The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1915-05-20
THE ONE He LOVEDJ
By MARY n. WITHERElE

engaging in casual, friendly conVersa-
ton.
The poor fellow" was Ernest Har-
per He looked grave and troubled. but
1t seemed as though the presence OF
the CHEEKY little woman beside him
made him momentarily forget his anxi-
eties
How sorry feel for him." breathed
Rose as they parted "How unworthy is
she of the love of a man like him."
If Rose only knew!" soliloquized
Ernest as he went on his way. "Ah,
me. life is sad enigma"
Here were the facts in the case:
Ernest Harper was engaged to the Sis
ter of his dearest friend, Lora Moody
And Rose Darrell knew that Lora did
not love him, was a flippant fiirt and
would bring him pain and disappoint-
ment in the years to come.
How she had found this out was her
own treasured secret.
Ernest vas surprised to be aroused
from his morning slumber by the an
nouncemept of servant that Mr..
Moody, Lora's father, was in the parlor
below and would he please dress and
come down at once?'
When Ernest joined his early visitor
he found Mr.. Moody pacing the room
up and down in state of great agita-
ton.
Ernest" he spoke in an unsteady
tone, I've got some bad news for
you"
Ned" began Ernest.
"No, Lora."
"She is ill?"
"Worse!" groaned the unhappy faith
er. Ernest, boy, be brave! We deplore
it all, and you have been the man all
through, but drive her from your
thoughts. She is unworthy of you"
"You mean-?"
"She eloped last night with Lieuten-
ant Trescombe.'
It was a severe shock to the astound'
ed fiance, but less from personal grief
than pity for the chum and his fam
lily, upon whom this hard blow had
been brought. In measure he was re-
lieved.
"If Lora loved him." he said, quietly.
"she will be happy with him."
"But you-you? We feel so for
you!"
Don't think of me, Mr.. Moody" re-
turned Ernest. 81 only wish them Joy
and contentment."
you are a noble fellow!" declared
Mr.. Moody.
"Free!" Ernest Harper whispered to
himself as later that morning he once
again strolled in the little park, think.
ing over the acute change in affairs
that had come about. Was he think
ing, too, of Rose? II so, that account
ed for a new brightness in his face as
he made her out at little distance.
She greeted him with a warm hand
clasp, her face showing deep womanly
sympathy.
81 am so sorry" she said in sub
dued tone.
He sat down beside her with deep
sigh. 1t seemed as though strange
restfulness came over him. lie knew
what was in her mind--friendly pity.
genuine interest. She was rather
surprised at the calm, grave manner
in which he took his trouble. Rose
drifted the conversation into general
channels. She manifested an interest
in his work. She spoke of book he
had written and he was gratified to
discern that she was familiar with all
its details and especially appreciated
the parts of it which he himself priced.
At the end of a week the Moody fam
lily heard from the truant daughter.
She was married and was visiting with
the family of her husband. He was an
empty-headed fellow, but had wealth
and lively social connections, and,
while glad Of his escape from marry.
ing a woman he did not love, Ernest
really believed that Lora Would be
happy In her new environment.
Ernest decided to leave the village.
He went to bid farewell to the girl he
cherished as true friend. They were
seated in tie garden when little
brother Of Rose came running up to
her.
81 found the locket, sister!" he cried,
excitedly. "On the croquet lawn" and
he handed to Rose an article at which
Ernest stared strangely.
Why" he could not help exclaim-
ing, where did that come from?"
Rose turned scarlet, she evaded his
glance She was terribly fiustered.
THAT is, Lora-"
"Cast 1t aside-yes. / know that"
said Ernest, but"
Rose suddenly recovered her COM
posure.
Shall / tell you the TRUTH" she
asked frankly. well, then, felt very
sorry for your sake"
"And sister has worn it ever since
f{n che loot ff1 hroEo IN tho liftIo