The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1900-11-01

IIe duuleuce rose 10 utJlll l..
Carol Milnot fingered; she was
10th to break the spell of en-
chantment. Her music loving soul
had been thrilled and delighted with
the grand, sweet harmony she had
just listened to.
do hurry, Carroll" said Elsie. 81
shall miss my train"
As they passed a group of young
ladies chatting gayly, Carol noticed a
tall, graceful girl whose lovely ami
mated face attracted much attention.
Isn't she charming" whispered
Elsie Jack Belmont's fancee-just
returned from Paris, where she was
educated
Jack Belmont:" repeated Carol,
sharply. Are you sure?'
Yes" positively. The H Club
is to give a dinner in honor of their
engagement. l was surprised" Elsie
continued, for l thought last sum
mer, that Mr.. Belmont was quite par
tial to a friend of mine. And she
glanced slyly at Carol, whose vivid
color was concealed by the dim light
Carol breathed sigh of relief as
Elsie hurried away.
Il will not believe this report" she
said to herself, with a panied. deter
mined look on her face. ''She is very
beautiful, just the kind of girl men
love at first sight-but not Jack. 4-e
would not forget me so soon, even
though no promise bound US. 1t can't
be true"
The Stuart-BelmOnt announcement
caused quite a stir in society. The
prospect of brilliant wedding, and
the bridal trousseau, We're minutely
discussed. Carols reticence, and APP
parent Indifference to such gossip
Kept her in ignorance of everything,
except the one dreadful fact which
she could no longer deny; Jack Bel
mont had given his love to another.
She would not condemn him. for she
believed herself at fault. He merely
admired her, and she had mistaken
admiration for love.
She welcomed any diversion that
would help her forget the past; so,
when the invitation came to spend the
Lenten season with a classmate who
lived in New York, she gladly accept
ell it. BY strange coincidence,
Jack Belmont arrived from London
on the same day.
One morning soon after Carol went
for walk in the park. 1t was glOri-
Gus day, warm and spring like. AS
she walked rapidly along she noticed
young man approaching who seemed
strangely familiar. She glanced at
him again.
why, it's jack she said. She
caught her breath-her heart gave n
bound. Belmonts handsome, genial
face beamed with delight as he has
tened toward her.
Miss Minot!" he exclaimed. what
an unexpected pleasure"
Carol greeted him with the graceful,
quiet dignity so characteristic of her.
If he noticed a difference in her man
ner he did not betray it. He seemed
in the best of spirits, and frankly
showed his delight at seeing her
again.
Carol felt perplexed and troubled;
his attitude toward her was too OBJ
vious to be mistaken. Could the rumors
concerning him be false? she asked
herself AS he led the way to a more
secluded spot a seat half hidden by a
hedge of willows invited his atten-
ton
"Shal we rest here awhile" he
asked wistfully.
Carol hesitated but after a second
thought consented.
1T seems an age since we parted
he said, as he took his place beside
her.
She glanced quickly at him. The
old fond look shone in his eyes. The
color deepened in her cheeks.
"Shall you return to B soon? he
asked eagerly.
MY plans are rather indefinite, -
she replied with a touch of dignity
LET me plan for you" he said a
twinkle in his eye.
Carol glanced at her watch. She
had hoped to rebuke limit was use
less to try.
Don't CO., he pleaded. Il wish to
speak of our club dinner-it comes off
next week. You must have heard
about it."
Eyes, indeed" she answered coolly.
ait is to be given in honor of your en-
gagement TO Miss Stuart. Allow me
to congratulate you"
She smiled family For moment
Jack looked surprised. but his keen
eyes noted something that sent thrill
to his heart.
"Thanks for your kind intention"