The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1897-11-26

A--sE1aA
gossips l knew would have plenty to tell
him, but would confess my fault, and
| feared not | should find forgiveness.
Would find it as easy a matter with
Mr.. Arden? His manner was growing
warmer and more lovelike, but l knew
he could never stoop from his high posi-
tion to me, and so let my conscience
sleep.
Three months had passed since had
watched with fearful eyes Ross ship
sail down the harbor, when one evening
Mr.. Arden came for me to 60 down upon
the beach. We had thrown ourselves
idly upon the sand. for the weather was
still warm, when he drew a velvet-cov-
cred case from his pocket. The gifts he
had Offered me, though brought from a
great distance and at heavy expense,
had been such had had no hesitancy in
accepting, but anything of real value
felt l could not allow him to give me.
Rita" he said. here is something |
wish you to accept in remembrance of
the many pleasant hours we have spent
together, something that will recall
them to your memory when am gone"
Then. touching the spring, the case flew
open and a bracelet of exquisite work
manship was revealed
"Oh, how lovely!" exclaimed. But,
indeed. Mr.. Arden. cannot take it,"
Not as a farewell gift from friend ?"
he said. Listen. Rita! have not dealt
quite fairly with you. child am going
home to be married. That your fresh
young beauty has come nearer my heart
than anything | have known in years
will not deny, but my word is plighted
to another and must redeem it. viii
you not accept this little pledge as an
assurance to me that have worked you
no real harm?"
One moments keen. wounded pride
rose within me. I had thought this man
loved me. What if he had really won
my heart! What. then. would be nv
merited punishment? But had I not
done even as he? Could take up the
stone to thrust at him? In that minute
al my fealty to Ross returned, and
knew how had wronged him.
I'VE are quits. Mr. Arden" answered
lightly, yet proudly. 81 do not know
what better assurance to give you than
to inform you of my own engagement,
which is only waiting my lovers return
from sea to be ratified Therefore, with
many thanks, will decline your beau
tiful Offering"
My words had hit the mark. He had
not expected a little country girl to
meet him upon equal ground, and dark
red flush overspread his handsome face.
Then his own generous nature con-
guered as he said:
"At least, Miss Rita, may proffer this
as a wedding gift"
AS such felt could not refuse 1t, but
he went on:
"Only one thing ask, that myself
may place it on your arm"
Then. taking it up, he slipped it upon
her wrist. where it fastened with tiny
paddock. which he locked with golden
key, placing the latter in his pocket.
"You see you will wear my chains
while you live" he said, with hidden
earnestness, land I-shall have only this
in memory" holding up the key for one
moment, then pressing his lips upon it
and again consigning it to its hiding
place.
l was still sitting where he had left
me. 1t was early in the evening, and
had refused to go back to the house,
when some one whose football had not
heard stood before me. Glancing up, the
moons rays fell full on Ross face. With
a glad cry of delight l sprang to my
feet, but, white and stern and still, he
waved me back.
81 have been home one hour" he said
quietly. at seems to me year. Twas
told you were here with your lover.
Where is he that may share the con-
gratulations have come to offer youP"
"Rossl" said. what do you meanP
Have you no welcome for me?"
"Welcomel" he exclaimed, "and where
is mine? The star to which my yearn-
ing eyes have all these months been
turned"
"Ross, you have heard falsely. Do not
be so cold, so stern to little Rita. Have
you not kiss for me?"
NY fearful tone had melted him. A
| great wave of tenderness swept over his