The White Pine news. [volume] (Treasure City, Nev.) 1868-1906, 1903-09-17
Woman's Choice


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AC ARGARET ASHTON gaze
IAf6I dneam.ls al her own re3setoi
3S2 81 The mirror. and a ltae smiil
II satisfaction playei around The coz
uesS . hez d~alntliy curved NnS.
les she VS. beautiful hut ta-nga'
sbe mast ioak aer soveslest fer sh'
usS 10 attend ihs rsFossh's bail ans
Charley vas l. lie tasrs
Sc put a few las finishing touches
10 her hair and clssped the pearl neck
lace carefully about her throat, then
pi5kcd up the two separate bouquets
that a. awaiting her.
White rsseS snl lilies Of the valley
she raised The latter 10 her lips softly,
Tor they were from Charley. o course.
They were her favcrte flowers aud
be always sent them. and the roses
nee from Gerald Lorrimer.
Sic held them az against her dress
10 note the effect. aud instead Of the
usual card a note fell from each.
She opensd Charley Hamiltons frs;;
il ran - follows:
Dearest Margaret-You We're 10 give
ne my answer tonight. II il Is yes,
as / fOndly hope, please wear my flow
ers as a token.
Margaret, l plead my love for you
as the only basis Of my hope, knowing
how unworthy | am to become your
husband.
But, Margaret, l love you with all of
a true mans devotion, and Will work
for you as | never have before.
Perhaps some day l viii be able to
give you all the luxurles you now have
and deserve. | pray God that may.
Think of my love, and II 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 Charleyi 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.
Ny Dear Miss Ashton 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.
| can give you anything you desire,
beauty and wit a fair return.
IL your answer is favorable, wear
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 shlyered
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.
Yes, he certainly could give her ey.
erything TO which she was accustomed
lie was wealthy beyond a doubt.
She vas sorely tempted. Life witt
him meant wealth and ease. Life witt
Charley, economy and toll.
She held up one slim hand and ex
amined 1t carefully. 1t was never
meant for hard work.
She unpinned the flowers and pu
them in a bowl of water, then pinne,
the roses in their place.
She sat back In the corner of tn,
carriage with her wrap drawn closet,
around her, as she was driven away.
1t was rather late, but what did /
matter? Nothing mattered now.
She decided to marry Mr.. Lorrimer
She must have wealth and Charlie.
couldn't give 1t to her.
Her uncle wouldn't be expected t
keep her in luxuries after she wa
married, So
She had put love and gold In the bal
ance, and gold outweighed love.
Weighed In the balances and foun
wanting.
Would she be happy?
Charley's face WAS continually b,
fore her white and hopeless; sh
couldn't shut II out.
Poor Charley, how he would miss he
friendship, how lonely he would b,
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 O
possible; | have the wrong flowers"
And as the carriage turned she tire
the white roses far into the street, I
be trampled under foot.
Love had won.-Indianapolis Sun.