Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1865-03-23
Stlctt Storp.
THE MISTLETOE BOUGH,

DO you not think 1t is the finest you have
seen this Christmas, mamma p exclaimed
ELISE Eflingham, as she turned over a heap
ofevergreens which the gardener had brought
in for the purpose of decorating the dining
room, which, in the evening, was to be the
scene Of ball, to which all the young peo-
pie in the neighborhood were invited to eel
ebrate Ellise's nineteenth birthday and
the eve of "A new year.
1T is certainly handsome piece, my
dear" replied Mrs. Ehngham. Where
did John get it, | wonder?'
II do not care straw where it came
from, replied Elise; but now have it,
am determined it shall make some fun. D."
And so saying, she laughingly held it over
her sister head, and kissed her.
"Ah, Elise, said the younger girl, with
mischievous look, what will Mr.. Manley
say to a mistletoe bough? | am afraid he
will be too shocked to stay in the room.
a flush spread itself over Ellise's cheek
and she turned angrily away.
'How foolishly you talk, Emily !" said
Elise ''One would think Mr.. Manley
could not enjoy laugh as well as any one
else.
anyhow" interrupted Mrs. Bingham
II strictly forbid its being placed in this
room. 1t is only suited to the servant S
hall. The rude romps and jokes to which
it gives rise are quite unfit for young ladies. "
over the supper table?' pleaded ELISE. -
"lt cannot do any harm there, and may lead
to some fun,
Mrs. Effngham had no objection to such
an arrangement, and accordingly the branch
Of mistletoe was suspended just over the
middle of the well filled supper table.
The Efinghams were people OF some i'm
poltance in their neighborhood Mr. Effing
ham being man of wealth, and partner
| in a highly respected firm of solicitors. -
They had only two children, Elise and En-
! ily, the latter Of whom was just fourteen
years of age.
Mr.. Manley was an articled clerk in Mr.
| Eiiingham Office and, as he was well con
nected, and of most unexceptionablc
character, he had been a pretty constant
visitor to. Ehingham lodge. He was very
handsome, and quiet in his manners indeed,
many thought he was too sedate. lie never
! flirted with any Of the numerous young la
dies who beset him with attentions, and had
seemed almost Indifferent to ELISE herself
the prettiest and the richest girl in the
neigbborhood
There were very few who could go away
heart hole after coming in contact with the
! -hlSS anu cnC
done her utmost to be agreeable to Louis
had paid her none but the most common
place attentions,
The dining room, being the largest room
in the house, was set apart for the dancing
exclusively. An adjoining apartment was
to be used as promenade and retreat for
those who were tired or preferred sitting
ELISE was delighted with the arrangement
and had scarcely finished the decorations in
time to make her toilette.
She was standing before the glass debat-
ing what ornament she should wear in her
hair, when the door opened, and Emily
entered, carrying fine white camella, set
off to the best advantage by two or three of
those glossy green leaves which so much en-
hance the beauty of the plant.
"Oh, Emily exclaimed Elise, "that is
the very thing | wanted, but John had only
scarlet ones in the greenhouse, !, and could
not use any of them with this pink silk. 1t
never occurred to me that he might get one
thoughtful, has he notY'
Emily made no reply, but seemed much
amused as she handed the flower to her
sister. A flush more rosy than the hue Of
her dress spread itself over her face and neck
as she read on the slip of paper twined about
the camellia, the words--"With i. NJ. S
compliments and congratulations.
"What doyou think Of that for your quiet
matter of fact Mr.. Manley p said Emily
bursting into merry laugh. II did not
think he had so much sentiment in him"
"My dear child how very foolish you are
getting said ELISE "do be sensible and
tell me who gave this to you"
II shall Keep you waiting long time,
: Mistress ELISE, although it is your birthday,
if you speak to me in that way" returned
} Emily. "You are dying to know all the
particulars-now, are you not? Do confess
You will not? All well, will not be toe
cruel, y laughed the saucy child; 'you shall
hear all l know. The redoubtable Mr..
Manley was standing in the conservatory
when John was looking for white camelia
and, when he could not find one, Mr. Man
ley said Tell Miss Eflingham will get one
for her if possible and | suppose he has
found it possible, as here it is. Let me put
it in your hair for you"
The flower was fastened in Ellise's sof
dark hair, and if the glass received a rathe
satisfied glance from the young lady we neeC
not be surprised, for it certainly reflected I
very fair image.
Emily ran off when she had accomplished
her task, and ELISE stood for few moment!