The Penn's Grove record., 1895-07-19

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Ing unusual or outrageous in such a de
sire under the circumstances.
That, however, Maud felt that sh.
could not endure. She was terribly
afraid of offending him; but she knew
that II he kissed her she must scream
and struggle from pure physical repul.
sion. Another day 1t would be differ
ent, of c~ourse-her nerves would be
more under control; and what was a
kiss, after all? Was she not going to
marry the man?
She put him of-how she could neve
remember-and us she did SO she mar
yelled that he did not understand. He
grumbled q great deal, but did moi
persist. The truth was that he did not
understand-that she did not really
love him; that she was marrying him
for his money, and that, but for his
money, she would not have allowed
him to touch even the tips Of her I'm
gers. But he wanted her, and he was
prepared to humor her 81 that he might
obtain her. OF course, he would stand
no more airs. But for the present
well, he knew that girls were like skit
fish horses-they would shy across the
road at anything or nothing.
The party broke up the next day, and
as the engaged couple were both re
turning to London, 1t was inevitable
that they should return together. In
evitable, too, was 1t that he should kiss
her at parting, and to promise to cal
the next day to be introduced to hel
mother. She forced herself not to
shudder when he kissed her.
He was most punctual to his word Oh
the following day, and 1t must be al
lowed that he played the ardent iovel
to perfection. He showed himself the
very pink Of %politeness and respect t.
Mrs. Seymour, who was a little tow
haired woman, with big, doll-like eyes
and an affected manner. She had beer
known as the pocket Venus once, ant
If this circumstance was ever forgotten
,r ignored, 1t was not her fault.
Nj. Higgins brought q box Of bon
bons and a a containing the cele
brated riviere. It was his view tha'
no woman could resist the united Sc
duction Of sweets and diamonds. There
no doubt, he showed some knowledge
of the feminine character, but he woult
have exercised a wise discretion II ht
had not kissed his fancee or his arr
val. Nor was he altogether wise In hii
choice of topics of conversation.
do you remember that young Hol
ford who was staying at Lady Sciya's3'
he observer after awhile.
EYES," replied Maud Seymour, yer,
slowly and deliberately, marvellinE
why he had introduced a name which
1t would have better to avoid.
"Well 1t seems that he has had al
accident" continued Higgins, quite un
conscious Of any danger.
"An accidentI" gasped Maud, becom
ing suddenly as pale as a sheet.
Eyes. I read an account of it in tht
papers. He was in a railway collision
and"
"Not dead" cried Maud, with almos
a shrek of agony-in total oblivion Of
her engagement.
"No, not dead" replied her fiance
staring at her curiously, "but very
much mashed up. They say his sigh
Is so injured that it is probable that h
will never"
But Maud had burst into wild, hys
terical sobbing, and 1t "a long before
she recovered even the appearance o.
calm.
All the while Mr.. Higgins sat starin,
at her with the hard, IMPLYING expires
sion Of q man who compassionate
himself too much to have any feeling
for others.
"Then 1t seems that this Is the mai
you really lover he said at last, wher
the sobbing ceased.
Maud did not answer. Her silenc,
and her bowed head were eloquent Il
themselves.
"well, and what are you going t.
dot" he continued.
Maud did not reply. She did no.
know. She did not seem to have sufi
cient command Of her faculties to bt
able to evolve a plan; she drew a Ions
q~uivering breath, and wiped her eyei
miserably.
"Of course" he said roughly, "yo,
don't expect that after this our en-
gagement Is worth a strawT
"No, no, nor she cried, eagerly-h,
had struck the right chord Of her con
sciousness at last "Of course not.
have behaved very badly. I know. Yot
could v forgive me / am sure-af
least not now-but l was thinking that
it is so terrible that he should be alone
wounded, helpless. blind-dependeni
on any chance nurse. If I could only
go to him"
"rhen why in heavens name. GIRL
said Higgins, half wrathfully, half ten
derby, don't you go to him?"
And that was why, as poor Jack Hoi
ford lay moaning on his bed Of anguish
he heard suddenly a voice which sound
ed In his EARS like that of an angel o.
light, and as he listened to her assur
ance that whatever happened she was
now his, II he would take her, vitality
seemed to revive in him; and from that
moment the case, as the doctor said, be
gan to take a favorable turn and his
sight was saved after all.-Londor
World.
Grandma's Wrinkles.
"Gwandma," said Mollie, looking a
-I.hIad Ro.ohnna o2 4ho Aoaa -