Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1903-12-26

1850 SIMPLY AbhN0 aO4AC4AC4 win
all her soul; but she was so afraid that
he should think her easily won that she
had pretended TO be Indifferent TO him,
and as she held his valentine in her hand,
she felt that it was all over between
them.
Jack was no longer a boyle felt it
was time that all nonsense should be at
an end-she told herself. How thankful
she was that she had never encouraged
his affection. She would steel herself
against him, and never let him know
what his changeablenesS had cost her.
She would go to the ball, and be the
gayest of the gay. No one should know
that proud little Rose Darnell could suf-
fer, nor even her parents, nor her brother,
Frank. They would be sorry for her,
and she could not bear their sympathy
it would touch a soft chord in her nature.
and tear away the cloak Of reserve she
meant to wrap around her
She would marry, yes, of course, she
would, as quickly as possible, in case any
one guessed her secret, and thought she
was waiting for the man she loved.
Rose, the sweet, soft Rose. had gone;
there was nothing but the thorns left.
Yet still sweeter blossoms would appear
in years to come. Roses heart was good
and true. She would overcome her trou-
bles, and be perfect woman in the end.
But not yet, the disappointment she felt
in what she thought was Jacks faithless-
ness towards her was too keen to permit
any soft feelings to enter her mind. She
meant TO bear it without n sign-to hard
en- herself against everyone.
She looked once more at her valentine.
smiled at the words her old lover had
written, then, crunching it up in her hand,
threw it into the fire, and ran up TO her
own room to see If her dress was quite
ready for the ball.
Never had the Faulkeners' ballroom
looked more beautiful than it did that
evening. Never had the castle or the
grounds been so charmingly decorated
Fairy lights and Chinese lanterns Were
to be seen everywhere in the park, while
within the castle, lights of every color
and description were found intermixed
with the most lovely flowers and ferns
that could be procured.
Jack Faulkener had asked his parents
to do this to celebrate his return home
and they had spared no trouble or ex-
pense to carry out his wishes. Very proud
they felt of their son as he stood beside
them welcoming their guests with ID
bright eXpectant look upon his handsome
face.
Presently the Darnells were announced,
and Jacks heart beat faster as he imagl
ined that the happiest moment Of his lif0
had arrived How he had pictured the
meeting with Rose that night; in fancy bel
had felt her hand tremble in his, as nd
looked into her eyes to see the loye-lighf
dancing in them; in fancy he already saw
his love-token at her throat, and he longed
to clasp her to his breast and bid her Shell
ter there for ever.
He stepped forward to greet her with
outstretched hand, but, TO his amazement,
she scarcely touched his fingers, and tried
to pass him.
or course she must be eoquetting, he
told himself, but second later he mol
ticed she was not wearing his golden
heart, and, forgetting all else, be turned
and walked across the room at her side
Rose, come in here" he said, with
such tone of authority that she obeyed
him; and he led the way into a small
ante-room and closed the door.
Rose he continued, what is the
matter with you? Have you not received
my valentine? DO you not understand
me yet? Surely l have not offended you.
dear, after all these years?"
"You have not offended me in the
least" she replied. Il perfectly under,
stand you, aud did receive your val
entine.n
Then what did you do with it?" be
asked, in cold, constrained voice
"Do you really want to know" she re-
turned, With frightening color.
Il do
We'll, then, threw it into the fire. Is
there anything else you would like to
know
Jack Faulkner hooked at her with the
utmost establishment depicted on his now
pale face, and with difficulty he checked
the words of anger that arose to his lips.
81 can only say | am surprised at you,
Rose" he returned, bitterly. "And is
this TO be the end of all our friendship p
sit will be the end OF all nonsense be
tween us, certainly" she answered "As
for friends, we shall have to be that. I
suppose. as father said last night that you
are to be our family doctor. Won't that
be delightful? How touching II will be 10
have you to feel my pulse, and look at my
tongue, won't it?" and Rose gave mock
ing laugh:
III shall refuse to at tend you" he re-
piled, hotlv. There Ire several other
doctors in Salisbury, g.. as clever as / am,
or more So"
That goes without saying" she re-
torted, with flashing eyes, 'if all accounts
are correct"
What accounts. RoseT
"Oh, ] need not repeat them" she re-
turned. in the same mocking tone. "And
now that we so thoroughly understand
each other, kindly take me back to the
ballroom. for | am engaged to Capt.
Stannard for the next valse."
Certainly" he replied, and opening the
door he led her to her mothers side. and
found Capt. Stannard waiting for her
with q pleasant smile.
TO BE CONTINUED.