The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1914-05-07

set her plans to acnieve what to her
would be sweet revenge.
She was a natural born coquette,
and meeting Mr.. Ransom once on the
street knew that the flashing artil-
lery of her eyes had produced a GER
tain effect. The second time he loi-
tered near to her, smiling. The third
time the conventionalities of the
quiet little village we're invaded by
both. They spoke.
Miss Wayne has told me about
you more than once" asserted Mr..
Ransom.
"Indeed?" replied Florence, bri-
ding.
"Oh, yes, she speaks very highly of
you. She is going away for a week
Unexpectedly called to the bedside of
an invalid aunt. l shall miss all the
kindness she has shown me. In fact,
shall be quite lonely"
Affairs turned Florence's way very
speedily after that. The siren ways
soon won the pliable heart of young
Ransom. 1t was facile conquest,
and Florence wondered at it as she
got better acquainted with her suit
or, for such he quickly became. She
saw less of engaging qualities in him
and marveled that he had attracted
Verda Wayne.
Word came that the latter would
return home on Monday. 1t was on
the Friday before that Mr.. Ransom
laid his heart at the feet of the dark
eyed beauty.
1t was the following day when Flor
ence decided on a move to which her
sensational nature warmed. All the
time her main thought was the dis
may, the possible heartbreak that
would come to Verda Wayne when
she learned that her f1ance had proven
false.
He comes of a wealthy family"
mused Florence. Il learn they are
readers of society in their city. He
is placable, easy to rule. | will give
Wellville something to talk about and
Verda Wayne something to grieve
over"
oh! have you heard the news?"
cried Norma Williams excitedly the
following Monday, meeting Verda just
as she arrived on the morning train.
What is it?" inquired Verda.
Florence has eloped with your
Mr. Ransoml"
My Mr.. Ransom?" echoed Verda,
with faint smile. You mean the
gentleman who has been our guest
for the past two weeks?"
"Mr. Harold Ransom-yes," replied
Norma, staring in wonder because the
announcement did not dn the least dis
turb Verda.
Il hope they will be happy" said
Verda, in her usual sweet way. "It is
a rather hasty proceeding, however,
and Mr.. Ransom is not very we'll cir
cumstanced to care for wife, as
yet"
Why, isn't his family very wealthy,
and weren't you engaged to him?"
"Oh, no." replied Verda. HE is
a cousin Of Mr.. Wilbur Ransom,
whom hope to marry. We have been
courteous and attentive to him be-
cause of the relationship, but Mr..
Harold Ransom has not yet reached
any settled position in life, has moth
ing, and-f hope Florence will really
love him and help him get along in
the world
There came telegram to Mr..
Wood, asking forgiveness and a well
come home. 1t was granted, and, the
Woods having some money, Mr..
Harold Ransom felt that he had not
made so bad bargain.
Florence, however, made him take
her away from Wellville when the
sterling pure Mr.. Ransom led Verda
to the altar. She never again alluded
TO her keen trick and its unexpected
outcome. She was the bitter bit, and
as such bore her chagrin and punish
ment in silence.
Copyright, 1914 by w. G. Chapman.)