Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1898-12-08
HEADS I WIN.

call at Meriyale's to say "goodby,
but | went. On the road l decided
that on no account would | be left
alone with Violet, but was. The
folly Of the most foolish man is nc
match for Providence.
"Why have you not congratulated
me upon my legacy, Mr.. Durham ?
she asked abruptly when | had finished
admiring the improvements in the con,
servatory I plucked a couple Of
withered leaves abstractedly.
Upon my word, Miss Violet,
confessed, 81 am afraid that | didn't
feel so pleased as l could have done
at your good fortune.
She looked sweetly at me, and
tried to appear interested in the
palms.
"Icannot imagine your being gjealou.
of another's good luck. II am sor,
ry," she said sadly.
Il didn't mean that quite, Miss
Violet" I explained hastily, though
I expressed myself clumsily as usual.
Perhaps" she suggested, "you
might like to say what you did mean
Come, l will give you full minute tc
put it in your best English
"No reflection is necessary, " | an
swered gravely. q meant that your
wealth has taken you into another
sphere, out Of that in which we were
friendly. I was selfish enough to be
sorry to see you 60" ground my
heel on the tiled floor and pulled of
leaf.
81 suppose" she murmured as il
she were speaking to herself, ''that Is
meant for a compliment? 1t may also
be taken as an insult
Insult"
as it not an insult to suppose that
because | have become rich | should
look down upon-upon my old
friends ?" Her voice trembled.
MY dear Miss Violet" | cried 81
never supposed such thing; never
dreamed it for one moment. 1t was
only that-that i stopped abruptly
There was nothing to say, but the one
thing not to be said.
Cannot you say what do you mean?
she demanded, with flash Of her old
impetuous manner, l gripped the
flower stand, on which my hand was
resting savagely.
"No," l answered. q cannot
looked hungrily at her as she stood
leaning against the rustic work, with
lucky red rose just touching her lips
81 wish to God" l added bitterly
"tbat could" She met my eyes fear
lessly, though the pink color flushed
over her cheeks.
80" she said meaningly, "do l.
But I was dogged silent, and she
sighed.
There are some things, remarked
feebly, after painful interval, which
are better left unsaid. She shook
her head.
There are some things" she pro.
tested, (Which demand an explanation
some acts which seem SO unkind-such
breach OF friendship" Her voice
faltered, and she turned her head
away.
Il can only ask your charity,
said hoarsely.
"Such things, she continued, frankie
in ones mind, make one morbid and
miserable if they are not explained.
"Such things as my stopping away
from here since you came into your
unexpected fortune ?" She nodded
"And you demand an explanation ?
She nodded again. Even when
tell you that explanation is best avoid.
ed ?"
Yes" she answered, q do"
Then" said I sadly, a can only
say one thing, Violet. 1t is because
love you" She hung her head, silent
and trembled. 81 love YOU l re-
peated, so much that can only-gc
away" She lifted up her face with
the tears streaming down her cheek;
and held out her hands.
"Oh, Harry y she cried, cant you
see2"
groaned. "My poor little girl y
cried. Il was afraid. 1t cannot be.
She dried her eyes.