Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1895-09-29

house was In that condition when it
was almost ready to tumble down, and
the few people in the community who
disapprOved of dancing declared that it
would be just punishment if it did.
1t stood within a stones throw of the
church and graveyard.
The Pingrees rarely missed one of
these parties, and Marie had a new
dress for that occasion. 1t was Kath-
crimes turn, but she insisted upon sac
rificing herself to her sister, wearing
an old gown made out of two silk
skirts, the gay plaids of one swearing
furiously at the gayer stripes of the
other, but as the ballroom usually pre-
scented a kaleidoscope combination of
makeshifts, she wasted no regret on her
appearance. Still, with all Marie's
beauty and beguilement Of white swiss
and lavender ribbon, Prosper Dever-
eaux devoted himself to Katherine,
while John Barnard hung aloof from
Marie also, glancing jealousy at every
man who approached her.
II was a wretched evening altogether.
and the moment they were at home and
shut into their own room Katherine
cast herself down at Marie's feet with
her head in Maries lap, tears spelling
the new Swiss forever
Il am so wicked and miserable"
What have you done now, ques-
toned Marie sadly.
Katherine Writhed.
do forgive me. Marie. did It all to
make match between you and Prosper
DevereauX."
ooh, Katheriner
"And I have been such liar, such
an awful liar. l told John that you
loved Prosper
"KatherineW
"And he called you vile flirt, and I
didn't defend you"
Poor Marie looked pale as a ghost in
the pickering candle light
You've spoiled my life, Katherine. "
Eyes. but l have spoiled mine also.
Prosper asked me to marry him, and I
refused"
Refused"
YES, and he will go away to New
Orleans, where l will never see him
again; he said so"
Marie took her by the shoulder, Civ
ing her a gentle shake.
You love him?"
with all my heart"
They looked at each other, both fair
faces flushed and tender, then lip met
7 lip in a forgiving kiss.
"Why did you refuse Prosper?"'
LAS just punishment to myself"
Katherine, you are a goose"
Marie, my heart is broken"
1t Is hardly necessary to say that
Marie and John made it up and We're
married, and Katherine was left alone
TO go TO parties with her mother, who
knew nothing about her love affair
and was still seeking a husband for her
1t was quite year later that they went
one night. Katherine protested, de-
clared that she hated parties. but her
mother insisted. Lightning played
along the horizon as they drove through
the country, and distant thunder rum
bled and died away
An hour, two hours had passed be-
fore the jewellers were aware that the
storm had stolen upon them. A lurid
blaze of lightning, roar of thunder,
and every one paused.
Wed better get out of here while we
can and run over to the church. This
building is too unsafe in a Storm
cried the old man, calling his grand
daughters.
In the rush for the stairs Katherine
was separated from her parents, but
she had an umbrella and darted out in
to the open air. The omlnOus stiffness
had broken. Tree tops were bending
a swirl Of dust rolled from the village
street Rain and wind came together
Katherine's umbrella was snatched
from her hand and she caught one
fleeting glimpse of 1t as it careened
away on the black wings of the gale,
Then some one seized her, drew her
back within the shelter of the academy.
TITS too late to hunt any other shell
ter, Katherine" said a voice in her ear.
She lay painting, breathless, against
the arm holding her
II didn't know that you were here. -
'I came to-day and supped with
Marie and John"
A vivid flash of lightning flashed in
to the murky room. and out again,
leaving dense shadows. DeFefauN
held his companion with a firmer clasp
when she attempted to move away.
1--WE given you a year to change
your mind, Katherine. You see, it is
| difficult for me to realize that the wo-
man I love does not love me. Does
she love me, dear? Does she?'
Marie has been talking" she ex-
claimed, then paused, self-beuayed.
The old academy creaked and trem-
bled, but not a board fell or was riven
apart. Many another gay innocent par
ty might gather within its walls and
! dance away the night.
When Mrs. Pingree missed her
daughter she instantly went into hys-
terics and could not be brought out Of
them until she saw Katherine entering
the church leaning on Prosper Devere-
aux's arm. Then it was truly wonder
full the way she recovered and beamed
gently upon all the cOmpany.-Buffalo
Commercial.
BALLAD OF COUNTRY TRAOIPS.
We're Hungry Ike