Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1900-09-25

environment introduced her possessed
that indefnable air of breeding. of cuI-
ture, of distinction which can be nei-
ther bought nor acquired. And she
found the melody of trained voices at
the opera sweeter than the triple note
of the meadow lark. the scent of hot
house roses more delicious than the
perfume of wild clover
And so, too. she discovered entrance
ment in the homage of Eldred Wier
Not that in his case there was the pos
sibillty of comparison. She had never
been touched by the attentions of her
former acquaintanceS. There had not
been one who attracted her. When
she came east, she was quite heart
whole and fancy free But missiles
the gentlest of missiles. well directed
did their deadly and delicious work
Perhaps these would not have been
so promptly effective, even If hurled
by Dan Cupid's unerring hand, had
Deronda realized that she was the
bright particular star of the season.
Had any one told her that her piquant,
golden brown beauty, her unconscious
air of aloofness, her repose begotten
of prairie life and placid daily duty,
had won for her higher need of ap-
probation than was usually accorded
u newcomer In an exclusive coterie she
would have opened her serene gray
eyes wide in smiling incredulity. All
the girls had admirers. Almost all the
girls had lovers. But not one of them
had such a lover as Eldred Wier
One month passed. two. three. And
always there were the same tributes.
always there was the same direct aud
personal Difference. Theaters, dinners,
dances, flowers. bonbons. gloves. after
noon visits. rides and drives Always
the same low. intimate tones, the al
lurement of lmpnssioned eyes. Then.
suddenly it seemed. 1t was time to go
home. Time to so back to the dull.
little town. to the rooms over the
depot, to the horde of clamorous chill
dren.
Eldred Wier was the last to leave
the Pullman. His worshlplng eyes de-
voured the beauty of the shy. ex-
pectant face. His hand held hers In
close and tender clasp He bent his
head. BE spoke In tone that thrilled
her.
You know, you must know, love
you. You know, could have my way.
would never let you go"
Then the train began to move. He
was gone.
Five years later there was tre-
mendous rush of travel westward. The
Nebraska town of Wymore was one
-
Detuous pleasure seekers. although
there We're many health seekers. too,
bound for the solacing serenity of Col
orado or the golden glory of California.
A splendid summer day was waning
when ii snortlng train dlsgorged Its
myriads on the depot platform. y
young man. nervous and haggard OF
aspect, helped an elderly woman to
alight. With scant show of patience
he hurried her into the waiting room.
II tell you I've got to leave you
awhile" he declared testify. i've n
letter to present to one of the eastern
officials of the road. His private car
is due here now I'll be back as soon
as can
Needless of her whlmpered objec-
tions he hurried of. a tail. beautiful
young woman. most charmingly gown
ed, attracted the observation of the
throng rs she came down the waiting
room. She noticed the woman sitting
alone and evidently i'll distress.
Can be of service" she inquired,
pausing.
The traveller. in apparel too elaborate
and youthful for her yenrs. looked up
into the gentle face OF the speaker. Her
wrInkled checks were chalky under
their rouge, and her false curls and
bonnet were awry.
Mo- she shrilled. needless of hear
ers. "No one can help me. brought
it ON myself. Me. worth halF a mil
lion. to go and marry that young whip
persnapper. that leaves me here like
bale of goods! Not even a drink of
water''-
The young woman brought her a
glass of water. set straight the disor-
dered hair and bonnet and fanned the
agitated old face. talking pleasantly
the while
ii am here" she said. ito meet my
husband. He Is one of the directors
of the road. There. his special has just
come in. He Is coming this way" She
rose eagerly There is some one with
him" SHE took Il step forward Wei
come. Will" as the stately man who
had hastened to her side bent and kiss
ed her.
A Wifo 6 ox,c