The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-10-26
DECEIVED HERSELF

DECEIVED HERSELF.
"Daisy, did hear you promise that
that fellow to go with him to the pic
mic next Tuesday!"
What fellow?" asked Daisy, icfly.
"You knoY who mean" Dick was
pale with jealousy and wrath. And
you know that there was an under
standing that l was to escort you"
II presume that can go with whom
/ choose?" answered Daisy, haushtily.
$50 you can, and want you now to
make your choice; but tell you, once
for all, that II you throw me over for
that Fenwick you will be done with
me for ever"
my goodness, Dick, what temper
you have!"
you've driven me to it; you've
made me desperate!" he retorted.
"This thing must come to an end be-
tween US one way or another, for will
bear It no longer"
What right have you to speak to
me in that tone? am not your slave,
and shall 60 with DR.. Fenwick to the
picnic"
Every WE'LL" he said, shortly, and,
turning on his hssI walked of in the
direction Of the barn.
As Daisy entered the cool dining
room, Miss Maria was standing at the
window, with her arms akimt'o, gazing
after Dick.
THAT boy" she said s.lemly, that
boy amt himself. shouldn't be sur
prised II he's driven to do something
desperate" and she looked resentfully
at Daisy.
You don't eat anything, Daisy"
kindly said uncle Edward, who never
saw much of what was not going on
right before hts eyes. Maybe you
think the weather's too warm for hot
rolls and cakes? Well take some iced
milk and berries-Why bless me!
What's the matter with the child?'
Daisy had burst into tears. Please,
uncle-aunt-excuse me- she said,
and hastily left thu room.
She did not go upstairs, but out OF
doors. where she could relieve her
heart by sobbing unseen and unheard.
Passing through tie garden and the
orchard, she folloe'ed the little foot
path which led to pretty strip OF
woodland, where in cool ravine ran
narrow but rather deep stream be-
tween messy banks,
There had been little rustic bridge
leading to the hillside beyond, but this
had been lately washed away after a
heavy rain and-wasn't that Dick his
arms folded, with his eyes bent upon
the deep pool, which the rocks had just
here pent in?
A sudden fear seized Daisy. Surely,
surely Dick could not be thinking Of
drowning himself. She stood, still and
breathless, watching him.
Presently he started, as if from
reverie, and with lips compressed into
a firm look of resolve, picked up a
coil of rope which lay at bis feet. Then
he walked round and round a tall,
straight tree, growing close to the
edge of the stream, looking up into its
thick foliage as IL for convenient !
braHeh to which to attach it.
For moment she felt paralyzed, but
as she saw Dick carefully make moose
on one end Of the rope. and prepare to
climb the tree, the spell was broken.
She rushed forward with wild
shrek and threw her arms about him.
20. Dick-dear Dick--dont do such
dreadful thing! Don't hang yourself.
DicS--for my sake don't. o, forgive
me- dear Dick, and I'll never tease or
grieve you again!"
He looked down into the white face
Of the sobbing girl. and his stern eyes
softened. But then he said gloomily.
How can believe you, Daisy? You
have as good as told me that you do
not love me, and without you don't
care to live"
Don't talk so dreadfully, Dick!
Il do love you!"
Answer me truly, Daisy Do you
really love me?''
Yes" sobbed the girl. Indeed
do. Dick! Please, please throw away
that dreadful rope!
Not yet, Daisy Do you love me
above everybody else in the world?"
"Yes-O, yes!"
"And will you marry me, Daisy?"
Eyes, will, Dick; indeed I will"
"When?"
ANY -to-morrOw-nOw!" said
Daisy in desperation, If you will only
throw away that dreadful thing and
come home with me-"
Dick flung the coil of rope into
thicket Of laurel on the other side Of
the stream, and drawing Daisy to him,
kissed her solemly. Remember, you
have promised to be my wife, Daisy"
Eyes" she answered meekly. And
80, hand in hand, they returned through
the orchard and the garden to the
house.
Uncle Edward was sitting on the top
step of the porch contentedly smoking
his pipe.
well, Dick" said he, cheerfully,
have you fixed that tree with the
rope all ready to pull it down in the
right direction?'
NO. answered Dick, quietly. "Ill
attend to It tomorrow.
well, don't forget it, for the sooner
that bridge is finished the better, If we
want to get the hay over in good
lime"
Daisy stopped and looked straight up
into Dicks face. "You have deceived
mel" she said Indignantly.