The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1895-01-30

hours mlSconStructlOn could harm no
one. But late that night, when she
stood in her own pretty room, she felt
vaguely dissatisfied with herself; she
could not put the feeling from her. 1
81 have not acted honestly" she said
aloud. Il should have answered him;
it was not kind to put him off; it may
lead him to hope; he may have misun-
derstood me-" She was silent a mo-
ment, then went on still contritely:
"And do like him. He is the kindest,
truest friend, but love-" She rose
and crossed the room.
When she came back she carried a
photograph. mans cold, clever face
the face of one who knew the world,
and was perhaps not on the best terms
with it.
But for you," she said gazing into
the unresponsive eyes, Il had loved that
other man; if you had not shown me so
clearly that was dear to you l might
still care for him, for he loves me dear
ly, but it is too late now-too late to
talk of what might have BEEN" She
stopped and laid her lips on the pict-
ure's.
The next morning she was idling over
her fire when the maid brought up a
bunch of heartease and a card: Mr..
Manning's compliments, ma'am, and
will you see him?"
"Yes; say to him that will be down
in q moment"
When the door closed she lifted the
heartease tenderly; a mute appeal, they
seemed to her, from the giver.
Poor fellow" she thought regret
fully, 81 should have told him; how
ever, there is no use keeping him watt
ing. might as well get through with
it at once"
She pinned the heartease in the lace
at her throat, cast parting glance at
the mirror. and started down the stairs.
As she reached the lower hall the
front door opened and servant admit
ted girl in gray with bunch of roses
thrust into her muff.
"Why, Edith" she said rapidly, Il
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"
mo, | won't sit down. I only want
to see you 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 old crowdP How delight.
full"
"The same, and not the same.
won't invite Mr.. Agnew now"
"And what has poor Mr.. AgneW
doneP"
what has he donep Oh, nothing
unusual; they all do it sooner or later
but an engaged man is de frop at al
affair of this kind. No girl wants hin
for her partner and, really, one can
blame them"
can engaged manP" For one horri
bic moment Edith Alton thought sh'
was about to faint; the next, however
the tables and chairs righted them
selves, her visitors face ceased its gro
tesque 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 mi
| coming home. Strange he never men
toned it to you. | am horribly disap
pointed. Fancy Charlie Agnew mar
ried to Boston girl. You remembe
her-a terrible little creature who Wis
tied the Mores. Wealthy, of course
trust Charlie for that-but oh! so plain.
Beauty is in the eyeof the beholder,
quoted Edith, lightly. She felt long
ing to cry out. to bury her face some
where instead of which she must snil
and look unconscious and discuss thi
love affair with the Indifference of
mere acquaintance. 'If l remembe
rightly she was a nice little thing"
Mice? Heavens! Fancy Charlie
coming to that-actually to marrying
nice girl! His best enemy couldn
wish him worse luck. He has disap
pointed me dreadfully. 1 thought,
significantly, che fancied some one else
somebody nearer home"
Somebody nearer home?-oh, d
you mean myself? How awful
funny! Why, we are very good friends
we have always been friends, but /
a rapid flash of thought; then with ri:
ing color, I'm going to marry anothe
man."
Her visitors face expressed intens
surprise. Going to be married." sh
repeated; 81 had not heard"
"No one has heard" said the othe1
with some emotion, "and, by the way
Mr. Manning is waiting for me in tt
library. l must ask you to excuse me.
''Mr. Manning!"
did you not guess? l thought
course you would. Don't speak of
Janet. 1 only told you because (slowly
you are such a good friend of mine"
"And appreciate it accordingly.
wish you every happiness"-she la:
her hand lightly on Edith's arm-"yc
know that, don't you?"
"Why, yes-you have always wisht
: me well, haven't you? See how pote
: your wishes have been! But to retul
1 to our first subject shall be glad
: 60 with you to Arley. Last years Wis
g was a dream"
Then l shall count on you. Com
e you will have to let me out; l am Il
au fait with your latch"
"What strong wind there is-dra
/ up your wraps. Good-by, and aga
v thank you for thinking of me-"
The front door slammed and Edi
2 stood moment in the hall, gatheril
= courage for what was to come; then s
l turned and went into the library.
Manning, who was standing at d
( tant window, came forward at her e
t trance.
n Il am afraid 1 kept you," she sal
giving him trembling hand, "but
: was detained by an early CALI from
Il friend"
"An early call?" he repeated, "th'
what do you think of meP"
), "Ah, but l told you to come; that
l. altogether different. wanted you"
y "You wanted me?" he cried eagerl
"my darling, may | interpret that aft
d my own fashion? Do you really ca
d for me little?"