Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1900-09-22
jOAN'S EXPERIENCE
How Her Sister Was Caugh';
In the Trap She Had Laid
For Ioan


Ruth, Ruth, it's important; l want
you from the farther side of my
door.
| had resolved to devote the morn
ing to study, but, mother being on
the continent, | felt certain re-
sponsibility for my beautiful younger
sister. The ''important' decided me.
What is it," asked as she en-
tered the room.
you'll never guess. Lord Avon
mouth has proposed"
But you haven't accepted him." |
asked. fearful that inexperienced Joan
should trust her life to the man with
the worst reputation in the country.
"W'hy not?"
You don't know anything about
him."
Don't |? He's the most charming
man | ever met, and certainly said
yes"
what will mother sayT | asked,
rs Joan, not at all discounted at my
cool reception of her news, left my
room. humming the refrain of song.
PerpleXed with the situation that
had suddenly arisen, | went down
stairs to find our old friend and neigh
Dor, Jack NillcrS. of whose presence
the eXigcncies of the diplomatic serv-
ice. to which he belonged. would soon
deprive us. told him of my troubles,
and ended by asking his advice.
Ten minutes later he said:
This is my idea: Joan is impress
sionablc | have an old friend in town
who has a rare kEack of fascinating
girls. I'll get him down for weeks
shoot. If lie dcvotcS his time to Joan
it may destroy her inclination for
AvOnmouth"
The plan seemed feasible. l prayed
that Joan's affections would be divert
ed from their Objectionable object.
Two days later l received note
from Jack saying that his friend had
accepted the invitation and was COM
ing today.
When | descended about luncheon
time Jack and his friend were the only
occupants of the drawing room.
LET me introduce you to my Old
friend, Claude Blackwood." said Jack.
gave my hand mechanically. My
thoughts We're concerned with Joan's
future.
Later noticed that he had fine eyes
and there was plenty of him, but all
the same | was disappointed. Perhaps
| expected too much.
Soon Lord Avonmouth and Joan
strolled in from the garden. and. after
the usual commonplaccs. we went in
to luncheon. Before half an hour had
passed | discovered that Captain
Blackwood fascinated me and to such
an extent that almost forgot my
fears with regard to Joan. She. too.
seemed interested. Her white muslin
dress, decorated with a red rose at
her waist. showed off to advantage
her rich young beauty.
After lunch, while loan and l awaited
the men in the rose garden. was
strangely silent. | had only thought
for Jacks friend.
When the men had been with us
some few minutes Jack maneuvered SO
that Captain Blackwood and Joan
Strolled of to inspect some ruins at
the farther end of the park.
"Well contrivcd," whispered Jack as
they disappeared from our sight.
"Well cOntrivcd," | echoed abSently.
The next morning we assembled for
ride previously arranged. Jack
again managed that Captain Black
wood accompanied Joan.
Though the knowledge that he left
my side reluctantly gave me intense
secret pleasure. | found myself sur
rendering to desire for isolation and
soon | was alone with the softly whis-
pcring trees. Their sadness had never
seemed so attuned to my mood before.
Horses hOOfS, Il beating of my heart,
and Jacks friend drew rein beside me.
The whispering of the trees was so
beautiful | wondered l had not noticed
II before.
He did not speak. summoned cour-
age to glance at his face-Only for a
moment
81 think we had better find the
Others" | said. Il want to speak to
Jack"
"HaVc | offended you"
He never knew the effort it cost me
TO curb his ardOr when he reminded
me of my self imposed duty to Joan.
Ten minutes later Jack was beside
me.
"BlackwOod said you wanted me-"
81 want him to give all his time to
Joan. Have you forgotten our COM
pa.ct?"
He was so confused that l said to
him, whats the matter?' Then, as
he did not answer, Surely you can
tell me-" | said.
81 love Joan. have always loved her.
and you know its hopeless. hopeless,
hopeless"