The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1867-09-20

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thronged around her. There was no
constraint, no timidity, but native
grace an intelligent ease, that capti-
waited young and old Madge fancied
Mr.. Deleroux Intended to decline an
acquaintance, but not so. For mo-
ment she was comparatively Alone
He approached her; his eyes beamod
joyfully, his voice trembled as he said:
II am happy to see you, Madge, if l
may still call you So.
"Why not we are old friends" she
answered with an air that signifed
great deal or nothing, Emanuel could
not tell which; then taking his proffer-
ed arm, she strolied with him to the
beautiful conservatory, whose rich
fragrance lured the guests to its de-
lightiul precincts.
"Do you remember, Madge what
pretty things we said through flowers
in the conservatory at Elmwood, that
May day ?"
Did we ?" said Madge.
yes; and what delightful walks and
rides we used to have and do you re-
member when the lightning struck the
tree? ?"
Madgo looked up with flashing eyes
and flushed cheek.
yes, Emanuel, ! rememberw she
said, almost fercely, and hurried
away.
He leaned against a marble vase,
stunned almost he knew not why. He
could not decipher the meaning of her
words or her manner. Was it her old
dislike returned doubly strong, now
that so many smiles fell upon her p
All bis pride came to his aid A
smile wreathed his lip, his naughty
form was drawn to its full height, and
he moved again among the guests, the
noblest there.
Weeks passed Madge saw Emanu-
ell frequently; he was attentive, kind,
polite, all that was necessary, but ev-
cry day colder and toward her As
Emanuel grew much more reserved
she became gayer Her Southern
Blood danced in her veins, crmsoning
her checks, and flashing like lightning
in her black sparkling eyes She
electrified every one but Emanuel;
he became adamant.
One day Madge announced her in
tention of returning home.
"Not already?' said Mrs. Delereux,
who was present.
'Yes, tomorrow.
care you surfeited with fattery p
Come, tell us how may offers you have
had"
Twenty"
"What twenty? Then you are en-
gagged, | am sure You could not
have summoned courage to say no
twenty times p
But did summon courage; l am
not engaged,
Emanuel stood as though he were
a statue.
Perhaps he did not hear all this
nonsense.
"Ahl l see; you have lover up at
Elnwood
Madge smiled Mrs Delereax had
all woman's curiosity.
"Ihen You mean to marry him p
perhaps so"
"Do you love him % asked Mrs
Delerux, with surprise
Not particularly; but | suppose he
/ is rs amiable as most men"
Emanuel started his eyes met
Madges faint smile passed over his
features, and he abruptly left the
room.
Madge kept her word Three days
later found her at Elmwood, and right
joyful was the welcome she received.
81 am SO glad to get home. What
an age it seems, she cried, throwing
her arms around Eugenia's neck and
bursting into some very girlish tears.
One morning III April, Madge was
sitting in a library, thinking very des-
perately mo, / won't love him Sell
fish fellow Why should l waste a
thought upon En- anuel Dele
reux? Did he really love me, he would
at least, have Spoken if we must never
meet again. Now, should he die at
my feet, / will be cold rs ice How
handsome he is !" she said, continu
/ ing her reverie. "There was not an
other equal to him. Miss Leyrette,
that they say he will marry, is splen
did girl wonder if he loves her? OF
course | shall marry the one fathers
note says, that is, if he ever offers him
self; but | am quite sure that it is Ed
ward, Tor he never liked any other
boys"
There was a clatter of horses hoofs
on the avenue, then some one entered
the great hal, annd enquired of a SER
want:
us my uncle at home p
"No, sir,
Robert Eugenia ?"
"No, sir; they have all driven to Dr.
Compton's.'
There was quick step on the stairs y;
the library door opened; Emanuel
Delereux entered. AIadge started to
her feet. For a moment they met
each others gaze in silence. Then
Emanuel crossed the floor with uney-
en- steps, and caught her hand.
''Madge, do you love me ?"
She turned very pale, there was
such an intensity in his voice. A cloud
gathered in the sky, and threw n black
shadow in the room. He grasped her
other hand.