The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1859-11-18


able demand, Lilly. Is it possible you
can so doubt me-'
Lilly put her snow-white little hand
sparkling with rings, over his lips, with a
half playful, vexed motion
/" That's not the question, at ALL Ny
betrothed husband-the man that is to be
honored with my hand, which you will
persist in holding so firmIy-don't squeeze
so hard, St. James-must give me his sol
emn word Of honor, that from this mo-
ment, henceforth, not drop of wine shall
ever pass his lips. will never have my
life endangered by that sparkling serpent"
my darling Lilly, you do not discrimi-
nate. There is wide difference between
the Tiny glass Of champagne, taken among
gay and social circle than the far gros-
ser and more inju Gus >timu ant, which has
become necessity to the wretched victim
of intemperance."
81 make no distinctions" said Lilly
Brooke. firmly. ''You do not know, St.
James, how fatal and insiduous an enemy
is that one fairy glass of ruby wine; and,
in my eyes, one glass is as obnoxious as
ten thousand ~
St. James Efingham drew up his mag
pifcent figure with indignant pride.
g | understand what you mean, Lilly"
he said; "but believe me there is no dan
ger Do you give me credit for no self
control-and no judgment whatever? |
should despise myself He exclaimed IN
a tone of most unutterabe hauteur ''did
not know exactly when to stop"
Do you promise" 2" was Lilly's simple
reply.
You show little confidence in tie NOR
raj strength and judgment of him who is to
be your future husband" said St. James,
much piqued.
Dear St. James" said Lilly, pleading
lv, as she drew nearer to him, with soft
tinge of crimson on her lovely cheek, edo
not let us dispute longer on the subject.
Only promise me, dearest"
"Well, then, said Efiingham, smiling
involuntarily, although he had resolved
to De very stern, Il promise you, provok
ing little witch Are you satisfied now!"
"On your solemn word of honor?'
son my solemn word of honor !"
Lilly was so smiling and radiant in her
happy triumph at having carried her point,
that st. James stopped his tall head to kiss
her bright dimpIed lips, and secretly
thought
What happy dog am to call this
beautiful little creature my own" No
sacrifice whatever, could be too great to
lay At the shrine of her peremptory little
will, and so Mr., Dillingham; thought.
And who will venture to blame Lilly for
thinking. as she stood at the satin-draped
windows, watching her departing lover,
that he was the mobiles aud handson
man in the world? Do not all maidens
think so at some period of their lives?
"A glass Of wine, Efiingham, my boy?'
queried young Altamont, as Effngham
stopped in at his rooms at the St. Nicho.
las, the same afternoon.
"No," said ST. James, carelesslv putting
aside the tiny acorn shell of cut and gilded
glass, and brimming with crimson wine
which was proffered to him. Il don
care for it, thank you =
"No." exclaimed Atamont, arching his
eye in extreme surprise.
No." returned Efiingham, somewhat
embarrassed "The truth is that not halt
an hour ago promised my vile that is tc
be, never again to drink glass Of wine
and must keep my word.''
"O-ho p said Altamont, laughing "Sc
you begin to feel already the calling yoke
Of Hymen, in spite Of the flowers that GOV
er it. What tyrants these women are"
St. James made some some slight reply
but in secret heart he was angry and irri
tated both with himself and Lilly. Per
haps he thought she had been both arbi
/ trary and unreasonable.
Beyond all question the handsomest
couple at Mrs. Granger's grand soiree that
night were ST. James Effiingham and Lilli
an Brooke, and many an enyying and al
miring glance was east on them as they
/ passed amid the crowd. ove,youth, wealth
and beauty-eVery circumstance was ting
/ ed with the brightest coieur de rose fo
their young eyes.
While they were standing together il
an aIcove full Of blossoming myrtles anC
creamy roses, reposing from the fatigue
of a brilliant waltz. Dame Gossip, in tn,
/ retreshment saloons, was busy about the
I affairs.
"Where are that devoted couple, Effing
ham and Miss Brookel" inquired Bel
Stanley, dashing young coquette, who
rumor whispered had been intensely disap
pointed at losing the brilliant Efiiinghan
for herself
"Oh, talking sentiment somewhere,
replied Mr.. Altamout. who was helping he
/ To Charlotte Russo "Bv the way, mus
tell YOU something glorious about ST Jane
/ Would YOU believe that his inamorata ha
exacted the solemn promise from him ,nev
/ er again TO touch wine -
You don't tell me so !" said Bell il
surprise.
Its fact-I had it from St. Jane
( himself
What fool" said Bell, curling he
f. lip contemptuou,ly. "l'Il wager that
make him break his promise before an hou
has elapsed =
"lIush-here he comes" said Altamon
as Eiingham entered the room on SOM
mission from Lilly. Bells large Eastern
eye, were bent full on his face, and h
! could not avoid rausipg to exchange a ga