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About The Hustler of Rome. (Rome, Ga.) 1891-1898 | View Entire Issue (March 29, 1896)
rnnwffiHnnwnHTTn’nrrmnnrwwTHTwwwTmmiwwrffH’/wnnminnnnTiTinn’Tnmfmrrnn,. v \ CJL if A STORY OF >||| 1> THREE YEARS ||| * ' CAO TSunn, , ~ v A y It had r.iiiie' 1 steauly all day, and now. at the approach of ev n ing, though the downpour was less ening, the clouds were still black, and there seemed not the least promise of clearing weather. “This is intolerable,' and El eanor threw up the window with a fores which made Mrs. Alton start. “Oh, you mean the rain. It is provoking-our last day here, teo! Hew cold that air is! 1 believe I wasalmost asleep. 1 wonder what tittle it’*!” Eleanor made no reply, hut re mained gazing moodly out at the sea. The dashing of tl e waves on he beach sounded mournfully ; the water shown darkly in the fast coming night. Lights were begin •ing to twinkle along the little J.arbor. Eleanor’s face wore a strangely pathetic expression in the dim light. Her companion re garded her curiously. Was she regretting leaving South Shore? “No moonlight sail to-night. But of course, Mr. Langham wiil come over to say good-by." ob server Mrs. Alton, tentitively • i'here was no repl}’ from the figure at the w indow. “It must oe almost time to dress for dinner. I will light the gas, ind Mrs, Alton moved briskly iOout the room. Eleanor left the window as a u.uock was heard at the door, fol lowed by the entrance of a servant nearing a bunch of fragrant red .ogee, and an enve ope —“For Miss Darrington. ’’ Eleanor hurried her face in the 'lowers an instant, and then open ed the note and read ; South Shore, August.—My Dear Mies Darrington: My disapoint uieut is very great that the weath er prevents our sail. 1 know that you are fond of dark red roses, ■vijl you deem thes j worthy to be worn by you this evening? I shall give my self the sad pleasure of a patting call. Very sincerly vours, ROY IL LANGHAM. She handed it to Mrs. Alton, who read it very deliberately. “Well,” she paused,“l thought be would some, but what will you do with him, Eleanor?" “I think Ido not understand you. ’ “I mean this: he loves you and means to marry you, and " “Means to marry me!’’ inter upted Miss Darrington, haughtily Have 1 given him reason io sup pose that 1 am to be had for the asking?” “0, come, don’t crush me. We ire close enough friends, certainly T ,o discuss this frankly. You must anow that he—well —wants ta mar ry you, then. Do you intend to marry him?” “I have told you before that so ur marriage has had no part in My plans of life.” “Do you mean to say that you care nothing for Royal Langham? “No. ” “You do care for him. then?” Eleanor raised the roses to her 'ace, and looking calmly at Mrs. Alton, answered: “Yes." Her companion smiled, thought -o. Thon you will marry him, of course?” “I shall not marry him." She was silent for a moment, and then, throwing the flowers on the table, said: “I shall tell it all to you, as 1 have made such an admission . Oh, I care for him--I, who have said that no man should infiuencr my life! 1 have met other men as aandsome, as attractive; they did not move me. Why is it that in me course of ten short weeks he .us become the center of all to ■ne? But it is a folly, a madness. will nut submit to it. 1 will crush ii out. Its a humiliation." Mrs. Alton was intensely sur ffliised. Mas this ihe proud, self contained Eleanor Darrington, .\ho was making so passionate an She went to tin window ai d leaned out a minute; then sudden ly turning, she said : “It sounds like the c< nYsaion of some silly girl of 17, and I am a woman of 2(1. Bah 1 W hat folly ! ’ She moved restless y up and down the room. “Love! It is an illuei< n —and marriage a “Oh! don’t —I ” Miss Dar- rington seized her friend's hand. “Don’t look at me s© repjoach ' fully, Clara. iou know my senti ments are on this subject. 