Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1898-08-12
VALERIE.

huNhfdt hlfullfu III the moonlight
saying loving things 10 each other.
their thoughts dwelling on that happy
future which they we're to share to-
gether. The maiden was slight and
fair, her light hair rippling in the cool
evening breeze, and her trusting blue
eyes turned lovingly to hls-he. tall
and dark. with brown eyes, that had
honesty stamped In every glance. his
arm caressingly thrown around her
waist. they made a 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 a great
catch. Rena knew very little about his
relations. She had been introduced 10
him at a ball In New York one even
ing. and the next day she left town to
spend the summer at Saratoga. Upon
Claudes arrival at the springs a week
afterward they renewed their acquaint-
ance and were soon plighted lovers.
His father was dead, and his only near
relative was his mother. lie had sent
for her 10 see his future bride.
Rena was very beautiful. and the
only child OF millionaire. Her
mother was dead. and 80. Of course. she
was petted by her lndulgent father.
who was pleased 10 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. II our lives were without
clouds we would never value the sun
shine.
As the supper bell rang Rena went
gracefully down the stairs 70 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 10 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 10 be married"
Could Rena believe her eyes? Claude
drew the tiny form closer 10 him and
kissed her as he had kissed Rena. muir
murlng.
Valerie. whatever happens. whatsv-
er do, | love you so that nothing can
ever change my affection Tor you. my
darling"
Rena turned away and hurried 10
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. then ."
she asked herself over and over again.
Perhaps she Is poor and De- IS an adj
venturer and wants my fortune. Oh.
how can ever give him up?"
The sound Of the people returning
from the dlnlng-room aroused her.
81 must so downstairs" said she.
and he must not see how much / care
for him."
She carefully arranged her dress.
and went down to meet her faith
or.
Father, please send Claude to me:
] must see him alone"
Rena gllded into the parlor. and
schoolod her heart to meet him
"lIena." said a manly voice beside
her, what Is II, dearest9"
Sir" she said. rising and confront
Ing Claude; take back your ring: aft
er what has passed this evening. Il is
impossible for me to keep IL. I want
no explanation; none ls needed: I can
trust my own eyes"
why, what have done TO offend
you? Why do you speak to me thus?"
Because she answered. your con-
duct deserves H. You have acted as no
gentleman with any principle would
have acted"
But Rena. do not remember doing
anything 10 yex you, Tell me-what
have | done7"
"Oh, well. II you do not remember. +"
she said ironically q suppose il Is
nothing more than what you have been
accustomed TO do, and you and / may
as well say good-by."
Now Renal" he said. softly
"sllenco' Good-eyonIng." And rising.
she elidcd from the room.
Rena did not appear again that
night The next morning her father
sent Tor her 90 take @ walk with him
before breakfast
'Rena ho questioned as they went
down the same path that she and
Claude had strolled the night before.
what is the trouble between you and
Cluude9"
Father De has not acted rightly.
lie betrayed my trust In him, and /