The Van Buren press., 1897-12-04
'&e&eNe~ee>a~ses~
MY VICTIM.
BY HELEN BEEKMAN. l
I&sNe~e~ss>s>e~e@s

~ - IL--1--N D2-4-4A-fAl-Ns =
s&s~s~s~ss~s>s~e~s
Re ross had one fault, it was jealousy;
| and. as that arose from his intense
love for me, rather enjoyed toying
with the fame, little dreaming Of its
lava slumbering depths. Ii was long
ere he could win from me the promise
TO become his wife. l felt so sure Of
him, | knew my power so well. that l
could not resist the temptation 10 watch
smile and frown successfully chase each
other away on his handsome face at my
bidding But one evening, just as he
was about 10 set sail on a short voyage.
sudden thought O. how dull and pur-
poseless the days would be without him
brought quick tears to NY eyes as we
stood together upon the sands, which
he had caught sight OF before I had
time to dash them away. In an instant
his arm was about my waist. and was
pressed close 10 his fast-beating heart
My darling!' he said, in intense.
passionate tones. Thank God for those
tears which betray the woman's heart
you would still have hidden from me.
Ny own, you love me. you love me. De-
ny it if you can" and I. with coquetry
and art forgotten, knowing only that
to be thus conquered was sweeter far
than any victory. answered back: =
love you"
Remember, Rita" be said, a few
hours later, when the moon had risen
high in the heavens, and be was about
10 leave me at ny mothers door. you
are now my promised wife. Promise
me that in the future you will never try
my love as in the past. No man row has
right TO one smile, one tender word
No one shall have them, Ross. I re-
piled. You will have the most demure
little wife in the whole country
And the loveliest." he answered.
proudly. s0h, Rita. there will not be a
night during all the long weeks of ny
absence that I shall not live over these
hours. shall not picture you getting
ready for my return. and the new life
we are then TO begin together"
The next morning at daybreak Ross
ship sailed out OF the harbor. Standing
il NY window. I saw the white sails
grow less and less in the distance, until
they vanished from ny sight, when
hid my tired, strained eyes upon my
pillow and sobbed myself again TO sleep.
No one knew of my engagement but
mother. | did not want 10 give the Cos
sips chance for talk, but as the DAYS
sped on l sang gayly over my work, for
each day brought nearer his return and
my wedding morn. He had been gone
| just a month when l met Rush Arden.
He was a gentleman who had come
down for a weeks fishing on our coast,
His own yacht was lying off the harbor,
and he cruised here and there at will.
Something in me awoke that which
thought buried in an eternal sleep.
when his eyes rested admiringly on
mine. He belonged nigh to a different
world from any in which / had moved,
and be fascinated. even while all deeper
feeling was dormant. Ny heart never
wavered in its loyalty TO Ross, but
silenced my conscience when night aft
er night brought Mr.. Arden to our cot
tage, or the same moon which had
waned and fulled since Ross had left me
me now lighted our two figures as we
strolled idly upon the sands, by looking
down on the golden circlet which
spanned my finger, and repeating again
and again to myself that was true TO
my troth. Sometimes a distant figure
would waken a sudden nervous dread a
to how Ross would receive my own
plausible theories should he suddenly
appear before US, but-what could he
expect? l was not yet his wife. 1t was
absurd that time should hang so heavi-
ly on my hands during his absence.
Mother shook her head when books,
flowers and music graced our little
parlor with their presence, but a kiss
ever chased away mothers frown, which
l sealed by telling her how soon now
would be Ross wife, and then how mar
row would be my little world. 1t was
almost time to look for his return. The
gossips knew would have plenty to tell
him, but l would confess my fault and
l feared not l should find forgiveness.
Would | find it as easy a matter with
Mr.. Arden? His manner was growing
warmer and more love-like, but I knew
he could never stoop from his high posi-
ton to me, and so ] let my conscience
sleep.
Three months had passed since l 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
stin warm, when he drew a velvet-coY-
cred case from his pocket. The gifts he
had offered me, though brought from
great distance and at heavy expense,
had been such l had had no hesitancy in
accepting, but anything Of real value
/ felt | could not allow him to give me.
Rita" he said, "here is something l
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 few
open and bracelet Of exquisite work
manship was revealed.
"Oh how lovely!" exclaimed. "But,
indeed, Mr.. Arden. l canuot take it,"
Not as farewell gift from friend|'
be said. Listen, Rita! Ihaye not dealt