1 ad mit that Royal Langham has made a Certain impression on me. aroused a c rtain feeling in me which people call love. But 1 do not believe in it; it won’t last. It has been born of the charm of the sea, the delicious air, the witchery of the moonlight nights, all the beautiful things we have so enjoyed but once I am away from all these andjrom him, it will past, away ’’ She laughed scornfully. “It must pass, Clara? My fredom is ti o ] re cions. " She carelessly took up the roses, and said in her ordinary tones : “How fine these are! Let us dress for dinner." Then she left the room, carrying the flowers with her. When she appeared at dinner she was as self-possessed as usual, and radiant’y lovely in a white gown »f some soft diaphanous ma terial. Two of the roses were cn her bosom and another n her hair. Royal Langham appeared later in the evening. Mrs. Alton observ ed the fbuh in his dark eyes, ns they rested on the flowers in Miss Darrington’s dress. On the plea of letters to be written she made her adieux, and left him alone with Eleanor. But if anything momen - ous took place between them, noth ing in Miss Darrington’s manner after his departure indicated it, and Mrs. Alton did not venture to question her. The next morning they left for New York. • ■ “The marriigeof Mr. Roy Lang ham and Miss Cecilia Dalton is to he one of the fashionable events of the coming month.’’ Miss Darring’on dropped the pa per. So he was going to be married? Well—why. what was the m-t er with her? She felt faint, and such a curious little thri'l had passed over her. Os course she had known that he would. Had she not told him that she was sure that he as well as she would soon forget those ten weeks at South Shore? But he had vowed —of course he had ; all men do so. How long ago wns it? Why it was nearly three years. How those last months in Europe had dragged '. How good it had seemed that morning to wake up in New York! But, what was the matter with her? She felt 80 languid; it must be the effects of her voyage. Yet she had felt so well this morn ing. She would go out f<>- a brisk walk. Yes that was what she deed ad. She wished that the Altons were not away. She wondered if Clara knew this Cecilia Dalton.As she put on her wrap she wondered if she were beautiful. Who was she? Her name was not familiar. How dull it seemed! Was the weather changing? As she walked along, Eleanor wondered where the glory of the day had gone. The morning had seemed so bright. A gentleman coming hastily around a corner brushed up against her. II is quickly spoken “Beg pardon” changed into a surprised "Why—Eleanor!” She looked up; it was her cousin, Jack Alton. “I thought you were in Wash ington,'’ she remarked, as she shook hands with him. “\Ve got back this morning. Busmess was pressing, and they wired me. But you do not look well. Too much Europe?” “How is Clara?"’ ‘•She is gone driving THE HUSTLER OF ROME SUNDA V.MARC-i 29 |S96. ing for you till next steamer. She will be delighted. Come to dinner with us this evening : we will go to the opera. 1 must rush now— man waiting for me. We shall ex pect you, mind. ” Eleanor wa.ked on. How rude of Jack to tell her that she was not looking well 1 She must take a long walk and get up a color for the evening. But who was this Ce cilia Dalton? Yet what difference did it make? Os course he could marry whom he pleased. Sue had said that she woold get over that folly of South Shore. Os course, she was over it But she was dis appointed. She had looked forwar ward to meeting him and being friends; thet would have been de lightful. She did enjoy talking to him. He was so companionable so—so —but that, of course, was all over, now. How tired she was! perhaps she had better go home. She must not be tired in the even ing. V* hen she reached home she looked critically at her reflection in the mirror. Y»*s she did look fagged out. Was this Cecilia Dalton young? she wondered. But what did any thing matter! Life seemed so bare ! And, throwing herself on the bed, she burst into a passion of tears. She wept first because like a flash it came to her why life seemed suddenly so bare, and then she wept for rage that, after all, that folly