Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1900-09-20


yourself, l object to some of Miss
Palmer's friends
Il expect she meant to surprise you,
Frank"
ut certainly is odd" he answered,
quietly, then turned the conversation
to other matters; and Mrs. Dudley
hoped that she had been mistaken in
thinking that he was annoyed, for she
both liked and respected her future
sOn-in-law, and was thankful that her
child had chosen so wisely and well, for
Joan's wflful ways often filed the
fond, weak mothers heart with
anxious fear.
why did you not tell me, Joan?"
he asked, reproachfully, when they
We're alone together.
II did tell You that Laura would
not hear of my giving it up"
'And Laura's wishes are more to
you than mine"
Don't be cross with me, Frank, the
very first time we are together, after
all these days. she said, softly. Then,
as he made no answer, her manner
changed. Il cannot help it if you dis
approve she said curtly. You will
please to understand in the future that
/ decline to obey unreasonable COM
mands. | have promised Laura-and
Mr.. Sangster-to act. and l mean to
keep my promise" Then, as no an
swer was made to this speech, she
went on passionately, Il am not your
wife vet. and, If this is the sort Of
treatment am to expect, hope never
shall be-"
"DO you mean that, Joan?"
Eyes; if you expect me to be your
slave"
Il have no wish for that but l GER
tainly hope that my wishes will be of
more consequence to you than those
of mere strangers"
"And what about my wishes? Are
they to count for nothing? We have
made a mistake. | give you back
your liberty, and claim my own"
Frank Clements face grew white
and set, and Joan hardly recognized
his voice when, after Il pause. he said
rs that your last word, Joan?'
Nv Sill AtSlldltu- HAIL at
the effect of her words. Then came
the thought, He loves me too well
to give me up so with an angry will
ful gesture Joan turned away with the
one word, Yes and walked to the
window.
At the sound of the opening door she
looked round, just in time to see ii
close behind her lover and the sight
recalled her to her senses.
Frank she cried. springing to-
wards it. "Frank. l did not mean it."
But she was too late. Her words We're
unheard. Ere she could reach the hall
Frank Clements had left the house.
and Joan was alone. He will come
back" the girl told herself; but as
each day passed and her lover neither
came nor wrote. Joans heart grew sad
and heavy with fear and misery, and
she realized how deep and strong was
her love for the man, whose wife,"
she had said in her wilful anger, 'she
hoped she would never become" But,
calling pride to her aid. the girl spoke
no word, gave no sign of the misery
she was enduring. nor did she throw
up her part in the theatricals. On the
contrary, she entered into the prepara-
tons with eager excitement. and was
to all appearance full of gaiety and en-
joyment. accepted Mr.. Sangster's com
pliments and attentions with an almost
reckless defiance. and to her mothers
gentle pleadings and remonstrances
turned a deaf ear.
$50 il Is all over and ended" said
Joan, in n tone almost of relief, as she
and Mr.. Sangster stood alone together
in the temporary greenroom, after re-
ceiving the applause and congratula-
tions that had been called forth by the
success of the playa success mainly
due 10 the acting of Miss Dudley and
Mr.. Sangster. so said the audience.
The play" he answered. drawing
nearer to her: but not the reality OF
our happiness; that they only begun,
Joan" putting, as he spoke. his arm
around her waist. and imprinting a
light kiss on her cheek; but ere he
could say another word Joan had flung
herself free. AMI was demanding. with
blazing eyes, ow he dared to insult
herr"
Dared. Why Joan" with Il laugh,
II should have been II laggalt indeed
IT, after all the encouragement you
have given"
Il gave you encouragement" gasped
the girl. horror-strlcken nj the effects
of her folly, Then, drawing herself
NJ proudly. You forget that yosi
speak to Frank Clements. atiianced
wife"
1t Is not easy Ia remember he re-
piled. with u smile. which the
aiiianced husband goes off for an in
definite time. and not alone meaning
ly.
For al Indefinite time, Not alone.
What do you meanf'
And without telling his lady hove.
apparently. l. Il any wonder II she
A.