Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1898-08-22

IN THE MOONLIGHT.

hardly know whether was in love
with Pattie Brown or not. She was
one of those artful, bewitching minxes
who often leave a man in doubt as to
whether his heart Is captured or only
his head turned.
Pattie would sigh, and languish, and
talk sentimental to my hearts content;
but whenever l sought to bring her to
the point and obtain a categorical an
swer, she would dodge the issue with
as much skill as veteran politician.
l was determined, at last, to bring
matters to crisis. The occasion l Sc
lected was that of grand masked ball,
at which l had no doubt Pattie would
be present.
went so far as to purchase a hand
some engagement ring, determined, If
the response were favorable, to place
1t on her finger forthwith, and seal the
compact on the spot.
l got myself up as Romeo, In a style
that would have caused the hearts of
the Montagues to swell with pride and
those of the Capulets to burst with
envy.
How stunning he looks!" 1 heard
more than once whispered as roamed
up and down in search of Pattie. But
Pattie was not there, or If she was, her
disguise was too complete to be pene-
trated.
AS | walked anxiously about my at
or tnI lxr CT
piquant of shepherdesses, whose move
ments betrayed a perplexity equal to
my own. AS she passed her steps fall
tered.
Pardon me, sir; l feel faint" she
murmured, resting her hand upon my
arm as If for momentary support.
ALLOW me to conduct you to the
open air." l answered.; ''it is quite
suffocating here"
The cool air revived her, and after a
short walk through the grounds her
strength and spirits seemed entirely re-
stored.
Her conversation WINS vivacious and
witty. But when she came to talk of
the moonlight, and flowers, and poetry
l found that in the field of sentiment
she could beat Pattie two to one. In
fact, | couldn't help thinking how
tame Patties rhapsodies would sound
In comparison with the outbursts of the
little shepherdess.
In retired nook, almost hidden by
the shrubbery, we found rustic seat,
which
or feigning to feel, WEAKNESS after our
walk.
pray remove your mask" I ven
tured to say at last, first laying aside
my own. II must look upon the face
that mirrors thoughts so divine"
Il fear you will be disappointed" I"
she replied; still, have nothing to
disguise and If you will dispel the ilu-
sion under which you labor the punish
ment be your own"
The features she exposed were of
surprising loveliness. Just dark
enough to entitle her to be called a
brunette, her complexion had that
pearly transparency of which the pur-
est of blondes can rarely boast. The
contour of her head and face was
faultless.
fairly lost my reason. So the read
er will think when l relate that, with
out further ceremony, | threw myself
on my knees to the no small detriment
of Romeo's finest hose, and, producing
the ring l had purchased for Pattie, |
n nj ho he,
herdess' engagement finger. l entreat-
ed her to wear it for the sake Of one
thenceforward doomed to be her slave,
and who sought no other boon than
that of dying Of unrequited love.
"Stay-there Is one of my friends"
sprang to my feet, but not before
had imprinted one kiss upon her lips
and clasped her for one brief moment
to my throbbing breast.
AS | turned | stood confronted by a
fierce looking brigand, who, too, was in
a tremor of emotion.
A nights sleep measurably restored
my senses. When a man has made a
fool of himself over night, it's won
derful how clearly he feels it on walk
ing up in the morning.
My costly ring was gone. The shep-
herdess was gone. And what, after all,
had she ever been-to mel A feeting
vision that had crossed my path-a
mere adventures, perhaps. Were Pat
tie Brown and her substantial fortune
to be sacrificed for such a phantom? :?
Not by man in his sobers senses.
Like an awakened prodigal | resolv-
ed to arise and go unto Pattie and have
it out with her at once.
l found her alone and had just be-
gun to repeat for her edification some
of the compliments inspired by the
charms of the little shepherdess the
night before when my eye fell ON an
object that struck me dumb. 1t was
the identical ring had given the shep-
herdess on Pattie's finger.
Were you at the ball last night p"
inquired Pattie, seemingly seeking to
relieve my embarrassment.
Il was" stammered, guiltily.
so was cousin Charley" said Pattie,
with roguish twinkle in her eye
Cousin Charley?" | repeated 81