Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-08-15
LOVE is BLIND.

Featherly palm trees, banks of
flowers. softly hued fairy lamps, and
delicious strains of eyer-changipg
music, all these go to make up en-
chautmentl
So, at least, thought Lord Ronald
d'Esterre.
He had just returned from two
years sojourn in the heart of Afri-
ca, sojourn filled with dangers and
priyations his years numbered but
five and twenty, he was possessed of
wellknit, sprinqy frame and a
keen, clear eye; and he had come
back from his travels with fame,
courage and endurance, but without
a penny that he could call his own.
What was next to be done This
was the problem that filed all his
spare moments. His elder brother
had fitted him out for his expedition
with the polite intimation that the
act was virtual washing of his
hands of the superfuous cadet; his
aunts had kissed him go warmly at
parting chat he was amazed to find
them "not at home' when he return
ed to London his godfather had
given him twenty pound note and
such hearty farewell, that it was
bewildering to he cut by him when
they met once more in the club
smoking room. "It really seems as
if they wish | had never come back !"
said the young man to himself, with
smile at the incredible idea but
as time passed on his smiles died
away, and he ground his teeth saw
agely as he realized that his rela-
tions had thought it good invest
ment to lay out $500 and an infnity
of farewell in the hope of getting
quit of troublesome encumbrance.
The thought was bitter one, and in
his first fury he vowed to leave his
native shores by the next ship, and
never return to them again. But up.
on the heat of his passion there fell
cooling breath, as if from heaven
itself, and the lion was straightway
changed into lamb. Lord Ronald
d'Esterre had been accustomed so
long to be looked upon as "detri-
mental that at first he scarcely
dared to show the attraction that lay
for him in Violet Harvey's appeal
ing gray eyes and soft, shining hair.
To his Amusement, however, he
found that obstacles melted away
miraculously at his approach. Vio-
let herself was shy and retiring, it is
true, bnt her mother smiled sweetly
upon him and her father shook him
warmly by the hand.
Was ever man so blessed before?
"True love does run smooth some
times, after all p be said to himself
on this bright June evening, as he
walked homeward after meeting
with Mrs. Harvey in the park.
"Shall you be at Lady Chester
fields party tonight 2" she had said.
"Violet and / are going, and we
shall be disappointed if we do not
see you.'
His honest face had glowed with
delight as she spoke, and he seemed
to be treading on air as be walked
away.
"Even Aunt Maria has taken me
back into favor again,' he thought;
''she was horribly cross when I first
came home, but now she is sugared
satin whenever | come lear her. /
dare say it was my fault. | know
that was an ill-eonditioned brute
until Violet came to soften me y
Lady Maria's lowered headdress
was the first object that met Lord
Ronald's eyes when he entered his
hostess crowded drawing rooms that
evening, and somewhat to his sur
Prise it was in close proximity to
Mrs. Harvey's frizzled gray head.
Il should not think that Aunt Ma
ria would have anything to do with
her !" he reflected. s'She always says
that she can detect the faintest tine
ture OF trade, and she must know
perfectly well that Mr.. Harvey made
his money in malt
At this moment, however, he
caught sight Of Violet, and forget
ting all else, he elbowed his way
eagerly through the crowd until he
reached Der side.
1t might have been only fancy,
but at any rate it seemed TO him
that her welcome was a warmer one
than she had ever given him before,
and his heart beat faster as he bent
over her.
"Will you not come into the con-
servatory ~ he said, pleadingly sit
is so hot here.n
She rose without word, and they
walked away together.