Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-03-17
A Serious Mistake
 By E. NEWTON BUNCEY

sionately.
 As in dream gazed into the beau- tiful eyes of Joan Ainslie, while I held her tightly in my arms.
 We stood in the old garden which sur rounded the home of my love in the little town of Errington. Joan was an or plan, and, with the exception of an old servant. she lived alone. She sometimes spoke of her brother, Jack Ainslie, who had long ago gone to Oregon, and had never since been heard of. but otherwise she had no living relative.
 met Joan at garden party almost directly after went to live at Firing ton. and at once fell in love with her. Now, six months afterward. had asked her to marry me. and her reply was still sounding, like the music of fairies, in my ear.
 Allan, I have a little confession to make to you" said Joan during the even- ing. She nestled closer to me and hid her face against my shoulder as shs spoke.
 How terrible!" cried. with laugh. Say on. and will consider the case"
 'You-you are not the first man whom I promised to-" She paused. and her hands clutched nervously at each other.
 "Ha! Then there is another?" cried. in affected dramatic style.
 Joan seemed glad that I was only amused, and then told me that two years ago, when she was only IS years of age, she had agreed to marry visitor from Philadelphia. His name was Jack Car stairs. and he left Errington. promising to write to her. This he did, but eventu- ally went to South America, since when Joan had not heard anything from him.
 And what was my rival like?"I ques- tioned.
 "Oh. not your rival, dear" she mur- mured. "I did not really love him: it was but girlish ipfatuation. which got over almost directly after MT. Car stairs left Errington.' But what was he like?" repeated.
 Well, not quite so tall as you. nor SO good looking. and he had thick beard. Ugh! I'm glad you haven't beard, AL lan." Joan stopped and blushed vio- lently, and after little while she made me understand why she preferred clean shaven faces.
 Time went on. and Joan and lived in the little earthly paradise we had con- structed. until. as in olden time. the ser pent entered.
 Although had laughed away the story of Jack Carstairs. yet could not get rid of an absurd. jealous feeling that clung to me. By degrees I began to hate this man whom had never met, and whom I thought never should.
 It was one evening about nine months after our engagement, that I climbed into loans garden over the fence. in my usual manner. for it saved going rouni to the gate Suddenly caught sight of a figure striding up the path. In my as- tonishment I paused. and there came . wild. jealous tug at my heartstrings.
 It was Jack Carstairs!
 There he was. just as Joan had de- scribed him. Slightly shorter than I was. wearing a beard. and bronzed. pre- sumably by the warm sun of South America.
 The door was open. and, without knocking. he deliberately entered. From where stood could see Joan through the open window. saw her spring to her feet as her visitor entered. for mo- ment they gazed at each other uncer- tainly.
 Jack"
 "Joan,'
 heard their voices distinctly. and then-then they were clasped in each cther's arms.
 For a moment all became dark around nle. while a great pain seemed to tear my heart asunder. Again looked. and he was kissing her. Then. with smoth- cred groan burst from the garden and rushed madly away. whither knew not nor cared.
 When returned to my senses. dark ness had settled down over the land. I was striding rapidly along the high road. A little way aheai of me through the trees could see the light in loans house. and toward this point hurried. dull rage burning in me. and a red glare seeming to burn before my eyes.
 I entered the garden and then caught sight of Joan standing alone on the lawn The rage within me burst forth into a relentless fury. and. hasten irg up to her seized her harshly by the arm
 so your lover has gone," almos. shouted
 She gazed at me in terror. and triei to shrink away from me. but held her firmly.
 This is how you show your love fer me. is it-- said hoarsely- My grip vas tightening on her arm 70 that shs vineed with pain- but in my blind rage I saw pothing
 Then as I looked into her beautiful eyes. and thought of them gazing up at another as they eazed up at me. and thought of her red lips pressed aeains. hfx nr Sna 1<vr-~ v>U~ t-~~~-~ =, ~x~x>u~