Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1899-03-11

4
aNeveri'
ssThanks. Now listen to my frank
admission. As far as | have been
able to analyse my feelings, | am
sure I love you both equally. As I
can accept but one, the question
must be decided for me; hence the
condition. Ifeither or both refuse
to accept it, | must stipulate that
our past harmonious relations be
sustained without any future refer
ence to the possibility of marriage
with either. Ard now the condi-
tionl"
sThe condition. both men quick.
ly repeated.
81 propose bicycle race between
us three: am to have precedence
of one block 10 starting. It is to be
a three mile race upon the maca-
damized road between this house
and Crystal Spring. The one who
overtakes me before or as we reach
the spring will not only be the win
ner- Of the race, but also of wife.
If you overtake me at the same time,
you will draw lots to see who is the
VICTOR
The faces OF the men wore an odd
expression, but they promptly ex-
claimed.
1--WE agree"
It was beautiful May morning,
and the picturesque road leading TO
Crystal Spring was an appropriate
one for a race which must in any
case afford a romantic ending. 1t
was bordered with hedges and state
ly trees, odorous with tender buds
and leaves from among which busy
little builders caroled merry accom-
paniments to their unceasing labor
The novelty of this race for wife
excited much pleasant comment
from the group of friends and cy-
lists who had gathered in Mrs.
Preston's front yard, responsive to
her Invitation to watch the start of
the trio and accompany them upon
the race.
1t was just 10 o'clock when Meta
Randall, neatly attired in a cycling
suit OF olive green with glinting sill.
yer trimming, passed out of the
house and greeted her friends with a
pleasant good morning.
A murmar of admiration rose
from the feminine portion of the
company as she stood for brief
second beside her wheel. Self pos
sessed but modest, in the cool green
Of her costume, she appeared part
of the natural picture which sur
rounded her. A bed of daffodils
grew close to her feet, and she stoop.
ed and gathered a bunch of the
brave yellow blossoms and fastened
them securely at her belt.
Then, with merry laugh and a
graceful toss of the head toward
Davis and Stanton, at the quick
ring Of bicycle bell, the signal for
starting, declining the proffered as
sistance OF the competitors; she
mounted her wheel and sped quick
ly down the road. She had nearly
reached the corner when, a. a signal
the two men were away. A third
ring, and the merry company mount
ed, following as rapidly as possible
the two flying contestants.
"What glorious spin!' thought
Meta, as the swift motion sent tho
exultant blood leaping through
every artery, and every fiber of her
body thrilled with the exuberant
10y OF living.
Faster. and faster she few along,
until her efforts seemed inyolun-
tary. To herself she seemed i'm.
palpable and endowed with a free
dom as perfect as the breeze which
famed her crimson cheek and ten.
| derby lifted the curls about her
face.
So completely did natures inAu-
ence enthrall her that no thought of
the ride, its purpose or the two men
who we're speeding so closely behind
her, enter her mind until shout
informed her of the fact that Davis
was ahead of Stanton and rapidly
gaining on her. Then, quicker than
than fash OF light, came that for
which she had previously 50 longed
1.-The knowledge that one of these
men were dearer to her than the
other. Pure, tender and sweet, yet
fall of fear it came, causing quick
gasping for breath and deepening
flush upon the cheek as she realized
that perhaps The knowledge came
too late and that if Harry Davis
won the race the happiness of two
lives must certainly be wrecked.
With a voiceless prayer more
fervent than any she had ever
breathed before, she redoubled her
| own efforts to reach the spring as
she heard the gentle whizzing of q