Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1900-10-05
JOAN'S EXPERIENCE
How Her Sister Was Caught
In the Trap She Had Laid
For loan >, :, :, =, =, =,


Ruth, Ruth, It's Important; | want
YOU from the farther side Of my
door
| had resolved to devote the morn
ing to study, but, mother being on
the continent, felt a certain re-
sponsibility for my beautiful younger
sister. The important" decided me.
"What Is itr asked as she en-
tered the room.
you'll never guess. Lord Avon
mouth has proposed"
"But you haven't accepted hlmT
asked, fearful that inexperienced Joan
should trust her life to the man with
the worst reputation In the country.
"Why notT
"You don't know anything about
him."
Don't II He's the most charming
man | ever met. and l certainly said
yes"
"What will mother sayT | asked,
Ms joan, not Mt all discounted at my
cool reception of her news, left my
room, humming the refrain of n song.
Perplexed with the situation that
had suddenly arisen, | went down
stairs to find our old friend and neigh
Dor, Jack Villlers, OF whose presence
the exIgcncics of the diplomatic serv-
ice, TO which he belonged. would soon
deprive us. told him OF my troubles.
and ended by asking his advice.
Ten minutes later he snld
"This In my Idea: Joan IL impress
sionable. have an old friend In town
who has rare knack OF fascinating
girls. I'll get him down for a weeks
shoot. If he devotes his time TO Joan
II may destroy her inclination for
Avonmouth."
The plan seemed feasible. prayed
that JOan's affections would be divert
cd from their Objectionable object.
Two days later | received note
from Jack saying that his friend had
accepted the Invitation and was com
ing today.
When | descended about luncheon
time Jack and his friend were the only
occupants OF the drawing room,
"Let me Introduce you to my old
friend. Claude lakewood" said Jack.
gave my hand mechanically. My
thoughts were concerned with Joan's
future
Later noticed that he had fine eyes
and there was plenty OF him, but all
the same ! was disappointed. Perhaps
I expected too much.
Soon Lord Avonmouth and Joan
o. la, al
the usual commonplace, we went In
TO luncheon. Before half an hour had
passed discovered that Captain
Blackwood fascinated me and TO such
an extent that almost forgot my
fears with regard to Joan. She, too,
seemed Interested. Her white muslin
dress, decorated with red rose Mt
her waist, showed Off to advantage
her rich young beauty.
After lunch, while Joan and | awaited
the men In the rose garden. | was
strangely silent had only thought
for jacks friend.
When the men had been with us
some few minutes Jack mnneuvered 40
that Captain BlnckwOOd and Joan
strolled off to inspect some ruins at
the farther end Of the park.
"Well c0ntriyed." whispered jack as
they disappeared from our sight.
"Well contrlyed," echoed nbsently.
The next morning we assembled for
ride previously arranged. Jack
again managed that Captain Black
wood accompanied Joan.
Though the knowledge that he left
my side reluctantly gave me intense
secret pleasure | found myself sur
rendering to desire for Isolation, and
soon was alone with the softly whis-
pering trees. Their sadness had never
seemed 80 attuncd TO my mood before.
Horses hoofs, n heating Of my heart,
and Jnck's friend drew rein beside me.
The whispering Of the trees was 80
beautiful wondered had not noticed
II before.
lie did not speak. summoned cour-
age to glance at his face only for a
moment.
81 think we had better find the
others" said ~ want 10 speak 10
Jack"
"Haye offended your
He never knew the effort II cost me
TO curb his ardOr when he reminded
mo OF my self imposed duty to Joan.
Ten minutes later Jack was beside
me
"Black wood said you wanted me-"
II want him TO give all his time TO
Joan. Have you forgotten our com
pactT
He was 80 confused that said TO
him, "Whats the mntterr' Then. as
he did not answer. surely you can
tell me-" ! said.
II love Joan, have always loved her.
and you know IT'S hopeless. hopeless.
hopeless"
did not contradict him.
A week passed and Captain Black.
wood, happily, was still among us. Our
scheme, as far as Joan was concerned
had answered admirably. She had
been 80 distant TO Lord AyOnmouth
that he had betaken himself TO Paris
But had saved Joan by compromising
my lifes happiness. I loved Captain
Blackwood. ind feared with a great
fear the day ON which he would take
his Imminent departure.
While he was near could DO almost
happy But | knew the blackness that
would superyene when he had gone.
He stood before me. I could not looh