Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1867-01-31

laughter was never heard, brighter blush
es never seen, than those in Mr. Cartons
parlor, on the evening Of the leap year ball.
A gay group of young people who was col
lected near the hostess, who was the bright
est reveler there Lawrence watched her
from his corner, where he stood toying with
some ornament upon the mantle piece.
Harry was as usual in such scenes, beside
! her.
Miss Charlton, said Mr.. Harding, one
Of the group around Madge, there is one
condition in your invitation not complied
with yet
Indeed Rebellion in this camp must
be put down What is it :?
The ladies Go not make love to us ?
No, they do not ? echoed several Of the
gentlemen
Shocking Do they want an example
Mr.. Harding, will you take my arm for a
promenade 2
Mr. Harding looked down from his six
foot height to the little witch beside him,
and then offered his arm
No, take mine Mr. Harding sigh.
II iHo Ndiitoh, dt0 Ou III
No another sigh. Not i'll when you
smile upon me- Everybody laughed at
Madge's pretended love making.
Ladies said Madge, take your part
ners for the first quadrlle.'
There were plenty Of blushing and some
pouting as one or two Of the most fascina-
ting beaux pleaded prior engagements on
a third or fourth invitation from some fair
ones. Who would Madge choose Harry,
Of course Lawrence was watching her
little figure fitting from guest to guest,
finding places for dancers, and with merry
grace putting bashful folks at ease, intro
ducing couples, prompting timid girls, car
rying smiles everywhere, and leaving a
streak of sunshine wherever she went She
stood before him. The smile died out and
she blushed crimson.
MIR. Hayes shall 7 have the pleasure
of dancing the first quadrille with you {?
Lawrence bowed, offered his arm, and
led her to place. He thought,
This is her duty-dance She knows I
am grave. and would not win the admira-
ton of the gay beauties here, so her kind
heart prompts her to dance once with me.
Harry was Madge's next partner; then
Lawrence again ; then again three times,
but others came between, and Lawrence
sighed as he noticed how gay and chatty
she was with others, how timid, quiet and
reserved with him.
The evening sped on; it was quite late,
and part Of the guests had taken their de-
parture. Some, however, yet fingered,
dancing in the parlor In a little library
on the same floor as the ball room, Law
renee was sitting alone, when a fairy-like
| figure stood before him.
.Truant Y said Madge, what are you do
ing here ?
Have qou missed me p There was a
deep thrill in his heart, a tremor in his
voice.
oh p said Madge, gayly you wish to
remind me of my omission. have danced
with you, handed you ices, sent you a DO
quet, but [ have not made love to you.
Shall [ begin
There was deep silence. The merry
words she had used to many of her guests
failed Madge now. His eyes were fixed up.
en- her sorrowfully, lovingly. She softly
crept up close to him, saying in a low tone,
Lawrence ?
He started back.
No ? ne do not trife with me do not
make jest of my love. My love. Oh
Madge, do not tempt me to A strong
man was Lawrence, but a great, choking
sob interrupted him.
Madges low, soft voice stole in on his
heart,
DO you love me, Lawrence ?
Love you Madge Madge, have
loved you for seven years better than my
| life ?
/ She still crept closer to him, till her
bright head was pillowed on his broad chest.
Was it still jest, girlish freak
Lawrence Lawrence ?
It was leap year. and she nestled close
to him, daring his fate, he poured out the
full food of his love in strong, burning
words, and the merry heart was bound to
his, the tiny form was claspe3 close in his
arms, the words Of love, were echoed at
the ball given in Leap Year.
| MS U