Year: 1879

Of words to express the savage mood IN
which he found himself one Winter
evening as he shot through the main
street of the town of L, on his way
homeward. Everything had gone exact
" contrary to his wishes all the week.


Entirely ignorant of the fact that
Harvey Foster was man OF standing
and wealth in l., pretty Josie al
lowed the minor fact, that he was insult
ingly free in his addresses, to influence
her strongly, that her dignifed reserve
taught him the lesson he needed and
when he sought her for his wife, she re
fused the honor.


To add to his discontinue, the hereSs,
Miss Maud Chester-whom he had held
in reserve, that his ambition might win
a wife if his love would not--had coollv
informed him that she was engaged to
Fred Holt.


Now, if there was enc man above
another who was utterly detestable In
the eyes of Harvey Foster it was Fred
Holt. They had boen rivals at school,
where both stood we'll in talent, applica-
tion and social position and Fred was
ever little in advance in every study,
carrying away the contested prizes far
more frequently than it suited Harvey
he should. In society, Fred's handsome
face, ready wit, courteous manners and
frank, sunny temper, kept him always IN
higher favor than Harvey Fosters sullen'
cold disposition could gain.


And now, when Maud had been ever
gracious to the son of the wealthy bank
er, Silas Foster she answered his love
suit by the tidings that his lifelong rival
had won her promise to be his bride.


"And the worst of it, it will be just
the match to suit his uncle" muttered
Harvey, savagely. "No fear of him dis
inheriting Fred now."


For Harvey knew that Fred depended
entirely upon the good will of his
mothers brother, James Rutherford, a
wealthy and eccentric bachelor, for his
income. He had been left an orphan
when mere boy, and his uncle had
adopted and educated him, and would
probably make him heir. But the bach
elor, having long ago put away senti-
ment, if he ever felt it, looked to Fred
to make match that would increase his
fortune and socia! posiaion. 1t was the
wish of his heart to see Fred the husband
of Maud Chester, and his wish was to be
fulfilled.


Harvey Foster, at odds with love,
would like to see'his rival refused, disin-
herited, humbled as he felt himself hum
bled, since neither love nor money would
accept him.


He strobe over the pavement in a
savage mood, and started suddenly to see
Josie nrmstead coming out of shop a
few steps in advance of him. In her
hand were several small packages, and
her face was pale and anxious.


In moment Harvey was at her side


"Let me carry some of your parcels, Z"
he said, lifting his hat us he spoke.


"Thank you, ] have only a few steps
to CO." answered Josie, hurrying for
ward nervously.


"You need not be afraid of me-" Har-
yev said, noticing her nervous manner
~ will not annoy you Why will you
not believe my respect is as great for you
as my lovel"


And before he knew exactly where his
words were leading him, the young man
was renewing the offer he had made
before


At the door of small lodging-house,
Josie stopped and faced him.


"You have spoken so before, Mr.. Fos-
ter" she said, gently Sand because l
believe you are sincere, / will tell you
what have kept secret for six months
am already married !"


"Josie Be quick Why do you
stand therel" cried voice in the mar
row hallway, and man stepped into
the bar of light thrown across the open
deor by street lamp.


Sired Holt p muttered Harvey, start.
ing forward. "Married and to Fred
Holt p


1t almost consoled him in his own dis
appointment to think of the hold he had
upon his rival. Engaged to Maud
Chester, and married to Josie Ormstead |!
Fancy the proud face when she knew
she had been deceived for girl who
worked. And sweeter still was it to
Harry Foster to think of the wrath of
james Rutherford when the news reach
ed him.


But in his triumnh Harvev Foster