The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-03-02
Amy's Error.

| DAY with her old friend ana SchoOlmate,
Amy Grant. The two girls were talk
ing on the veranda, and presented as
strong contrast as two good-looking
girls could do. Jessie had a sweet and
mild expression, while Amy, although her
features were perfect, was so naughty and
self-willed that she was disliked by ev-
| erybody.
Just think of it, JESSIE said Amy,
! I've had two proposals today, and really
| l don't know which TO accept 1t is
enough 10 puzzle any girl This morning
Jack Manton proposed, and received a
letter from Ralph Fulton soon after say
! ing ne would come at once if l would
| promise TO marry him.
We'll, surely you have a preference.
said Jessie opening her big blue eyes.
| ''Of course, like Jack hundred times
better than Ralph; he is SO young and
| handsome. but YOU see he has only a
/ small salary. Ralph has no money at
| present, but expects to become heir 10
a large fortune when his aunt dies. She is
falling rapidly, and the doctor says 1t is
! impossible for her to recover.
We'll" said Jessie, ''as she is still alive,
which one have you promised to marry?'
Both said Amy, with a smile OF tri-
umph. 81 viii fix the date at about three
weeks from today, and II at that time
| she is still alive I can easily quarrel with
Ralph, and Jack will be no wiser. What
can be the difficulty if neither knows any
| thing about the other?"
DO you really mean it, or are you only
| joking? Surely you couldn't act SO
mean"
Jessie knew Jack Manton worshiped her
cousin as an ideal of perfection, and IL
was painful to her to think Of the way
she was repaying his devotion.
Amy smiled and thought Jessie only en-
vious of the good fortune which gave
her two lovers to choose from.
Jessie went home soon after supper and
left Amy alone to think of her position
She went to bed early as usual and fell
asleep as soon as her head touched the
pillow, but not so with Jessie, for her in
nocent mind was troubled thinking Of
sharing that secret. But she had always
been Amy's confidante, and she must keep
it.
Jack was constantly pressing Amy to
prepare for their immediate marriage, but
she always had some excuse ready.
Her plan did not ork as smoothly as she
had expected, for Ralph's aunt was still
alive when he called for a decided an
swer. She made an excuse about the ar
rangement of her rousseau, so he agreed
TO call in a few days.
Her anxiety ended at last, however. The
following morning she noticed in the
morning paper the name among the
deaths
She was thinking OF an easy way to
break off the engagement with Jack as
she walked slowly homeward from the
postoffice, when she met him coming to-
ward her home, and he turned to accom-
pany her
Her mind was troubled thinking of some
III
he proposed a walk to the park. She &C
cepted willingly, for the sooner she sent
him away the better. He was the first to
speak.
II heard this morning you are engaged
to Ralph Fulton as well as myself" he
said. in a quiet but firm tone
Who told you?" she asked excitedly.
81 suppose Jessie Gardiner was kind
enough to tell YOU"
eff Miss Gardiner promised to keep
your secret she has kept her word he
said, colby. IF you wish TO know who
gave me my information, it was Fulton
himself. AS you know, he and I were
intimate friends at school, and for the
sake of old friendship he wrote to tell
me of his intention, inclosing an invita-
ton to attend his wedding"
This was anything but what she ex-
pected, for she meant to have everything
her own way. OF course, she couldn't
deny that she was engaged to Ralph, for
Jack held the letter in his hand.
II am only too glad to find out your
deceit" he said. 81 am going away to-
morrow to New York, so 1 will not be here
to disturb your arrangements. 1 have
only been waiting for your final answer"
The following week Ralph and Amy
were married in great splendor.
/,
brought TO court and it was found that
the fortune had been left to charitable
institutions, for Ralph had led a reck-
less life and had been warned and threat
ened many times by his aunt, but he took
no heed He knew she had no other liv-
ing relative and it would be his any
way.
In a few months after the wedding Jack
came home on a visit and while there
met Jessie on the street. She tried to
avoid meeting him, but he hurried to her
side and asked permission to walk home
with her. OF course, he talked about
Amy's deceit, and she thought ne must
have a poor opinion of herself She tried
to make an apology, but he would not
listen.
He had received a good position while
in New York. and had to return after a
weeks vacation, but in that time they
agreed to correspond. Jack found out that
amiable manners and loving heart were
to be priced far above beauty At first
Jessie had rebuzed him when first he paid
attentions to her. but her heart conquered
her pride, and after a few months CORE
spOndence their engagement was an
nounced. When Amy heard this she knew
il was her turn to be envious, and often
regretted her mercenary trick. She IS
living in poor apartments, while Mr.. and
Mrs. MantOn occupy one of the prettiest
homes in the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Post.