Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1902-05-29

happen when Belle would become the rich
Mrs. Curry.
The young lady herself was not in the
least disturbed by any such prospect. The
man was positively disagrccable to her.
lie was gentlemanly in his ways. cold
and unemotional one to whom generous
impulses were strangers. He was devot-
ed to the care of the large fortune that
had been left him by his late uncle, a
great war contractor and was constant
~ looking out for chances to swell it
by speculation. This was the last man
that might naturally be expected to fall
in love. But beauty draws us by n
single hair" and the first sight OF Belle
Maxwell effectually did the business for
Leander Curry. He had been prevailed
upon, against his custom, to buy ticket
for charity concert. in which "homc tai.
ent' was largely to be represented. The
gem of the evening proved TO be q song
10y Miss Belle Maxwell. which was heart
lily applauded and encOrcd. The grace
and beauty, as well as the pure, sweet
| voice OF the singer, made deep impress
sion upon the vast audience. and they
actually struck some sparks from MIR.
Curry's hinty heart. He came. saw,
| was ne DccHult
a frequent caller at the humble Maxwell
home and this condition OF things had
| been in progress for some months at
the time that our sketch opens.
All this time we have left Mr.. Curry
standing at the door, while our necessary
| explanation has been made. He might
still be standing there. for all Miss Max
well would do to admit him: and the
widow. seeing Bellies perfect indiffer-
cnce. answered the ring herself. in Il
great state OF vexaton. She presently
returned with the caller. who saluted the
young lady. receiving a distant return.
Mr.. Curry was practical, ut least. and
never wasted time. The particular object
Of his call was made known before he
| had taken a seat.
Miss Maxwell. | have lately bought
a pair Of fine trottcrs, and have not yet
had them out on II long ride. am go
ing over to Ridgford tomorrow. and
should be pleased to have you accompany
f, me. 1t Is n business trip. but think it
will he pleasant one. 1t WILL of course,
take eI day"
The widows heart leaped. Things wer,.
getting on admirably. For her daughter
to be seen riding with Mr.. Curry behind
those trotters was almost as good as an
engagement of marriage. She had never
heard of his taking lady out to drive.
The next instant Belle made reply
that gave her mother chill
Il am greatly obliged to you, sir; but
il would be impossible for me To 30 to-
morrow. have promised to sing at the
public Memorial Day exercises in the
square"
You should not decline on that ac-
count" the mother eagerly put in You
can get them to excuse you. There are
others that can sing. Go with Mr..
Curry, by all means"
The girl looked at both her mother
and the gentleman with quiet but Sc
we're dignity She was a dutiful child:
but there are occasions when mild re-
: proof from child to parent Is the correct
thing; and il was so now.
II shall sing at the exercises. as
, promised" she said, decidedly "Ever
since the war closed, from the time was
a little girl. | have taken part in the
: observance of this day, and l shall do 81
as long as live. You surely can't mean
to advise me against it, MOTHER"
mo, Belle, you know l would not: but
| this Is an unusual Invitation"
at must be declined" was the hrn
t interruption.
Mr.. Curry was very much vexed, ant
, was indiscreet enough to show it. III,
, was also foolish enough to say somt
, things in his vexation, which, while cor
rectly representing his own narrow views
were very impolitic things to say in thi,
|, house.
= II am much disappointed, Miss Max
!, well. at your refusal"
' She did not think ii necessary to say
r that she too was sorry; for she was no
a sorry, and this was the last man oil
/ earth that she would tell white lie To
+ for the sake OF mere politeness.
h And | am rather surprised" he pur
l. sued, that you should prefer such
\ meaningless show TO a pleasant ride il
y the country at this charming season"
$ Meaningless show! The blood of he
l. heroic sire flushed up in the girls cheel
Z at the words; but she kept back her tenn
l. per. and kept silence.
4 1T has always seemed to me TO be
c very silly parade OF false sentiment" IN
Il doomed man went on. THE soldiers Ell
= listed as a mere matter of business: the,
l. We're paid for their work: those that di,
n took that risk at the start; the accoun
il was closed some years ago. For sens
d bile people to get up these observance
ID every year. to sing. and pray, and pala
ID ver and have n great fuss with flower
IL over a pack of dead soldiers seems I
I'd me the very foam OF folly. | wish"
le lie never had the opportunity to eS
II press his wish. Belle Maxwell bounde
al from her chair with flashing eyes an
Id burning face.