of riou’h Shcre was not crus! - ed. Ou the contrary, it was strong er than ever. At last she fell asleep. When she awoke it Aas almost dark. She was wretched. How could she fn durei? She must get away from herself, the opera was the thing. She rang for lights, and was soon engaged in the preparation of an elaborate toilet. She would wear one her most beautiful gowns Jack should not again have a chance to say she didnot ’ook well And then, supposing th-1 Clara should suspect? Horror! I his last thongnt brought a spot of color to eitb* r cheek, and a feeling of strength. She would look her best; her parting glance into her mirror assured her that she d’d . Mrs. Alton’s remarks on her ap pearance were satisfactory. Jack assured her that she was stunning On their way to the opeia house Jack remarked: “I see that Roy Langham's mar riage is announced for next mon' h.” “Who is Miss Dalton?” inquired Eleanor, carelessly. “idle is a Philadelphia girl," re turned Mrs. Alton. “She is very young and extremely pretty. J me her last winter.” Eleanor felt a pansr. “Young and lovely,” and she was old —29 nearly. “Langham is dreadfully gone," laughed Jack. He runs down to Philadelphia three m e-ur times a week.” Another pang, ami : - iud vow, ed to her not three yeais ago- Oh ! the shame of it! He had forgotten and she —she, the strong minded, self-poised Eleanor Darrington, who had laughed at love, was still remembering. She would not think of him ; and she launched imo such a brilliant flow of talk that Mrs. Alton wondered how Jack could have thought of her as seeming dull. The opera house wa.- fi led with a gay audience, and the overture was just beginning when they took their seats. Miss Darrington’s glance wandered slowly around, smilingly acknowledged several recognitions, and then settled on the orchestra. The music was sparkling and gay, and Eleanor’s; spirits rose; something of her old I Drives away ATJWI pain. ISUEL- ,T i c K jfcraLi TOUCHES 1 J ; the vWjWv SPOT ; Rome i Business OLLEGEI Is Discounting Scholarships to Ladies 25 Per Gem, Provided They Will Enter on or Before Ajjril last, IJSSMS. Announcements were inserted in all the papers of Rome last week, offering to discount Scholarships 25 per cent, to ladies who will enter on or before April Ist, 1896. A number of Scholarships have been called for, several more will be taken this week. RECENT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR STENOGRAPHERS is the cause of our offering a low rate of tuition now. And those who desire positions in the early fall, ought to begin at once. Call at the office at your earliest convenience. H. S. SHOCKLEY serenetv was returning. How fool ish she had been to be so misera ble! Os course that nonsense would pass away. Perhaps, if she I had noticed an occupant of a sear I to the left, just back of her, she might not have felt se confident. Royal Langham was 1 seated there in c >mpany with his cousin, Boy den Langham. He had seen Elean or’s enterance, and his heart had given a great bound, as he saw that she was more beautiful than ever. All the old madness came , (rushing over him. His gaze never , | wandered from her face. He wa« jin a tumult of delight at being so ; (near her. Perhaps, perhaps, if he >; had braved her coldness and ul . most scorn of his love, he might • have won ; he had been too easily , discouraged. Why had he let all this time pass by? Why had he not followed her? She had cared for him ; she had not dared to de ny it; but she had laughed at it as a folly. Hk scarcely 7 heard the music, but sat m a whirl of thought until the curtain fell at the close of the first act. The movement of the audience aroused him. His cousin left him to speak to some frien's. Eleanor was laughing and talking with the Altons. How happy she seemed! Presently 7 she looked around and her gaze met Lang ham's He bowed; she returned his salute—in a somewhat sur prised manner, he thought—and then gave her attention to the stage where the curtain was rising on the second act. Eleanor was in a rage. To