The Delawarean., 1900-08-25
JOAN'S EXPERIENCE /
How Her Sister Was Caught
In the Trap She Had Laid
E.cr Joan. !: J: I: !: !: ::
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In the Trap She Had Laid
For Joan. :: :; :: :: :: ::
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Ruth, Ruth, it's important; 1 want
YOU from the farther side Of my
door
l had resolved to devote the morn
ing to study, but, mother being on
the continent, l felt certain re-
sponsibility for my beautiful younger
sister. The important decided me.
''What is it," l asked as she en-
tered the room.
'You'n never guess. Lord Avon
mouth has proposed"
"But you haven't accepted him?"
asked, fearful that Inexperienced Joan
should trust her life to the man with
the worst reputation in the country.
WHY not?"
you don't know anything about
him"
Don't 1? He's the most charming
man l ever met, and 1 certainly said
yes"
''What will mother say?" I asked,
as Joan, not at all discounted at my
cool reception of her news, left my
room, humming the refrain of a song.
Perplexed with the situation that
had suddenly arisen, l went down
nnstairs to find our old friend and neigh
~ Nilliers, of whose presence
lcies of the diplomatic serv-
Beich he belonged, would soon
Ae us. told him of my troubles,
9hd ended by asking his advice.
Ten minutes later he said:
''This is my idea: Joan is.-impres-
sionable. 1 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
it may destroy her inclination for
AvonmOuth."
The plan seemed feasible. 1 prayed
that Joan's affections would be divert
ed from their Objectionable object.
Two days later l received a note
from Jack saying that his friend had
accepted the invitation and was COM
ing today.
When I 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 Blackwood," said Jack
I gave my hand mechanically. My
thoughts were concerned with Joan's
future.
Later I noticed that he had fine eyes
and there was plenty of him, but all
the same l was disappointed. Perhaps
I expected too much.
Soon Lord Avonmouth and Joan
strolled in from the garden. and after
the usual commonplaces, we went in
to luncheon. Before half an hour had
passed l discovered that Captain
Blackwood fascinated me and to such
an extent that l almost forgot my
fears with regard to Joan. She, too,
seemed interested. Her white muslin
dress. decorated with a red rose at
her waist. showed off to advantage
her rich young beauty.
After lunch. while Joan and l awaited
tire men in the rose garden, l was
strangely silent. l had only thought
for Jacks friend.
When the men had been with us
some few minutes Jack maneuvered so
that Captain Blackwood and Joan
strolled off to inspect some ruins at
the farther end of the park
"Well contrived," whispered Jack as
they disappeared from our sight.
"Well contrived," / echoed absently
The next morning we assembled for
q 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, l found myself sur
rendering to a desire for isolation, and
soon was alone with the softly whis.
pering trees. Their sadness had never
seemed so attuned to my mood before
Horses hoofs. a beating of my heart
and Jacks friend drew rein beside me
The whispering of the trees was SC
beautiful 1 wondered l had not noticed
it before.
He did not speak. summoned cour.
age to glance at his face-only for a
moment.
81 think we had better find the
Others" said. ''I want to speak to
Jack"
"Have offended you?"
He never knew the effort it cost me
20 curb his ardor when he reminded
me of my self imposed duty to Joan.
Ten minutes later Jack was beside
me.
"Blackwood said you wanted me-"
II want him to give all his time to
Joan. Have you forgotten our COM
pact?'
He was so confused that l said to
him, whats the matter?' Then, as
he did not answer, ''Surely you can
tell me-" l said.
II love Joan, have always loved her,
and you know it's hopeless, hopeless.
hopeless"