Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1899-02-08

kN the engagement
&e- all along: ,,
like. dear"
Il hope he won't expect me to be
sentimental? L suppose not, though.
An old fogy like him will be too rheu-
matte to trouble me with demonstra-
tive affection"
HE is only 40, my dear child
VERY likely, but he is as stin as
poker. and when he dances he lifts
one off ones feet and shakes the
room"
Married men don't often trouble
themselves TO dance with their wives,
Efie, therefore you can Danish that
grief from you at all events"
The ceremony was over; tender youth
tied to middle age for life; for better,
for worse, Effie had swallowed that
much gilded pill.
Even to think Of Laurence Leicester
was now a sin, she told herself; yet
she met him everywhere, her eyes
would stray to the door until he en-
tered, and she allowed him to talk to
her and put on her wraps as he had
been wont to do.
Had he and she not been so basely
handled she would have behaved diff
ferently, she also told herself; for her
husband, she was forced to own, was
a good man.
Too late she had learnt that Lau-
NJ ri tr Mics fcou
had been contradicted. She had been
duped into a hateful union. and II gave
her almost a right to permit her old
lover to hover around her.
All, almost-not Quite-the right. Not
a great deal Of difference in the phrase,
yet enough to torment her conscience
at moments, such as when her hus-
band took the wrap from Laurence's
hands with firmness and dignity-by
the way. how dignif1ed he could look
at times. considering that he could not
3snCordsI when he framed her small
o e-.s1n bis hands and turned II toward
him, looking at 1t with patient mourn
fulness which hurt her more than II
he had struck her.
1t was not long after this that Lau-
renee Leicester went home from his
cub with a white face and a dizzy
brain. He had been playing higher
even than usual, fortune had made q
dead set against him, and he was
disgraced man unless he could have
the command of several thousands. He
reviewed his position. but knew that
he could not lay his hands on as many
hundreds.
Yesl there was one way. but
The blood mounted to his brain as
be took a scented. prettily tinted letter
from his desk in Effie's beloved hand
writing. Hitherto he had never held
It without putting 1t to his lips, but
now he could only hold 1t stifly while
he struggled for power to act a chival-
rous mans part and destroy 1t.
Twice he put 1t away, a third time
he took 1t out again. thrust it into his
pocket, rushed out, and made his way
to Grosvenor square.
What We're q few thousands to her?
Her millionaire husband was SO lavish
he would never know for what pur-
pose they bad been used.
Naturally, he would not threaten her:
In fact, he would not, except as a last
resource, show her the letter. She was
so good that she loved his fair name
better than he did.
LET me see whether I take in your
meaning, Laurence. l am to rob my
husband In order to"
'EfleI What a word! He gives you
untold thousands to do what you like
with"
an fact, l might construe your
words into threat. II I like l may
buy back my letter; that is, If l fear
my husbands anger should you feel
disposed to show it to him?"
For heavens sake don't look like
that, Effie," he cried, land forget all 1
have said. l am a cur. There, see.'
and he tore the letter into fragments.
81 am a disgraced man, and desper.i-
ton led me to this dastardiy conduct
Efis staid his hand as he was about
to throw away the pieces, then she
composedly gathered them up in her
handkerchief "Ef1ew he repeated, In
unfeignad anguish. Forgive me, and
forget this wretched business. Let me
ding away those bits of paper" For
give him, Yes, perhaps IL time
she could do that. but forget it,
never ard she loved this man. Lowell
him instead of the husband VINO was
waiting for the day when her heart
would cease to go astray, and turn to-
ward It's rightful place!
Laurence, don't press me for an an
swer tonight. Come tomorrow morn
ing"
But l want no answer" he said We
hemently. Il tell you my madness Is
over. and l humbly beg your pardon.
or course I'll come tomorrow just to
see you, II you don't hate the sight of
ue. that is"
He gave her a long look as he left
her; she was so still. and II she said
Eoodby the words were inaudible. And
there she remained, half stunned. yet
mechanically thinking.
"It was best SO. l will never see him
again. but / might have broken down
II l had attempted the final farewell
He shall not be disgraced, but the as
sistance shall come through my hus
band. He will help him. | know. and
he is so good and SO patient that he
will not expect too much from me
iust-at hrst."
Il say" said one club acquaintance OF
Laurence,s to another, Leicester Is In
luck I wish L had bis apDoGntmsnt
Uneomupo DoCWS