Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1903-08-14
4 Woman's Choice

)Ml drea mily at her own reflection
HuN IN the mirror, and little smile
!. satisfaction played around the cor
vars Of her daintily curved lips.
~ yoo she was beautiful, but tonight
.,o must look her loveliest, for she
ros to attend the DeForsh's ball, and
charley was to be there.
She put few last finishing touches
I ~ ber nair and clagped the pearl neck
lace carefully about her throat, then
nlcked ND the two separate bouquets
that lay awaiting her.
white roses and lilies of the valley;
sho raised the latter to her lips softly,
for they were from Charley, Of course.
They were her favorite flowers and
he alwayo sent them, and the roses
we're from Gerald Lorrimer.
She held them up against her dress
TO note the effect, and instead of the
usual card note fell from each.
She opened Charley Hamilton's first;
| It ran as follows:
Dearest Margaret-You were to give
me nv answer tonight. If 1t Is yes,
as fondly hope, please wear my flow
ers as token.
Margaret, L plead my love for you
as the only basis Of my hope, knowing
how unworthy l am to become your
husband. t
But, Margaret, love you with all Of
a true mans devotion, and will work
for you as never have before.
Perhaps some day will be able to
give you all the luxuries you now have
and deserve. pray God that I may.
Think of my love, and If you can
give me any hope, wear my flowers
this evening. Your old friend and true
lover. CHARLEY.
Her eyes shone softly and her lips
trembled, as she read it through the
third time
She picked up the lilies of the valley
and pinned them tremblingly against
her corsage.
Life with Charley! What meant pow
erty or care or anything else, so long
as she had his love?
Then she noticed the other note lying
all forgotten at her feet.
She picked it up and opened 1t.
Let us glance over her shoulder.
My Dear Miss Ashton-I take this
opportunity of proposing for your HAND
In marriage.
Youmay be surprised, but have hat
you In mind for some time as q mos
proper person to share my wealth ant
position.
can give you anything you desire
as you we'll know, and shall think you
beauty and wit fair return.
II your answer is favorable, weal
my roses tonight at the De Forsh's
Yours truly,
GERALD LORRIMER.
II was short and to the point.
Her face grew pale and she shiveret
slightly as she read it. =
There was no mention Of love. We'll
she was glad, for she hated him.
He was selfish and contemplate Il
her sight.
ohe read the note again.
les, he certainly could give her ey
erythlng to which she was accustomed
lie was wealthy beyond doubt.
ohe was sorely tempted. Life wit
MN meant wealth and ease. Life wit
onarley, economy and toll.
she held up one slim hand and e1
amined 1t carefully. 1t was neve
meant for hard work.
she unpinned the flowers and pu
.nem in bowl of water, then pinne
'he roses In their place.
ohe sat back in the corner Of tn
carriage with her wrap drawn closel
around her. as she was driven away.
II was rather late, but what did
hiatterY Nothing mattered now.
she decided to marry Mr.. Lorrime
She must have wealth and Charlie
couldn't give 1t to her.
Her uncle wouldn't be expected
Keep her In luxuries after she we
married, So
she had put love and gold in the ba
ance' and gold outweighed love.
weighed In the balances and foun
wanting.
would she be happy?
oharley's face was continually b
iore her white and hopeless; 81
couldn't shut 1t out.
roor Charley, how he would miss h
friendship, how lonely he would b
and She
or wnat would she do without hin
She loved him.