The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-02-24
HOW LOVE WON.


Margaret Ashton gazed dreamiiy at
her own reflection in the mirror, and a
little smile of satisfaction played
around the corners OF her daintily
curved li3s.
Yes, she was beautiful. but tonight
she must look her loveliest, for she
was to attend the DeForsh's ball. and
Charley was to be there.
She put a few last finishing touches
to her hair and clasped the pearl neck
lace carefully about her throat; then
picked up the two separate bouquets
that lay awaiting her.
White roses and lilies OF the valley,
she IA ised the latter to her lips softly,
for they were from Charley, of course.
They were her favorite flowers, and
ne always 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:
1t ran as follows:
Dearest Aargaret-You were to give
me my answer tonight. If it be yes, as I
fondly hope, please wear my flowers a.
a token.
Margaret, plead my love for you as
the only basis of my hope, knowing how
unworthy am to become your hus-
band.
But. Margaret, I love you with all
Of true mans devotion. and viii work
for you as I never have before.
Perhaps some day I will be able to
give you all the Injuries 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 trembhngly 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 it.
Let us glance over her shoulder.
My Dear Miss Ashton take this op-
portunity of proposing for your hand in
marriage.
You may be somewhat surprised, but
have had you in mind for some time
as most proper person to share my
wealth and position.
can give you anything you desire,
as you well know, and shall think your
beauty and wit a fair return.
If your answer is favorable, wear my
roses tonight at the DeFOsh's. Yours
truly. GERALD LORRIMER.
It was short and to the point
Her face grew pale and she shivered
slightly as she read it.
There was no mention of love. Well,
she was glad. for she hated him.
sight
She read the note again.
Yes, he certainly could give her ev-
erything to which she was accustomed.
He was wealthy beyond a doubt
She was sorely tempted. Life with him
meant wealth and ease. Life with Char
ley, economy and toll.
She held up one slim hand and exam
med II carefully. 1t was never meant
for hard work.
them in d bowl of water, then pinned
the roses in their place
She sat back in the corner of the car
rage with her wrap drawn closely
around her, as she was driven away.
1t was rather late, but what did It
matter2 Nothing mattered now
She decided to marry Mr.. Lorrimer
She must have wealth, and Charley
couldn't give it to her.
Her uncle wouldn't be expected to
keep her in Injuries after she was mar
ried, so"
She had put love and gold in the
balance, and gold outweighed love.
Weighed in the balance and found
wanting.
Would she be happy?
Charley's face was continually be-
fore her, white and hopeless; she
couldn't shut it out
Poor Charley, how he would miss her
friendship; how lonely he would be,
and she
What would she do without him ?
She loved him.
They were nearly there now
She called to the coachman; James,
drive back to the house as quickly as
/ possible; I have the wrong flowers
And as the carriage turned she threw
the white roses far into the street to
( be trampled under foot.
/ Love had Won.-Exchange
/ JOURN pR0pHECY