Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1901-10-10


the charmed circle of loye making. and
his lips never asked her the sweet ques-
tion that Regina was growing sick at
heart to hear.
Me will propose tomorrow, ,'she would
always murmur to herself when he
would leave her after gazing at her
most tenderly with his handsome, love-
lit eyes, 'or perhaps the day after for
surely it must come soon.'
But the days came and went, and
still Earle St. Albans had left the sweet
question unasked, until at last but one
remained before the end of the season,
and grand ball was given at the hotel
to celebrate its happy close.
Surely he will propose tonight Re-
gina smilingly murmured as she stood
before the long mirror and looked upon
the wondrously beautiful reflection that
it showed her; for she wore dress OF
amber. hued satin that set off her dark
beauty as a golden frame does rich
picture, and that made her appear as
if enyeloped in starlight, for it glittered
with every motion of her superb form
in the soft light, while topaz tiara lit
up the midnight depths Of her hair with
the same soft, golden, starry light, and
clrclets of the same lovely gems flashed
upon her marbe-white threat and arms,
and fecked the dusky depths of her
laces, while the sweet, subtle odor OF
the golden Marechal Mel roses that she
carried aoatei all about her.
When she entered the brilliantly
lighted ball room she was instantly the
cynosure OF all eyes and was soon sur
rounded by little court Of her own.
But, although Earle St.Albans' hand
some eyes swept her perfect face and
form with glance of evident admira-
tion, much to Reginas chagrin he soon
left her side to claim Madeline Somers
"a beautiful, stately blonde, who was
looking radiantly lovely in dress of
white silk and frosty lace looped with
pearls and lilies, and with rope form
ed of the same cool. white gems, and
fragrant flowers cleaning in her golden
hair-for the first waltz, and after that
he still fingered by his fair partners
side and Kept himself obstinately aloof
from Regina.
The jealous. torturing pain in Regi-
mas heart became so great, as she
watched the handsome head of the one
man in the world to her bent low over
the golden head of her rival while he
clasped falling bracelet on her white
arm. that she feared she would cry out
aud betray to all that gay throng her
agony, and, turning almost pettishly to
her partner. she said:
Mr.. Howell, will you please take me
out Oh the balcony? I am sitting tor
want of fresh air. Thank you, | need
detain you no longer she murmured
softly when be had complied with her
request, for l love to watch the moon
light on the sea, and may remain here
for some time
Feeling himself dismissed, Mr.. How
ell turned away. and then Regina made
her way toward the seashore and seated
herself on the large boulder where she
had often watched with Earle the moon
as it rose out of the misty bosom of the
sea, for she wanted to be far away from
the gay throng whose happiness seemed
to mock her misery.
She had been seated there but short
time when she heard approaching foot
steps, and, looking up, she beheld the
kingly form OF Earle st. Albans clearly
defined in the moonlight, and as he
came he sang in a clear, tenor voice:
II hayejust been learning the lesson
of love.
The sad, sad Lesson of loving.
And all of it's powers of pleasure and
pain
Been slowly. surely proving"
With her heart beating with wild
throbs, Regina made room for him be-
side her, while she thought: >He Is 60
ing to propose at last
Earle she murmured softly as che
was looking up at him with pleading
glance in her dark eyes that glowed
like tropic stars, you have not been
near me all the evening"
YOU were surrounded by other ad-
mirers all the evening and knew you
would not miss me- he answered coldly
Then after a moments silence, he
added
But I have sought you now, Miss
Walraven, to say farewell, as this will
probably be my most convenient oppor-
tunity, for sail for Europe tomorrow
For EuropeT she echoed, while all
the lovely glow died out of her lovely