Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1908-06-27

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and generally contriYed to drop
across Jack; that young gentleman,
however. contrary TO expectations,
showed the utmost uneoncern; 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 seel" Mabel said to herself trl-
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 posst
BILE that he didn't care after all.
"The Colonel is a 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 Colonels name
In every time; he seemed a 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 seemed to think 1t must be a
pleasure to Mabel to keep on harp.
ing upon this one subject. At last
she could bear 1t no longer, but rose
abruptly and left the room.
Jack returned home moody and
dissatisfied. He was not at all sure
of his ground, but he consoled him
self by the thought that II 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.
II don't know" she replied sui
lenly. Haven't you heard that the
engagement has been broken orr"
II am extremely sorry" cried
jack Gould do anything to ex-
plain the misunderstanding
am sure 1t is only misunderstand-
ing?"
mo; It is quite irrevocable-L find
that I do not care for him 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 l 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-
tyr" she cried, wickedly.
Mabel" he cried, passionately, II
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 off in
the midst of his appeal and cried
fiercely:
II know that l am fool to let you
know!-I was told that you had no
heart--you cannot love nor know
what love is! Well, you have heard
my tale and added another conquest
to your list! And now farewell for
ever!" He turned abruptly and left
her standing there, - ,,,,s.
"Jack-Jack! Come back to me
I do love you'll"
And Jack turned to see her little
hands stretched out toward him,
while her wonderful beauty was en-
HANGED ten-fold by the soft light Of
love that shone from her eyes.
"Ah!" she sighed, her lovely head
resting on his shoulder, and her arms
encircling his neck, II did not know
what 1t was to be in love then-had
l known / would never have led 9TH
ers on!"
Then she put her arm through his
and they walked back very slowly
toward the house.-New York News
Tho AVuOaha