Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-08-13
XIV.
A Stage Taken by the Horns.

A Stage Taken by the Horns.
1t might have been well for the young
Hardings if, in their first approaches
towards making love to Miss Mainwar-
ing, they had met with a repulse SINH
lar to mine, and taken it in the same
spirit. But no such good or ill fortune
befell them. Neither was a half-pay
captain without expectations, and they
were permitted to sui themselves in
her smiles, when and wherever they
had an opportunity Of looking upon
the light of her countenance.
And this was not unfrequently af-
forded them. Though hindered from
speaking to her while in the presence
of their father, he could not always be
present. There were woodland walks
and drives along lonely roads, where
Miss Mainwaring might be met every
day, either afoot or in pony %phaeton,
her fair hair in all its bewitching beau
ty radiant under the rim of coquetish
hat. Along these green lanes and I'M
f%requented highways the brothers often
found excuse for straying-each in his
turf when the other CHANGED to be out
of the way.
The general seemed to be unaware
of their clandestine encounters, or, If
knowing, took no notice of them, fan
cyfng that he had fixed" that matter
beyond " possibility of its going
astray.
A false security, Notwithstanding.
Even a threat of disinheriting-a hun
bred thousand pounds against a shill-
iag-can not change the hearts inclin-
ings or stay the tide of love from run
ming in reckless course.
In the case of young Hardings it has
lone neither. Both continue their adj
vances towards the tempting but for
hidden fruit, determined as ever upon
plucEing it.
In their disobedience of paternal
command, however, as also in pursuit
of the coveted prize, they act very diff
ferently. Nigel, true to his nature,
takes good care that his father shall
know nothing of his acts or Intentions.
He moves cautiously and with discre-
ton; so coldly, too, that were it a sure
direct question between s~urrendering up
his sweetheart or getting disinherited,
Belle Mainwaring, beautiful though she
be. and much as he may admire her,
would have to go by the board. But it
is not a sure question. There are sew
eral side issues and alternatives. A
clandestine marriage may not be impos-
sible; but if so, there are other chances
dependent on time. He hopes to hook
his fish and playing on the line so long
that he may be in possession of half
the Beechwoods estate before it be-
comes necessary to- formally declare
himself. He knows his father has left
the best of his life's strength behind
him in India, and will not last many
more years-may not many months.
Even thus cunningly. cruelty, does he
forecast the future. And with Xix
heartless s~elffshness he approaches the
object of his a~ffections--if such they
can be called. He woos her with the
stealth of the tiger, showing no put
ward signs of qualification when she
smiles upon him and alike impossible
under her frowns. But Belle Mainwar-
ing is his match at this sort of game,
and sees through his thin DISCUSSES. He
may throw dust in the eyes of his faith
er, with those of all the world besides,
but not in hers.
Far differently the younger brother
deports himself-makes love with the
boldness of the lion; scorning insidious
advances, lays siege to her openly, tax
ing but slight pains to conceal it even
from his father, whose d~ispleasure, so
braved, may at any moment make him
q beggar.
With the two the lady plays her cards
to perfection, her mother having thor
oughlN taught her the game. Whether
she loves either or neither no one can
yet. tell, Though many have their sur
misses. anA speak them. AT the best
they are but conjectures, and nothing
definite is declared. To the worlds eye
now one appears the favorite. now the
other; SO that even the most intimate
acquaintance Of Miss Mainwaring are
unable to decide how her preference
tends. Besides, she does not restrict
herself to receiving only the homage OF
the brothers Harding. There are other
aspirants to her ~hand-young squires of
the neighborhood. with officers from the