Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-10-09
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Maude Trevelyan's black eyes were
flashing with mingled jealousy and an
ger, as she stood beside the lounge
over which George Mays new dress
was lying-a dainty white Swiss,
trimmed with Valenciennes ruffles,
sheer and pure as foam-sparkles.
"Of course you like 1t, Maudie? You
couldn't help admiring it, could you?"
Georges glad, eager voice was so
sweet, SO girlish, that its very gay
freshness stung Maudie Trevelyan.
"oh, yes, it is very elegant indeed
rather elaborate, perhaps, for the
occasion
George touched the sole material
tenderly.
White is never too elaborate,
Maudie; and it costs so little-noth.
ing-for the making. Do crafty me
by praising it unreservedly, Maude!
Tell me you think it will be becoming
and stylish for the reception at The
Larches!"
She was such a sweet, honest little
pleader. not in the least ashamed of
wanting to be told her new dress was
lovely, and@when she lifted her bright
little face, with its clear complexion
and laughing gray eyes, Maude could
hardly refrain from striking it.
For since Sydney Elvinly had shown
himself somewhat fascinated by those
same sweet, honest eyes, and Geor-
gle pretty, winsome ways, Maude
had known what it meant to hate with
deep hatred and desperate jealousy.
From the very first Maude had so
greatly admired Mr.. Elvinly, and he
had seemed to equally admire her.
He was, very handsome and attrac:
tive, and just, such gentleman as
would naturally attract such dash
ing, stylish girl as Maudie Trevelyan,
herself as pretty as beautiful dark
eyes and luxuriant, blue-black5 hair,
cream and rose complexion, and a
proud, well-cut mouth, could make
her.
1t had been grand triumph at
first to Maude, when Mr.. Elvinly had
chosen her as special recipient of
his attentions, although he was by no
means exclusive. Then the triumph
had been changed to happiness, as she
found out more and more of his good
qualities. and his sweetness of tenn
per, and grace of mind; and Maude
had come to love him with all her
strong, passionful heart Then, right
in the midst of all the happiness she
was experiencing, George May intrud-
ed-plain, yet bright little George,
with her unassuming ways, SO win
somely sweet, her honest joyous ma
ture.
She had come to spend month
with her cousin, who was one of
Maude's friends, and naturally, in the
course of time, met MIR. Elvinly; and
then-it was evident to every one that
Sydney was attracted by the sweet
charm of her manner, and even hot
headed. jealous Maude, could accuse
them of being aught more.
But it will come to more! Mr.. FL
vinly is SO delighted with her, and
she-sly little cat!-pretends she val
ues his friendship only, when all the
time she uses all her skill to entrap
him"
Maude really meant what she had
told herself, this bright morning,
while she stood looking at Georges
new dress, made to wear at the recep.
ton of which the girls had been talk
ing for weeks, and which she knew
would be SO beautifully becoming to
Georges fair, sweet face, with its
thoughtful eyes, and her soft brown
hair, that she wore SO unlike the other
girls wore theirs-no elaboration of
crimps, and puffs, and braids, but
parted over her pretty forehead, and
drawn in loose, natural waves off her
face to the back of her shapely head,
where it was caught with a knot of
some bright ribbon.
And this fair, gentle girl was to 20
to the reception, and Sydney Elyinly
would see her, and admire her, and
single her out, perhaps, for special
attention, and, likely enough, under
the influence of her pretty, bright
ways, make love to her.
It almost maddened Maude to think
of 1t. 1t was matter of almost in.
difference to her that she would be
equally well dressed and certainly
handsomer than George; she had no
thought excepting that George was
her rival, and, If she proved a success.
full one, Maude's own misery was in.
sured.
There were such thoughts as these
trooping through Maude's brain as she
stood looking at the foamy white silk
dress.
Then, as she turned away, there
was flash in her eyes-a flash and a
sparkle of satisfaction-for something
had occurred to her almost like an
inspiration; and her pretty, eager face
WAS eloquent~of 1t as she walked
down the street.
George May shall not have the
pleasure of wearing her new dress
and fascinating people generally-and
Sydney Elvinly in particular! She
shall stay away from the reception
at The Larches-I will keep her away!
And then-once out of sight-Ill risk
her being out of Mr.. Elvinly's mind.
I'll see to it that he has no chance
TO regret her absence"
Her eyes were bright with deter.
Mutation and excitement 40 she walk