The Holly chieftain., 1901-06-28

1t fof Hours, when her lovsr - -
sent, recalling every trivial eiroun.
stance Of their last interview; aaid' tAaa
with blush at the thought of her
welcome another idaa,
touching in Its tenderness. to her heart,
and weep for JOY that she had resssved
the hrst fond love Of her young spirit
for him.
In such musings-such happy COM
panionship--a month passed rapidly
away. No word Of love had bseA
spoken between the two; yet enough
had been said Though something AZ
ways seemed to check the avowal upon
his lips) to leave her happy In the
belief that she was very dear to him.
True. he had never asked her to bs
his-had never told her definitely that
he loved her. But he had kissed her
hand: and "a lock Of that beautiful,
golden hair rose and fell with every
pulsation Of her happy heart.
Alas for that first sweet, innocent
joy! Ere long that sunny curl was
wet with bitterest tears. and hidden
carefully away-the first Of the lost
treasures which she. like every other
woman, was to gather around her AZ
she went through life.
It was her own folly that first came
between them. She was young and
childish; perhaps vain aud trifiing at
times. She loved him dearly, and yet,
secure In her possession. she was at
times very cruel to him. For when
man loves woman truly. she has It
in her power to hurt and torment him
in a thousand different ways.
Rose took the heart that had been
given her; and, half carelessly, half
maliciously, wounded 1t very grievous-
II.
Among the guests at Howiet House
was one who had been seriously In
clined to worship at her shrine before
Mr., We're had made his appearance
That he loved her she could not help
believing; that he was unhappy ,abtut
her, she and every one else around her
knew. And yet she allowed him to
hang over her chair-to talk to her,
to bring her ices-to hold her bouquet
when she danced, giving him encourage
ment lin the countless ways woman,
knows SO welD, without seeming to do
SO. u
Mr.. We're looked on and said nothing.
Shs was not engaged to him, and he
had no right to interfere. 1t may be
that he might have asked for such a
right; but in his heart he disapproved
SO strongly of her conduct. that he
preferred to watch the drama to itss
close before he committed himself III
any way.
The crisis came at last. They were
at party one even-this man and
Rose. Mr.. We're was absent, but was
expected later in the evening-a pro-.
ceeding on his part which did not
please his wilful lady-love. But shs
would not show her displeasure. She
listened to the passionate words that
were breathed In her ear, and said to
herself that she would not wear the
Willow" Come what might with that
thought, some chain that bound her
spirit seemed suddenly unloosened, and
she became the Eayest OF the fay. The
band struck up a waltx-couple after
couple glided easily away from the
ground around them, till she was the
only lady left
"One waltz-only one," breathed
that voice In her ear. rlf
She shrank back at first, we'll re-
membering In what terms Mr.. We're
had expressed his opinion Of the dance
few days before.
oh. l cannot!' s.s 9,s..,ss..-.
Surely you are not afraid Of Mr.
We're? He y not here he will not
know. VIII you not grant this favor
perhaps the last shall ever ask Of
your" NJ, ~. i,
The pleading glance u the sad. dark
eyes prevailed. She, rose from hsr
seat. His arm was around her waist:
his breath upon tef cheek; his voics
breathing passionate words OF admir-
atton in her not unwilltAy ear: and the
absent lover seemed almost forgotten.
People nads ! circle around the room
to watch them; for both were young,
and graceful. and beautiful, and they
moved as II they had but one soul be-
tween them. Roses vanity was reused
by the fiattering exclamations she
heard on every side. Flushed and
smiling and happy. she ;foated around;
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