Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-08-19
ALMOST A TRAGEDY.

1--WE are going to Paradise Point-a
party OF 90. We will 60 on our BIZ
cycles; send refreshments on ahead,
and cook toprepare everything. Oh.
we shall have delightful time and an
ideal way of spending the glorious
fourth! City people usually prefer to
go into the country on that doy, and
thus escape the noise and dust and con.
fusion. And Paradise Point is perfectly
Iovely-don't you think so Will2"
Mrs. Wentworth looked animated;
her pretty face was flushed and her
eyes sparkled with anticipated pleasure.
Her brother smiled.
Eyes, to be sure, Lii" he returned. a
little absently.
"And you will 60, of course she
persisted.
"Of course" he repeated. but his
thoughts seemed far away; "that isl
see here, Lil-I'm not expected to
escort any lady, am r.
Lily laughed.
"Well. Of all thingsl' she exclaimed.
mo, l do not suppose it is absolutely
essential. OF course, | shall ride with
Harry, and the other married ladies
will no doubt accompany their respect.
i've better halves But you'll say,
have you turned woman hater?'
"Not at all. On the contrary, | like
women-sensible women-women with
brain and culture very much; but you
see Lii; no matter-it's whim of mine,
and I do not care to escort any lady to
your Fourth of July fete. If go on
those terms shall be pleased to make
one of the party"
AS Will arose and went slowly out
of doors, whistling softly to himself a
bar from II Trovatore, Lily Wentworth 8
eyes followed the tall, graceful figure.
"What has come over WHIP" she ex-
claimed. II believe he Is going to be
a crusty old bachelor. He never calls
on any Of the girls, and l believe be just
does not care for their society. Yet he
is always ready to do kind action for
anybody"
Will Dering went out into the prim
little garden, thoughtful look on his
handsome face.
Il suppose shall have to co. he said
diacontentedlv, but | know Constance
will not approve. She says little, but
I know she does not like me to go out
with other ladies; and surely l owe her
some consideration. 1t is hard enough
tor US to be parted and to know that we
may never meet again, without her hav.
ing 10 think Of me as enjoying the so.
ciety Of other women. | would not 60
at all only Lily is so determined, and
she has been sick so much l do like to
give my little sister pleasure when I
can, and she declares it would spoil her
pleasure if | remain at home, So l will
90, but not to enact the part OF gallant
Tor any fair young lady,"
AID he looked as resolute as though
the fate of the nation hung upon his
decision.
Miles away, in her sunny, southern
home, Constance Rollins sat at her desk
busily engaged in getting "copy" ready
tor the next mail. She was a popular
writer, and that being Willis profession
also had first brought them together.
At first they had thought it union Of
ntellect-mutual tastes-and general
congeniality; but at last their eyes were
opened to the truth, and they knew that
it was love.
Will was handicapped by hard for.
tune and Constance. too, was poor; so
there was nothing to do but wait and
work. Ia the meantime their engage
ment was kept a profound secret, and
no one suspected the truth. They wrote
each other every day, and met as often
as possible; but in spite of all, the sep.
aration was like death, and it was a
sorry substitute for happiness.
Wills family were extremely social
in their habits, and he was continually
going to places and being entertained;
and Constance, cut off from the sight of
the dear loved face, and the sound of
the dear loved voice, felt at times that
it would be better if they had never
met.
Hers was a peculiar nature. Verv
warm and loving and tender-generous
too, but. as with great love, she was
inclined to be exacting. At least, she
did not wish or intend to be that, but
she did so long and crave for love
strong enough to feel that she suf1iced;
a love that would seek no other but her
self; love that, when barred from her
presence, could not find substitute in
any other woman. She asked no more
than she gave. She was single hearted