The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1900-08-14

|, JOAN.S EXPERIENCE :;
How Her Sister Was Caught
In the Trap She Had Laid

] the continent, L lett certain re-
sponsibility for my beautiful younger
sister The important" decided me,
s'What is itY ! asked as she en-
tered the room.
You'll 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 1 ever met, and certainly said
yes"
''What will mother say" asked,
as Joan, not at all discounted at my
cool reception of her news, left my
room, humming the refrain of song.
Perplexed with the situation that
had suddenly arisen, l went down
stairs to find our old friend and neigh
Dor, Jack Villiers, of whose presence
the exigencies of the diplomatic serv-
ice, to which he belonged would soon
deprive us. l told him of my troubles,
and ended by asking his advice.
Ten minutes LATER he said:
'sThis is my idea: Joan is impress
sionable. l have an old friend in town
who has a 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. | 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 | 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.
1 gave my hand mechanically. My
thoughts were concerned with Joan's
future.
Later l 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
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
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 Unanswered 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," l echoed absently.
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 so attuned to my mood before.
Horses hoofs, beating of my heart,
and Jacks friend drew rein beside me.
The whispering of the trees was so
beautiful wondered l had not noticed
1t before.
He did not speak. l summoned cour-
age to glance at his face-only for a
moment.
81 think we had better find the
Others" / said 81 want to speak to
Jack"
"Haye offended you?
He never knew the effort it cost me
to 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-"
81 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 matterT Then, as
he did not answer. Surely you can
tell me-" ! said.
81 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 so distant to Lord Avonmouth
that he had betaken himself to Paris.
But had saved Joan by compromising
my life's happiness. l loved Captain
Blackwood, and feared with great
fear the day on which he would take
his imminent departure.
While he was near could be almost
happy But knew the blackness that
would supervene when he had gone.
He stood before me. l could not look
at him.
"RuthP
"GoodbyY' I whispered.
mot goodby, never goodby."
"Why?' | timidly whispered.
81 love you, l love you" Then,
after a pause Have you no word for
meY
Duty to Joan alone restrained me
from throwing my arms about his
neck.
.Have you no word for meY
l could not speak. | only shook my
head.
When | next had consciousness OF
things he was gone.
"Where's Ruth? cried voice.
1t was Joan's. | dried my eyes and
summoned the ghost of smile.
Here she isy' cried Jacks voice.
They entered together.
"Why didn't you come with us to
the station? Captain Blackwood was
in such a bad temper we left him be-
fore the train started said Joan.
"a good job. too" from Jack.
"Jackp' from Joan.
''It is. Joan and | are engaged. !
should never have asked If we hadn't