The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-06-13
VALERIE.

y. VALERIE.
Rena Leslie and her lover, Claude
Howard, strolled In the moonlight,
saying loving things to each other.
their thoughts dwelling on that happy
future which they were to share to-
gether. The maiden was slight and
fair, her light hair ripping in the cool
evening breeze, and her trusting blue
eyes turned lovingly to his-he, tall
and dark, with brown eyes, that had
honesty stamped in every glance, his
arm caressingly thrown around her
waist, they made striking picture.
As she turned to enter the hotel, he
kissed her softly and said:
"Rena, my mother will be here soon,
and know that you will be pleased
with her,"
Claude Howard was young, rich and
handsome, therefore considered great
catch. Rena knew very little about his
relations. She had been introduced to
him at ball in New York one even
ing, and the next day she left town to
spend the summer at Saratoga. Upon
Claude's arrival at the springs week
afterward they renewed their acquaint-
ance and were soon plighted lovers.
His father was dead, and his only near
relative was his mother. He had sent
for hpr tn coo hic f,tnro hrido
Rena was very beautiful, and the
only child of millionaire. Her
mother was dead, and go, of course, she
was petted by her indulgent father,
who was pleased to have her marry
Claude, as he would not then have to :
leave her alone when he died. Rena
had no doubts Of Claude's love for her.
Her whole soul was wrapped up in him.
But yet, If our lives were without
clouds We would never value the sun
shine.
As the supper bell rang Rena went
gracefully down the stairs to meet her
father. On the gallery she passed the
parlor door. The sound Of voices ar
rested her footsteps, and, turning, she
beheld Claude-yes, Claude, her lover,
her darling, with her arms around
little lady who was standing beside
him. Presently the young lady turned
away from him, laughing and saying in
a sweet. defiant manner:
Making love to me, you bad boy;
and engaged to Miss Leslie Aren't you
ashamed"
Then, lightly putting her hand on
his shoulder, she went on gayly, look
ing him straight in the face: You
must not love me any more, now you
are going to be married"
Could Rena believe her eyes? Claude
drew the tiny form closer to him and
kissed her as he had kissed Rena, MUIR
muring:
valerie, whatever happens, whatev-
er do, love you SO that nothing can
ever change my affection for you, my
darling" ~9aa ms q
Rena turned away and hurried to
her room, her heart throbbing with
emotion, Jealous that he whom she
loved so much should prize another
more than her.
why does he not marry her, them"
she asked herself over and over again.
Perhaps she is poor and he is an adj
venturer and wants my fortune. Oh,
how can I ever give him up?"
The sound of the people returning
from the dining-room aroused her.
Il must go downstairs" said she,
land he must not see how much care
for him.
She carefully arranged her dress,
and went down to meet her faith
er.
Father, please send Claude to me;
| must see him alone"
Rena glided into the parlor, and
schooled her heart to meet him.
"Rena," said manly voice beside
her, what is it, dearest?"
Sir" she said, rising and confront
Ing Claude; take back your ring; aft
sr what has passed this evening, it is
impossible for me to keep it, | want
40 explanation; none is needed; can
trust my own eyes"
why what have I done to offend
you? Why do you speak to me thus?"
Because she answered, your con-
luct deserves it. You have acted as no
gentleman with any principle would
have acted"
But, Rena, do not remember doing
anything to vex you. Tell me-what
nave | done?"
"Oh, well, If you do not remember"
she said, ironically, II suppose it Is
aothing more than what you have been
accustomed to do; and you and may
is well say good-by."
Nov, Renal" he said, softly.
"Silence! Good-evening." And rising,
she gided from the room.
Rena did not appear again that
night. The next morning her father
sent for her to take walk with him
before breakfast.
"Rena," he questioned, as they went
down the same path that she and
Claude had strolled the night before,
what is the trouble between you and
Claude?"
Father, he has not acted rightly.
He betrayed my trust in him, and l
gave him back his ring last night"
Thea she told him about her dis
covering Claude kirsing a young lady.
Il cannot call her girl, although
she was young looking and beautiful,
with dark hair and eyes. She looked
only two or three years younger than
he, who is twenty-eight. She looked
him straight in the face as II she loved
him very much; and oh, papa! saw
them, and he was mine!"
did you ask Claude who the lady
was?" said the father.
mo mana | am glad did not as