Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 November 1908 — Vengeance. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Vengeance.

By FORBES DWIGHT.

Copyrighted, 1908, by Associated Literary Press.

Cuyler stood at the gate watching the much decorated motor disappear down the road tn a cloud of dust, out of which the white ribbons still fluttered in flamboyant fashion. The ground before him was white with rice, while here and there a decrepit shoe, having done its duty in speeding the parting couple, lay in pathetic neglect, its brief moment of popularity now over. . With a grim smile Cuyler turned on his heel and made his way up the gravel walk, past the groups of pretty, laughing girls, each with its attendant trpln of satellites. On the wide veranda the orchestra played lilting waltzes, to which apparently no one was listening, and near by the bride’s mother, a portly, rather handsome woman, was talking gayly with a solemn faced young man, whom Cuyler recognized as the officiating rector. t “Where is Elinor?” he asked as Mrs. Trenholme turned to him with a welcoming smile which plainly invited him to join her. "Elinor? Really, Fritz, I haven’t the least idea. Isn’t she down there on the lawn?” Cuyler shook his head. “She was standing beside me when they entered the motor,” he explained, “and after they had started I found she had slipped away." “I think,” the rector Interposed, ”1 saw her going through the house a moment ago. She went through the rear door, if I remember.” “Thank you.” said Cuyler. He entered the hall, crossed to the door at the rear and stepped out on the broad veranda that commanded a fine view of the hills to the west. Below him the formal gardens on the terrace were cool and green and, to

his disappointment, apparently deserted. Lighting a cigarette, he descended the broad steps and sauntered leisurely along the path that led down the terrace. He had proceeded no great distance when from behind a clump of bay trees he caught the flash of a white dress. He tossed the cigarette away and turned from the path. Behind the barrier of bay trees was a rustic seat, and, sitting very straight on this seat, her hands clasped and her eyes a most suspicious red, was Eleanor Trenholme. Cuyler was beside her In an instant “Well, v>ell,” he said lightly, yet not without a certain touch of geutleness In his voice, “this is rank desertion. It will never do in the world. Aren’t you going to ask me to be seated?” "I came here to be alone,” she said doubtfully. “I’m not sure that I want you here just now.” But nevertheless she moved over and made room for him beside her. Cuyler at once took the seat, looking at her searchingly meanwhile. “You shouldn't feel about It the way you do,” he chided gravely. “And how do you think I feel?” she challenged. Cuyler looked at her again. “Rather cut up. I fancy.” he replied. “You are wrong. 1 am not cut up, as you choose to call it, only—only”— “Only what?” said he. “Of course he’s perfectly splendid.” she said slowly, “and I am awfully proud of him. just as we all are, but—but somehow I can't help being selfish. I can’t benr the idea of giving up Margaret to him. We’ve always been together, she and 1. and—and—oh, well. I’m selfish, that’s all there is to it.” Cuyler saw something glistening In her eyes. A tear coursed slowly down her cheek and hung In ridiculous fashion on the point of her chin. She brushed It away almost savagely. “You see.” Cuyler declared, “I was sure you would feel this way about it. That was why I came out here to find you." “I’m not sure how I feel about it myself yet." said she. “Oh, I can make a good guess,” he replied. “You are very glad that she is to be happy, and yet there is a little ache In your heart that you can’t deny, try as you,will to do so. There is an end to something, just what you can’t definitely decide, but something has gone out of your life. Of that you are certain, isn’t that it?” “Yes. That is just It How did you know so well?’ she asked. Cuyler turned to her. with a smile of

understanding. ”1 have a brother,” be said simply. “He was very close to me —closer. Indeed, than any one else In the world—until one day he found the | other and, of course, the greater happiness, just as your sister has done. It i was tremendously lonely without him.” “But you got over It In time?" she asked quickly. “In a way, yes; In another way, no,” said he. She looked at him questlonlngly. He was smiling down at h,er with, a certain whimsical gravity. “There is only one way to get even with these people—this sister of yours and this brother of mine," be asserted. “And how is that?” she asked. “Follow suit,” said he. Her brows wrinkled In a perplexed frown. “I don’t exactly catch your meaning,” she said. * Cuyler suddenly leaned toward her. There was something In his eyes that brought a quick flush to her cheeks. “Let’s not permit these other people to have all the happiness in the world. Let’s reserve a little for ourselves,” said he. Her head was turned from him. Presently be saw her shoulders shake convulsively. At the same time she arose from the bench. “I’m—Pm going down to the pond,” she faltered, still refusing to look at him. “Please, please, stay here and don’t come until I call you.” “Just a minute, Elinor,” he pleaded. “I wanted to say”— But with a little imperious gesture she moved away, leaving him there somewhat mystified and decidedly angry. He sat down again on the rustic seat, drew out a cigarette and began smoking furiously. When it was burned out be lighted another and then another. It was not until his fourth cigarette that a voice sounded faintly from the little pond at the foot of the terrace. “Fritz!” it called. “Oh, Fritz! You may come now if you like!” He hurried down the path. Elinor sat on the rail of the little boathouse. Her eyes were very red, and beside her lay a tiny bit of lace, crumpled and very wet.

“Elinor,” he said contritely, “I didn’t mean to make it any harder for you. I was trying”— “Listen.” she interrupted. “1 came down here to have a last grand orgy of feelings all by my lonesome. Whatever tears I have for Margaret I wanted to shed once for all, and that's what I’ve done. I—l had to shed them now, because—because—what you’ve just said, you know—makes it—makes it—oh, Fritz, don’t you see?” The manner in which he sprang to her side told very plainly that he did see. “And now',” she said rather breathlessly a moment later, “we’d better go up to the ( house and tell them bow I’ve got square with Margaret”

"TELL THEM HOW I’VE GOT SQUARE WITH MARGARET.”