The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1865-11-23

Juilpeu up anu Hlitue Il grasp at my
hat.
"Couldn't-couldn't you go with
me:?o
Impossible--I have two most press
ing engagements but you won't need
me; the note paves the way. 1 wish
you all possible success
AS hailed the nearest omnibus and
leaped in, the iron tongue Of old Trinity
tolled six in the deep bass monosyllables.
Perhaps-pcrhaps Bruce Henderbrook
might be just such a fool as to be 1dllng
away the precious moments i'll that big
easy chair at the-perhaps ] might yet
be in time. 1t was barely possible, and
my heart gave bound at the idea.
Fanny was at home, for as / rang the
bell saw the Hutter of her blue muslin
dress from the French window that
opened upon the balcony-and the next
moment She admitted me herself, a tall,
beautiful girl with bright brown hair,
brushed away from low white fore
head, and eyes like shady wells of light.
" Dear me, Mr.. Thistledown, is it
really you ~ she exclaimed, coquet-
tishly, adjusting a rose in her hair. ok
cuse my opening the door, but the SER
wants are gone to Michael Somebody's
wake, and Pm all alone"
ANOU slll tilOIS, III 1lOllltOl Iliu
hung on the hall stand, dark, speechless
witness. My heart stood still. At the
same moment caught glimpse of my
face in the ovat mirrorabove. 1t couldn't
have been redder Or more shining if it
had been oiled mahogany. However,, |
gave it Il nervous dab or two with my
pocket handkerchief, and boldly entered
the parlor.
Just as l expected. BIuce Henderson
aras there but then, judging by his ap-
pearance, he had only just arrived
Now was my time. But how was a
fellow to make love with Bruce Hender-
brooks cold, critical eyes full upon him,
and the amused curve of his lip varying
at every word spoke.
ell was thinking of asking you,
Fanny -"
Yes, Mr.. Thistledown."
But my courage failed me at this event
full instant.
i" If you're much troubled with mos
quitoes in this neighborhood?
Not at all.o
Bruce was laughing, knew he was,
but | scorned to look at him. l felt as
if had been taking bath in liquid fire;
was | to be trifled with thus? Never!
Fanny" l resumed, rcsolutely, am
i'm -"
But she jumped up with an agonized
little scream.
Hush Wasn't that mans step in
the basement hall: l am sure heard
it. Kathleen has left the door unbolted,
and the house is full of robbers and
murdererS; do run and see.o
She shrank into a corner with the
prettiest cowardice ! had ever SEEM
Now, Pm not, as a general thing, par
ticularly partial to the company of bur-
glars and housebreakers, but, what was
a man to do thus charmingly appealed
to:
Don't be afraid, Fanny" said I,
catching up the guitar case valiantly,
and making for the lower part of the
house with that weapon of aggression.
Come on, Henderbrook; We'll make
'em stir round pretty. lively, or We'll
know the reason why"
Henderbrook followed, rather con-
trary to my expectations I had half
feared his remaining behind to comfort
the frightened dove in the blue muslin
feathers.
"You look in the Kitchen, Thistle
down, and I'll examine the cellar" he
said, and I promptly obeyed. looked
under the dresser, behind the tables,
even beneath the great brass kettle in
the corner, but there was no burglar
there.
eft must have been the eat, Hender-
brook" bawled l, "for -. The deuce!
how came this door shut:
gave the handle of the dooran ener-
getic turn-it was fast locked.
And now the truth began to dawn
dimly upon the perturbed and excited
brain. The coast was clear, and the
victory belonged to Bruce Henderbrook.
In vain | shouted until my lungs were
hoarse-in vain | ratified the relentless
door; nothing but echo rewarded my
relentless efforts. Nor was the scene of
my Involuntary ontinementpa particularly
inviting. 1t was dark, CLOSE, and intense
~ hot-a circumstance easily accounted
for by the fact of a white, hot fire glow
ing away in the range, and no particular
circulation except that of Croton bugs
across The floor. sat down ON the brass
Kettle, and wiped the perspiration from
my foreliead-a modern st. Bartholo-
NEW.
CRASHED my teeth, and upset4a whole
colony OF frying-pans in my despair.
Burglars, indeed! pretty story
Gracious, how hot it is! and q fellow
can't move without bringing down q lot