Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1896-12-31
HER OWN LOVER.

The June air, fragrant with the scent of
roses and honeysuckle, seemed throbbing
with JOY.
How her friends would wonder when
they learned that she was going to marry
poor man, struggling artist. They
had always affirmed that She because she
had shown so much indifference to the
many suitors which her beauty and wealth
attracted, waiting 10 make some great,
grand marriage; but, happily, she was her
own mistress and free to choose as she
wished She loved Mark Warren and
would marry him. And although the de-
cisivo words had not been spoken, she
knew we'll the ayowal that had been trem-
bling on his lips often.
When he had protested against being
sent away that morning, she had babe him
"come this evening" and from the ex-
preston Of his eyes she knew what words
he would speak.
All she Was so happy!
A maid met her at the door and handed
her little parcel saying, From Miss
Arden.
Miss Claiming opened it.
ooh, the menu cards l ordered. But
they are not all here She was to have
painted two dozen. -
1.-The boy who brought them, Miss Eliz-
abeth. said that Miss Arden is sick" an
swered the maid.
Indeed, I'm sorry. That is the rea-
son have hot seen her for so long, poor
little girl! Have them bring the carriage
around, Jane l will drive into the city
and see her. Tell Aunt Mary when she
comes in not to await luncheon. y
All along the way down town Miss
Claiming felt quite remorseful that of
late She had been so absorbed in her new
happiness tfat she had not given her
usual attention to this little protegee of
hers But she would make amends Some
of her overhounding JOY should overflow
into kiud,ess to Others.
She found Ruth Arden in her poor, lit
tie ROOM pale and wan, fccllv trying to
finish painting the remaining cards.
Elizabeth MAS startled as she saw the
great circles under the dark eyes and the
lines around the mouth.
"Ny dear Ruth, what is the matter?''
81 have rot been we'll, with an attempt
TO smile
why have You not sent for me?' asked
Miss Claiming reproachfully.
There was IN expression in the young
artists face and an abandonment in her
manner that struck Elizabeth with sur
prise. She had always seen her such a
bright, happy little worker.
The -,irl after receiving her visitor, had
sunk 1istlessly back into her chair, but
did net resume her painting. Miss Chan
ming drew her seat near to her and took
her hand.
'.Rut.3, what is it There is something
more tan not we'll Have you any
trouble, child
The girl burst into tears
'Oh, Miss Charming, l am so miserable!
can bear it.
"What is it, RUTH" putting her arms
around the slight form.
The girl yielded to the gentle. persua-
sive Voice aid poured out her trouble-the
old stery o. d young girl S love and the
mans care lessness OF IL.
81 love Linn so, - she sobbed lie was
everything to me- and now he's leaving
me fol this beautiful rich woman; l am SO
poor ard obscure. "
Elizabeth lei her cry on for some time,
and then, soothing Aer into calm, drew
from her tie whole story.
She had met him at the art school,
where they were both students, and had
loved him. They had been much together.
Their affection had not been avOwed, but
she knew he had loved her and would have
continued faithful if be had not met this
other. She had noticed the change in
the company of this beauty and belle
whom lie had met AT an art reception.
Some PAINTINGS of his had won favorable
notice from the critics and that had led to
his being engaged TO paint the portraits of
some wealthy people. At first he had
been as poor and unnoticed a. she. He
had continued his visits to Ruth until the
Last few weeks.
"Oh, Miss Claiming, had only him,
and she has everythingi Why should she
take him from me-
''Who is she, Ruth"
81 don't know l have never heard her
name.
"Take courage, child. Perhaps it is all
q mistake -
"Oh, Miss Charming, if only Mark were
not to see her again know he is only
dazzled by her. I'm sure he loves me, u
''What is his manner" Elizabeth voice
was husky.
"Mark Warren. -
The hand with which Miss Claiming
had been smoothing Ruth 5 hair fell to her
side and she moved away as if struck.
Mark Warren! Her own loverl The
man whom she was expecting that even
ing to promise TO marry
A tumult of emotion swept over her.
First feeling of utter misery then one of
contempt and disgust Tor this man, fol-
lowed by great wave of Indignation and
pity for the forlorn figure at her side.
She arose hastily. Her resolve was taken.
She would no longer be the cause of I'M
happiness 10 this poor child. No doubt
later she herself would suffer, but now she
would only think OF Ruth. The latter
was lying back in her chair exhaustedly.
Elizabeth laid her hand ON her shoulder.
"Don't CRY any more Ruth 1t will all
come right; / am sure of it. He will come
back to you, and when he does receive him
as usual. Do not reproach him nor men,
ton the other woman TO him. am leav-
ing for New York tonight. Jane will
have my address. When you are happy
again, write to me
nd Stnnnircr sha L iSSad the rirl e cheak