The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1900-04-04

contracted in anger He would put 4
stop to the thing. Yes, indeed. He
would show Mr.. L0velace or any other
man that Irene Benson was his OWL
particular property. His eyes flashed
fire and his mouth exhaled smoke tc
such degree as TO lend a fiereeness &c
his bearing which be was not entitled
to. He viewed himself in the mirror
opposite with satisfaction. Irene would
be his.
he certainly had of late fallen Cd
somewhat in his attentions, but he con-
viueed himself that this heralded no
change of feeling. II was simply care
lessness, and Irene, Of course, under
stood it. She, at least, trusted him, if
Others did not. She understood him,
dear, good girl thai she was. And be
would show the world that her conf
dence was not misplaced. He had
made mistakes-three mistakes-but he
had likewise discovered them before it
wss too late. Now, however, his choice
had fallen on the right person. He did
not try TO reason out why in the last
few weeks he had found enjoyment be
yond the limits Of the presence he now
eraved. He either forgot about that re-
dictionary spell, or generously fOrgave
himself at was his nature TO-"
He. consulted his program feverishly
and found he had the next two dances
with Irene. 1t was well, for with 30
much on his mind il was exceedingly
difficult for him to contain himself
II took but few minutes to find bis
partner and conduct her to the fragrant
bower where he had heard the story of
the roses. They had begun to droop
somewhat circumstance that Mr..
King put down as significant; the do
nor's hopes would die as quickly. Irene,
he thought, looked better than ever. In
spite of the fact that she had danced
almost continuously, her face was as
clear and cool as when she had COM
menced. while the simple and beeom-
ing dress that Miss Archer had sneered
at seemed fresh and uneTumpled.
Mr.. King gazed at her ardently, al
though he WINGED slightly whenever
she buried her protrudiug chin in the
rose petals. This chin had become per-
feetly moulded, in his altered imagina-
ton, and he disliked seeing it 10 such
close contact with an uDknOwn's gift
However, it was not his intention 10
disabase her mind Of the ideas it con-
tanned pertaining TO his generosity and
attention. Certainly he would not
again leave himself open to the charge
of neglect, and meantime Mr.. Lovelaee
or some other enviOus rival would de-
serve his gratitude for having stepped
into the breach.
Irene" said he. softly, and after 3
short search his hand found hers,
1--WE have been engaged for over two
months"
AYES, Bob"
There is nothing to prevent our get
ting married at any timer
''No, Bob"
Then, dear, suppose We fix the day"
''Oh, BobF' and Miss Benson's pale
face became suffused with an exquisite
bush that indicated maidenly pleasure
not unmixed with confusion.
ayes, dear, want you to Dame the
day. But it must be sOOn-inside Of
two weeks" exclaimed the enrapiured
man, his whole being longing for the
early possession of this treasure so mar
velousIy more precious with the in
creased demand.
''l'm afraid I couldn't get my trous-
seau ready in two weeks, dear" expos
tulated the bIushing damseI; ''there is
50 much to be done"
Then say in a month, he begged,
in amendment to bis former motion.
Self-saerifiee and generosity shone in
Irene's gray orbs as she shook her
head.
'No, dear" she whispered. "I shall
not dissppOint you in any way. 1t Will
be rush, but, since you desire it, I'll
Be ready in two week-two weeks from
to-day; and this is Wednesday"
"Are you sure it isn't asking too
much Of you, loved One?'
''SOtning would be too much for your
sake" she murInured.
"Brave little girlF' No one was in
sight: he rapturously kissed the pretty
mouth 81 close to the hlwers. Their
odOr, while almost sitting him, increas-
ed his desire for possession.
''Take one Of these roses IN memory
of this evening"" she purred. Her
dainty fingers extracted a bud from the
companionship Of its fellows aud held
it up within the shadow Of his Roman
nose. ~ shall press the Others" she
added. '.and keep them for ever
'.No, no; don't do that" exclaimed
Mr.. King, excitedly. "Fd rather give
you something more Iasting-more sub
stantial-tO mark the event with"
"But these flowers are so beautiful. "
"Yes, yes; but no more 50 than 9TH
ers I've sent you"
sOh, yes, they are, Bob. You never
showed such good taste before"
"Do you think So" be asked, in .
weak, hopeless voice.
'I'm sure Of it. And it's such q
handsome bouquet, too. Wear this,
dear, won't you. for my sake? You
should wear my colOrs, you know; and,
to be frank, was little disappointed
when l saw your buttonhole this even
ing.p
at was mistake, darling. Strange,
though, isn't it, that Mr. LOyelace
should be wearing a rose the same
color as yours p
"Now you speak Of 1t, it is funny.
Oh, wouldn't it be awful if any one
thought that he sent me the bouquet
And people might, too, on account Of
your wearing pink"
The pretty mouth contracted in be
coming pOut that greatly lowered Mr..
Kings opinion Of his own qualities.
mo one could think such thing, ("
be said with forced gayety, consider
ing that you are engaged TO me-"
"But the world is cruel, dear. know
.-,., ana fr,,uf 49,, ~ 49, -