think that she should see him! Os all things it was the one Ito upset her. W hat was that look in his eyes? Oh, was the misery of the afternoon coming back? But that look in his eyes ! How dared he, when he was going t<* many another woman? She wished th.' opera were over: she felt tired again, and the music wa- not as bright as before. The soprano was wailing over an unhappy love. How tiresome it all was! Aould the curtain never fall? But it came to an end at last, and Jack pr<ipcsed that tuey join j - ] they came upon Langham and bis . cousin. The latter shook hands B with the Altons, while Langham , greeted Miss Darrington. Eleanor (J answered —she scarcely kne* how. B I She could not meet his glance, for there was that look in his eyes P again. Her self-possession had ut . terly deserted her. The crush of _ the promenaders hud utterly sepa i rated them from the Altons and v Langham's cousin Eleanor vaguely , wondered who the latter was. She e ' and Langham were practically r alone in an angle near the stair « ( way.” j 1 “Ah !” he murmured, “we meet B again after al! these years.” _ I E eaiif r felt taint. t, I “i cannot, will not, believe, Ei ear,or, that we have met once more ; ■© ily that I should he again repuls. u I ed. Give me s 'me hope. Th" re has I not b<en mi hour all this dreary . tm e :hbtl have not longed for .IVoU.” s I I Eieutior found it impossible to u or a. wrd. She could not raise j I ner eyes. H >w dared he? “Y u tdd me tbs* I would get J over what y< u called a little mad j nerg ; but 1 love you more than I hV' r. Yen did car a little th»n , D>y< u not now ?” ? Her indignation now dominated I evH'y other feeling, and lound voice. She drew hersef uo haugh- j fiiy ; her eyes flash* d sc. r i. “Sir, how dare you! You are I about to marry another woman. Have you no honor?” Here Jack’s voice was heard : t “Let me present Mr-Royden Lang , am, E'eanor.” As the Altons came up, Miss Darrington s»w that the corridor r was nearly cmtpy ; the promena dera were return ng »•«» their seats “[h»vehearda gr-at deal of you, Mies Harrington,*’ sod Roy- I den Langham, a* he bnvei low over her hand. “ drs. Aitou has been very impatient tor your re turn io Now \ ork." Eleanor looked bewildered. “Hr, is M Langham’s cousin,” explained Mrs. Alton. •\ sudden lignt. burst upon El. 'em r. She glanced quickly at 1 ed. The miming of Eleanor's last words to him had dawned upon him.turn'd to Roydt-n: My dear fellow, we have gotten mixed op. Miss Darrington has just been congra'ulatiiig me upon your ap qroa.'hmg marriage”—then to 1 Eleanor ; “Yu see, we are both | called R iy. though mv cousin is Roy den, and I Roy a .’ The Aitons 1 mghed. Why, Ealenor, did you really think it was Mr.Langham?" asked 1 Mrs.Al ton . Roydeu Ft'id whimsically ’Don’t you think if is bard on me i Miss D irriogton.that my cousin is ■always Mr.Langham, and 1 nniou (ly Roy? But it is too much that he should receive congratulation® due me. It is 1 who am to marry the sweetest girl in Philadelphia- Eleanor observed that ne was light, and fair, and much younger than hi- cousin. , “We must go to our seats now. said Mrs. Alton. “You will both join us atsupp er after the opera." ordend Jack. If Mrs. Alton had any curiosity in regard to the meeting of Elean or and Langham, she made no sign. Eleanor was in a whirl. ? 6 could not think ; she dared not. Royal LanghaM Lad no further opportunity tlm evening of speak ing to her. but the next dav he went to her and demanded an an swer. ' These years have proved, Elean or, that my feeling for you is not the fancy you called it. If y oU cal * tell me that you have 'crushed ou your feeling for me, I will go away and leave you. Can you ? But Eleanor could not. Any of the street cars will carry you to Lanham Sous Milli ser y Opening and back home free charge. That every lady in Roni may 7 see our beautiful display Spring Millinary we have charter eb all the street cars in the city bring you over and carry you hoffl without trouble or expense. Every body invited Monday March •->
