The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1908-04-29
II Mabel felt mortified at his an

anu lti iouoheSi i~'N@
sounded merrier nor more unaffected
than as she led the way back to her
parents.
"a very successful evening"" Jack
commented, as he threw himself
down on the bed.
Positively detestable!" cried Ma
bel, "I hate him!-and l know he
does care for me-he couldn't help
it,"
Jacks visits were frequent after
this; he said there was nothing he
liked better than a conversation with
Mr.. Harley, and one of Mrs. Harley's
cups of tea.
Mabel's conduct toward Jack
changed and she became more "stand-
offish." Under these new tatics she
felt sure she should draw him on.
II have it," she cried, after hav-
ing lain awake for two whole hours
plotting; "I'll make him jealous!"
Then she rolled over and went to
sleep in less than five minutes.
Now there was in the neighbor-
hood certain Colonel who showed
undisguised admiration for Mabel.
She went walks with the Colonel
and generally contrived to drop
across Jack; that young gentleman,
however, contrary to expectations,
showed the utmost unconcern; he
raised his hat and positively smiled
when he first met them-to Mabel's
great disgust.
A week later the neighborhood was
surprised by the announcement that
Miss Harley and the Colonel were
engaged to be married. Now we
shall see!" Mabel said to herself tri-
umphantly.
The next day Jack dropped in for
tea; Mabel met him with a smiling
countenance.
81 suppose you have heard the
news?"
"Yes," he replied, cheerfully, "and
have taken this early opportunity Of
calling to congratulate YOU" He
spoke so calmly, could 1t be possi-
BILE that he didn't care after all.
"The Colonel is splendid fellow!
So handsome! Everybody is fond
of him-and though you perhaps
could have done better-well, it's
best to choose the one that we real
ly love-"
Then Jack took his seat at the
table, and talked away to the older
couple, but the worst of 1t was he
seemed unable to speak to Mabel
without bringing the Colonel's name
in every time; he seemed good deal
more pleased about the arrangements
than Mabel herself. Why couldn't he
let the subject drop?
"And when is the marriage to take
place, Mabel?"
II don't know!" She answered so
shortly that both Mr.. and Mrs. Har-
ley turned to look at her.
Only Jack didn't notice, and went
on innocently:
Anyway, you'll invite me to the
wedding-I shall be back in town by
then, expect, but you must write
and let me know"
Jack returned home moody and
dissatisfied. He was not at all sure
of his ground, but he consoled him.
self by the thought that If he had
betrayed his love, she would only
have treated him the same as the
rest of them-better that she should
never know.
The engagement with the Colonel
only lasted fortnight, then the re-
port was circulated over the town
that the match was broken off. That
afternoon Jack made another call.
"And how's the Colonel?" he
queried.
They were standing alone in the
garden together.
Il don't know" she replied sui
lenly. Haven't you heard that the
engagement has been broken OFF,"
Il am extremely sorry" cried
Jack. Gould do anything to ex-
plain the misunderstanding /
am sure 1t is only a misunderstood
ing?"
NO; 1t is quite irrevocable-I find
that I do not care for him-I love
another"
There was look in her eyes that
conquered Jack all in a moment. He
knew that he was a fool. He had
been forewarned what would happen
he went into the snare with his
eyes open-simply because he could
MT help it.
Mabel" he gasped, "dare 1 hope
that am the one?"
She looked at him unmoved, that
tickle smile still upon her lips. "But
you know, you did not intend to be
married until you were at least thir.
ty?" she cried, wickedly.
Mabel" he cried, passionately, 81
have loved you all along!" And he
was pouring into her ear the tale OF
burning love.
So she had conquered, at last her
revenge was consummated!
Perhaps Jack saw something of tri.
umph in her eyes, for he broke of in
the midst of his appeal and cried
fiercely:
II know that I am a fool to let you