The mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado County, Calif.) 1863-1943, 1865-07-22
THE mIsTLETOE BOUGH.

WuNS oeauUHul Ouncn OF mtBtietOe
Do you not think it ia the finest you have
seen this Christmas, mammal" exclaim.
ed ELISE E6ingham, as she turned over q
heap Of evergreen which the gardener
bad brought in for the purpose OF decOta-
ting the dining room, which, in Lhe GVen-
ing. was to be the scene Of q ball, TO which
all the young people in the neighborhood
were invited to celebrate EIlise's nine.
teenth birthday, and the eve of q new
year. -t.' .... ..s.
It is certainly handsome piece, my
dear, replied Mrs. E6ingham. Where
did John get it, I wohderH'
do not care straw where Il came
from, replied Elise but now have it,
i am determined it shall make some fun.
AR6 40 saying, she laughingly held it
over her sisters head and kissed her.
'Ah, ELISE, said the younger girl, with
. mischievous look, what will Mr.. Man
ley say to a mistletoe bougb? am afraid
he will be too shocked to stay in the
foom.'
A flush spread itself over ElIise's cheek,
and she turned angriiy away.
How foolishIy you talk, Emilyr said
Elise. One would think Mr.. Mauley
could not enjoy laugh as we'll as Gny
one else.'
Anyhow, interrupted Mrs. EGingham,
4 Strickly forbid its being placed IN this
room. II is only suited TO the servants
hall. The rude ronps and jokes to which
it gives rise are quite unit for young la
| dies
But, mamma, may not have it put
over the supper table ? pleaded ELISE.
1t cannot do any harm there, and may
lead to some fun
Mrs. Effingham had no objection to
such an arrangement, and accordingly
the branch Of mistletoe was suspended
just over the middle Of the we'll filed sup
per table.
The Efinghams were people Of some
importance in their DsighbOrhood, Mr..
Ettingham being mar of wealth, and a
partner in a highly respected firm OF
solicitors They had only. two children,
ELISE and Emily, the latter Of whom was
just fourteen years Of age.
Mr.. Manley was an article clerk in Mr..
Effingham's office, and, as he was well
connected, and of most unexceptionabIe
character, he had been a pretty constant
visitor 10 bingham lodge. He was very
handsome, and quiet in his manners in.
deed, many thought he was too sedate. -
lie never tlirted with any Of the numer-
Gus young ladies who beset him with at
tentions, and had seemed almost indiffer.
ent to Elise herAclf, the prettiest and the
richest girl in the neighborhood.
There were very few who could 60
away hCart-wbOle after coming in contact
with the fascinating Miss Effinghnm, aud
she had done her utmost to be agreeable
to Louis Manley: but 10 the present even,
ing he had paid her none but the most
commonplace attentions.
The dning-room, being the largest
room in the bousc, was set apart for the
dancing exclusively. An adjoining apart
ment was to be used as promenade and
retreat for those who were tired or pre-
ferred sitting. ELISE was delighted with
the arrangement, and had scarcely finish
ed the decorations in time to make her
toilette.
She was standing before the glass de-
batting what ornament she should wear
in her hair. when the door opened, and
Emily entered, carrying fine white ca
nelia, set off TO the best advantage by
two or three Of those glossy green leaves
which so much enhance the beauty Of
the plant.
Oh Emily exclaimed Ellise, that is
the very thing wanted, but John had
only scarlet ones in the greenhouse and
I could noN use any of them with this
pink silk. II never occurred to me that
be might get opc elsewhere. He has be-
come unuSually ally\thoughtful, has he mott
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 0Q the slip Of paper
twined about the cameNia, the words
With L. Ms compliments and congrat-
ulations'
What do you think Of Mat for your
quiet matter. offact Mr.. MGaley" said
Emily, bursting into a merry laugh. 4
did not think he had SO much sentiment
in him.
MY dear child how very foolish you
are gettingr said ELISE; do be sensible,
and tell me who gave this to you
Il shall keep you waiting long time,
Mistress Elise, although it is your birth
day, if you speak to me in that way, re
piled Emily. You are dying to know al
the particulars now, are you not! DO
coniessi You will not? All! well, /
will not he too cruel, laughed the Saucy
child; you shall hear all know. The
redoubtable Mr.. Manley was standing in
the conservatory when John was looking
for a white camellia, and, when he could
not find one, Mr.. Manley said. Tell Miss
Efiingham will get one for her if posi-
ble, and suppose he has found II possible,
as here it is. Let me put it in your hair
for you
The flower was fastened in ElliSe's soft
dark hair, and il the glass received q
rather satisfied glance from the young
lady we need not be SURPRISED, for it GER
tainly reflected a very fair image.
Emily ran off when she had accomplish
cd her task, and Elise stood for a few
moments at the toilet table, her heart
betting high with pleasure and antcipa
ton. She cared not who thought her
looking well, if Louis Mauley did not;
she had learnt to value his approval very
highly. This last slight attention sugur;
ed we'll for the evening and she descend,
ed to the tea room, her eyes sparkling
merriIy. and bright glow on her unus-
ually pale cheek.
The tea was over, and the dapcing be.
gan, but still there was no Louis Manley
to be seen. The belle Of the evening SOON
found her engagement card nearly filed,
bot Louis Manley's name was not on the
list.
So frequently had she danced that it
was not until late that she went into the
aAiain;pO roonn She stood at the door