The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1862-12-27
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Love and Skates.

The electric air, and the sparkling sun,
and the glinting Ice had a right 10 ex-
pcct that they all should be.
Belle pur EFT, skating simply and
well, had never looked so pretty and
graceful. SO thought Bill Tarbox.
He had no. spoken to her, nor she to
him, for nurc than SIX months. Tue
poor fellow WAS ashamed of himself and
pcnilent for his past bad courses. Aud
SO, though he longed to have his old
flame recognize him again, and miscra-
bly, afraid he should lose her, he had
kept away and consumed his heart like
a true lespaired lover.
But to-day Bill was a lion. only
second to Wade, the unapproachable
lion inc chief Bill was rcinstatcd in
public esteem, and had won back his
standing in the Foundry. He had to-
day made speech which Perry Purtctt
gave everybody to understand "none Of
Senator Bill Stewards could hold the
talow to-" Getting up the meeting
and reFnting Wade with the skates
was Bits own scheme, and it had
turned out an eminent success. Every
thing began TO look bright to him. His
past life drlfted ou' of his mind like the
rowdy tales he used to read in the Sun
day papers.
lie had watched Belle Puitc.t all
the morning, AID saw that she dis in
1dishcd nobody With her smiles, not
even that cog du mliage, Ringdove.-
He also observed that she was furtiycly
watching him.
By-and-ky she sailed out Of the crowd,
and went off a li.tle way to practice
" Now" said he to himself, " sail in,
Bill Tarbox ~
Belle heard the sharp strokes of a
powerful skater coming after hrr. Her
heart OWNED who this might be. She
sped away like the swift Camilla, and
her modest drapery showed just enough
lud " ne quid minis " of her ankles.
Bill admired the grace and the ankles
immensely. But his hopes sank little
at the flight for he though she per-
ccived his chase and meant to drop him.
Bill had not had classical educa ion,
and knew no hing of Galatca in the
Eclogue.-how she did not hide until
she saw her swain was looking fondly
after
" She wants to get away" be thought
{. But she sha'n't ,-no, not if | have to
follow her to Albany"
He struck out nightly. Presently
he swift Camilla let herself be over
taken.
"Good morning Miss Pur,ctt.' p
(Dogged air.
" Good morning, Mr.. Tarbox. -
(Taken-b BY surprise airy
{" I've been admiring your skating"
says Bill, trying to be cool
I" Have you " rcjoins Belle very cool
and distant.
d" Have you been long On the ice - he
inquired, hypocritically.
C came on two hours ago with Mr..
Ringdovc and the girls returned she,
with twinkle which said, "Take that,
sir, for pretending yon did not see me. y
"Iou'vc seen Mr. Wade skate thcn,"
Bill said, ignoring Ringdove
t." Yes; isn't it splendid - Belle re-
piled kindIing.
I" Tip-top!'
"But then he docs everything better
han anybody."
$50 he docs ~ Bill said,-truc to
his friend, and yet beginning to be ical-
Gus of this enthusiasts. 1t was not the
| first time he had been jealous of Wade
, but he had queled his fears, like ii good
fellow.
, Relic perceived Bills jealousy, and
could havo cried for joy. She had
known as little of her once lovers heart
as he of hers. She only knew that he
stopped coming to see her when he fell,
ana had not renewed his yisi now that
he had risen again. If she had not been
charming ruddy with the brisk air and
exercise, she would have betrayed her
j. pleasure at BilPs jealousy wi h fine
blush.
! The sense of recovered power made
her wish to use it again. She must
tease HIM li.lc. So she continued,
as they skated on in good rhythm
Mother and wouldn't know what
to 10 without Mr.. Wade. We like him
so much" she said ardcntly.
What Bill feared was true, then, he
thought. Wade, noble fellow, worthy to
!, win any womaus heart had as:inatcd
his landlady's daughter.
81 don't wonder you like him." said
he, ''He deserves it,
/ Belle was touched by her old lovers
forlorn tone.
/" He does, indeed" she said. "Hc
has helped and taught us all so much
lie has taken such good care of Perry.
; And then here she gave her compan-
E ion little look and little smile-n lie
speaks so kindly of you, Mr. Tarbox %
Smile, look, and words electrified Bill
He gave such a. spring on his skates that
he shot far ahead of the lady. lie
brought himself back with sharp turn.
1 " He has done kinder than lie can
) speak," says Bill. 'sTlc has made a
man of me again, Miss Belle"
Il think. it. 1t makes me very
happy TO hear you are able to say so of
yourself" She spoke gravcly.
Every happy '-about anything that
l concerned him? Bill had to work off
: his overjoy at tins by an cxuberant
flourish lie whiskcd about Belize
$ outer edge backward. She stopped TO