The Delta independent., 1910-07-08

to do.
But Roger was busy in his own fer
ret-like way. That Eunice Trevecca
was secretly pining her heart away
for Wilfrid Stennis became perfectly
clear to Hews the unsuccessful. Since
the formers return the girl had grown
perceptibiy thinner and paler her step
had lost its pretty quickness, her man
ner lacked its old-time buoyancy and
sprightliness.
The certainty that his diagnosis was
right fairly infuriated the rival suitor.
Originally he had approached the girl
in spirit of sordid speculation, with
only the counterfeit pretence of love
upon his lips. But as the womanly
sweetness and the unattainable nature
of the prize became apparent, 80 did his
feelings change, and be who came to
barter with woman's heart remained
to beg for kindly glance. to yearn
for a word that might give him hope.
For Hews was deeply, passionately
smitten with Eunice Trevecca. To
such pass had it come with him that
to win her he would have been willing
to forego the golden fruit of all his
plottings and schemings.
Again and again did he try to ap-
proach the forbidden topic of his love,
but always with the same quiet avoid
ance Of it on her part. He had prom
fsed to respect her wishes, but the
hoodgates of passion were at length
overflowed, and he resolved to know
his fate once and for ALL
To help his cause somewhat he
sent Eunice anonymously a marked
copy of a society paper which author
itatively announced the engagement
Of Clara Passavant and Wilfrid STEM
mis-. with the added intelligence that
the wedding would take place at
Easter. This time there was no mis-
take-the gossips were right.
On various occasions throughout
the winter Wilfrid had tried to sec
Eunice-sometimes successfully, but
more often failing-in a sincere en-
deavor and desire to renew their old
footing. But the girl met his ad-
vances with such coldness and pal
pable Indifference that at length he
came to the sorrowful conclusion that
she was hopelessly offended with him.
Then, and then only, did he put the
momentous question to the daughter
of the house of Passavant, and was at
once accepted. She had been ready to
yield months ago; in her inmost heart
she wondered why the man had hesi-
tated so long.
When Eunice received the paper
which Hews so thoughtfully sent she
happened to be alone She could not
help seeing the paragraph. encircled
as 1t was with broad blue pencil
M q ri oh tpa1 fv1 t1xa 80 ~
printed lines her lip curled scornfully,
as she said. half-aloud:
81 hope she is satisfied now!"
Quite on the impulse Of the mo-
ment she ran to her little desk-one
! of Willis keepsakes = and rapidly
penned this note: M
| Dear Mr.. Stennis: Some kind friend
has just sent me copy OF the Home
journal containing the announcement of
| your engagement and forthcoming mar
| rtage. As one of your oldest friends /
| want to be among the first to congratu-
late you. and to offer my sincerest wishes
| Tor your lasting happiness.
| Cordially yours
EUNICE TREvECCA.
She dashed OF the address, and
with her own hands posted 1t forth
with at the box on the corner. Then
she ascended slowly to her room.
locked the door, and had what wom-
en- call "a good cry" But when old
John came home that night she was
able to tell him the news with COM
plete composure, save for q tiny dash
Of red in either cheek.
"Eh, lass" he said, getting up from
his chair, going to her side at the
other end of the table. and taking her
face between his horny hands, "thou'st
gotten tha' dose, but doan't zee fret:
tha' ither 'ooman has ma landed i'm
yet. an she will ma" He sealed the
words with hearty, compassionate
kiss, and went heavily back to his
seat, chuckling to himself. But Eunice
shook her head hopelessly.
TITS all the fault of that horrid
money, father" she said.
There's nowt ia matter WI tn lad.
grille; niver forget that. He'll win
oot!" affirmed the old man, empha-
sizing his opinion with his knife and
fork in the air.
II wish l could think So" sighed
Eunice. smiling wanly. but it's no
use; he will never come back to W
now-it has gone too far!" And SO Il
seemed, for with his engagement to
Miss Passavant openly announced it
looked as II VIII were indeed ire
vocably lost. Then her pride came to
her rescue. and with some attempt at
abandon Eunice exclaimed:
II don't care! I sent him my con-
gratulations today"
ibid zee. now! That was plucky Of
'ee," was her fathers sententious an
swer.
The judicious Hews permitted full
daY to intervene before following nm