The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-01-04

A WOMANpS VICTORY
...H.as..s.s.s.s.-.,.ss.,.s.,...H.-.,.s.T.,.'.H.
By A. WIGHT.

q ~ 8 Gulrs Head
"a II Granite Cottage-a long,
wc9R low, old-fashioned build
ing stood few rods from the hotel,
and accommodated about thirty guests,
of whom Dorothy Strettoh was one.
Dorothy was at Gull Head with
her father and a widowed aunt, who
acted as chaperon.
People said she was Tie gentlest,
loveliest girl they ever knew with her
friends and with the unfortunate, and
that she was like ice FOR coldness when
she chose TO be.
Oscar Dinsmore, who had followed
her to Gull's Head, was boarding at
the Excelsior House. He was consid-
cred capital fellow" among his as
societies; he spent money freely, owned
a yacht, drove a handsome pair, was
witty, accomplished and had been
nearly everywhere.
This man, who had been fattered
and courted enough to spoil most men,
was IN love with Dorothy, and she was
not Indifferent to him, though she en-
deayored to be.
He was too bold lover to be daunt-
ed, however, and so one lovely night,
when pale young moon swung low
over the solemn sea. and the sound of
tripping feet mingled with the throb
OF viol and cornet in the hall, he
wrapped a shawl about her, drew her
out upon the balcony, told his story
as he alone could tell it, passionately
and tenderly, and waited for her reply,
scarcely doubling what it would be.
He gazed at her in amazement when
the girls sweet lips syllabied softly:
t'No.n
'Dorothyl ! would have sworn that |
you loved me. ! know you to be above |
trlfling with the honest love Of any
manr he cried
II think it will make you angry, but
! must speak, much as I value your
friendship. | refused your offer to-
night, Mr.. Dinsmore, because | know
that you are frittering away splendid
manhood and God does not put us into
the world to cultivate the meaner part
of our natures. 1t is an actual sin
for man of your ability and means
to drift with the tide, as you are drift
ing"
The low vibrant voice died away
upon the cold night air.
Oscar stood before her in confounded
silence, a hot flush burning his
brow.
And through this thought was the
uneasy consciousness of his own short
comings.
He collected himself with a sudden
effort, and smiled with cold courtesy
as he gave her his arm
"Sfiss Stretton is pleased to be critl-
CAL he observed. But even blame
from her own lips is an honor Shall
we return?'
Il knew You would be angry with
me-" she said, wistfulIy. just before
they entered the hall; but | have
spoken only the truth. Your future
lies in your own hands"
For weeks Oscar avoided Dorothy,
md lived so recklessly that he became
the talk of all tile people at Gulls
Head
Day by day the girl saw him whirl-
Ing by behind his handsome thorough
breds with set of men who were glad
to spend his money; or heard his voice
IN reckless laughter as he betted in
the bowling alley or billiard hall; and
not infrequently she saw by his flushed
face and unsteady eyes that he had
been drinking too freely.
Dinsmore never missed an expression
on the fair, pale face when she was
within sight, although he serupulously
avoided speaking to her. He took a
sort Of savage delight in his reckless
course. and in the grave sorrow Of the
girls eyes, and all the while his love
ror her grew stronger and stronger in
bis heart.
The summer was ended. The first Of
he September days had come. and Dor
1tby's party were preparing to return
10 town, The girl had suffered a new
experience, for the pain was too deep
Tor uninterested eyes to read.
IN the six years which followed, it