Columbia courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1902-1905, 1903-07-31
Woman's Choice
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>oARGARET ASHTON gazed
M ass IAN Hr rt her snS own t rse sm,e
q, satisfaction played around the cor
rors of her daintily curved lips.
Yes she was beautiful but tonight
sbo 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
10 her hair and clasped the pearl neck
lace carefully about her throat, then
nIcked up the two separate bouquets
that lay awaiting her.
White roses and lilies Of the valley;
she raised the latter to her lips softly,
for they were from Charley, Of course.
They were her favorite flowers and
he alwaya sent them, and the roses
were 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 my answer tonight. If 1t Is yes,
as fondly hope, please wear my flow
.ers as a token:
Margaret, l plead my love for you
40 the only basis of my hope, knowing
how unworthy l am to become your
husband.
But, Margaret, love you with all Of
true mans devotion, and will work
for you as never have before
Perhaps some day l will be able to
give you all the luxuries you now have
and deserve. l pray God that may.
Think of my love, and IL 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 1t 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, 30 long
as she had his love?
Then she noticed the other note lying
all forgotten at her feet.
She picked 1t 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 had
you In mind for some time as a most
proper person to share my wealth and
position.
l can give you anything you desire,
as you well know, and shall think your
beauty and wit fair return.
II your answer Is favorable, wear
my roses tonight at the De Forsh's.
Yours truly,
GERALD LORRIMER.
1t was short and to the point.
Her face grew pale and she shivered
slightly as she read 1t.
There was no mention Of love. Well,
'she was glad, for she hated him.
He was selfish and contemplate In
her sight.
she read the note again.
les, he certainly could give her ev-
rything to which she was accustomed.
ne was wealthy beyond a doubt.
She was sorely tempted. Life with
a,m meant wealth and ease. Life with
onariey' economy and toll.
she held up one slim hand and ex-
Alnihed 1t carefully. 1t was never
meant for hard work.
she unpinned the flowers and put
mem In bowl of water, then pinned
the roses in their place.
ehe sat back In the corner Of the
carriage with her wrap drawn closely
'"'ouliu her, as she was driven away.
~ was rather late, but what did 1t
nia.'er! Nothing mattered now.
e., ehe decided to marry Mr. Lorrimer.
Que must have wealth and Charley
couldn't give 1t to her.
her uncle wouldn't be expected to
Keep her In luxuries after she was
one mad put love and gold in the bal
'nee' and gold outweighed love.
weighed in the balances and found
wanting.
would she be happy?
oharley's face was continually be-
lure her white and hopeless; she
couldn't shut it out
toor Charley. how he would miss her
friendship, how lonely he would be-
CO, what would she do without h,m7
Shs loved him.