bravely
to conceal her sorrow. But the world
was observant and did not hesitate to
criticize, sometimes audibly.
All this passed through Lawrence's
mind as he walked on rapidly and
blinded him to the beauty round him.
He stopped, as he came to the gate Of
the Thomas home, walked on few
ask@ 10 11 <1pv nd md
up the steps, There was light shining
dows that opened on the veranda
''I'lr not ring the bell" he thought
I'll go in the window II won't dis
turb any one Jack (bitterly) will not
be here
He reached the window and stepped
in, but stopped short.
Under the chandelier, looking very
fair and fragile in her soft, white gown
with a look Of unutterable agony on
her face, stood Vera. Before her,
calm, cruelty self possessed, stood Jack.
He was speaking as Lawrence entered.
Eyes, Lawrence told me what you
had said, and it was deuced hard on
me, you must admit. Well, couldn't
bear to have young Lady hate me, SO
did my best to change your mind, and
I think" with a hooking laugh. II
have succeeded. You said several other
unkind things, you remember. real
" care great deal for you-as
friend-but as for anything nearer or
dearer-" struggling his shoulders
carelessly, II never meant anything
by our little comedy. said Iwould have
revenge, and,by heaven,I think I have
had it," '-~
Vera had made no sound while he
was speaking, but as he finished some
thing fell from her trembling hands
to his feet. He stopped and picked 1t
up. It was their engagement ring. The