Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1900-05-10
onntlv FOR the mothers distress was

gently, for the mothers distress was
also very great, whether he Is atten.
tive to some one else. Have you ever
noticed his taking pleasure In the So
ciety of any girl here!"
"Oh, no." Mrs. Langlois replied, has
tily, but suddenly her face changed.
"Surely," she said. as If to herself.
che cannot care for Marion Reed! And
vet, now that my mind Is drawn to 1t.
l have noticed him often with her. But
Marion is such a gay little tlirt. and
then she knew of Carls engage
ment-"
"Ahw Mildred said quickly. that Is
not enough to keep some girls from
trying to win away mans love. 1t
may be that she has drawn him away
from me. But we must make sure, my
dear friend-for feel that you are my
friend-and If 1t Is true will willing
Nv give him up to her If 1t Is for his
happiness"
They arranged it that Aiillred's pres
ence in the house should be kept IL Sc
cret from Carl and that his mother at
meal time should question him in Il
way not to arouse his suspicious; so,
as the two sat alone at dinner, Mrs.
Langlois carelessly said:
What charming girl Marion Reed
is, Carl!'
Isn't she, mother:" he cried enthu-
siastically. do you know she quite
fascnates me:"
Carl" his mother said gravely, that
Is not the way for Il man soon to be
married to another wOmall---
"Pshaw, mother" Carl exclaimed,
impatiently. you know told you Mil
dred would never set the day, and we
may never he married ut ALL
You are right, Mr.. Ianglois," said
Mildred who had been unable to re-
sist the temptation of listening unseen;
you are right. We never will he mar
ried. You are quite welcome to ask the
fascinating Miss Reed to be your wife.
for l am hencefortl Il stranger to YOU
Before Carl could recover from his
establishment she was gone, and as her
train was just ready to depart she was
out Of his reach, and the passionate
protests Of affection which he was pre-
pared to make, the promises of future
fidelity, were never uttered.
Now that lie had lost her, Mildred APP
peared to Carl as II precious treasure
which he would give anything to pos
sess. The attractions of Marion Reed
paled into insignificance and lie took
the next train in pursuit Of Mildred,
hoping that he could win her back.
But once assured Of the flaws In her
idol Mildred had cast him out of her
heart, and though it was sore 1t was
not broken, because she realized his un
wOrthiness. She refused to see Carl
and returned his letters unread. With
in a week, mortified mt his rejection, he
had offered himself to Marion Reed.
"Why, you're going to marry some
girl in Lawrence" she replied opening
her blue eyes wide.
NO. 1 am not" he said. shortly. II
am going to marry you II you will have
me-"
"Well, won't" replied the pretty
tiirt, decidedly. II was only amusing
myself with you. my dear boy. | hope
your heart Is not broken" she added
mockingly for runors of the true state
of affairs had reached her ears.
"E'lirting is sometimes dangerous
game, my friend especially If there is
IA Jealous sweetheart ut the other emil
Of the line" she announced laughing
ly. And with her hooking laughter
ringing in his ears Carl Langlois walk
ell away to repent of his folly, by
which he had lost that greatest of
gifts-a woman's love.-The Column
bian.