The herald., 1915-05-06
The ONE He LOVED
BY MARY II. WlTHEREll.

| rell, and her gentle face softsned as
tall, handsome young man came
! down the pretty park path and sat
down on the rustic bench beside her,
engaging in casual, friendly conversa-
ton.
The poor fellow" was Ernest Har-
| per lie looked grave and troubled. but
| it seemed as though the presence of
/ the CHEEKY little woman beside him
made HIM mOmentarily forget his anXi-
cites.
How sorry feel for him breathed
Rose as they parted How unworthy is
| she of the love of man like him"
If Rose only knew" solIloquized
Ernest as he went on his way. All.
me! life is a sad enigma"
Here were the facts in the case:
Ernest Harper was engaged 10 the sis
/ ter of his dearest friend, Lora Moody.
And Rose Darrell knew that Lora did
not love him, was a flippant flirt 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 was surprised to be aroused
| from his morning slumber by the an
nOuncement of a servant that Mr..
Moody, Loras 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 a 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."
ed fiance, but less from personal grief
than pity for the chum and his fam
fly, 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. Il 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? If 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.
Il am so sorry" she said in a SUBJ
dued tone.
He sat down beside her with a deep
sigh. 1t seemed as though a strange
restfulness came over him. He 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 week the Moody fam
fly 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 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 a little
brother of Rose came running up to
her.
Il 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 flustered.
THAT is, Lora-"
Cast it aside-yes, ! know that"
said Ernest, but"
Rose suddenly recovered her COM
posture.
Shall | tell you the TRUTH she
asked frankly. We'll. then. felt very
sorry for your sake"
And sister has worn it ever since
till she lost 1t" broke in the little
brother. and she cried when she
did"
SSH" faltered Rose, but the truth
was out, and Ernest Harper read her
tell-tale face Alright.
Ernest covered the trembling hand
of the young girl at his side with his