Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1868-09-10

hand. Had he not told her that "fo
several virtues he had liked several We
mon but she, so perfect, SO peerless, etc
etc. Z"
And a man who s'knew his own mind
could not have quoted Shakespeare NOR
aptly, for Jane Liscom was rare wo
man, with only the one fault of senti
mentalism. It was a marvel that tn
shallow Pardoe could appreciate her;
greater marvel still that Jane shoul,
have looked on him favorably. I shal
not try to account for it. We all know
what little good was born blind.
In the midst of the conversation will
the queenly Miss Fontleroy, Mr.. Par
does "errant eyes" wandered across tn
room to Miss Liscom's.
''Noble woman!'' thought he "wrap
ped in the majesty of her own thoughts
She is not beauty, but how do I know
she is not the second self I am seeking
1 really must 60 over and speak to her. >
Miss Liscom met him with frank cor
diality and certain blushing conscious.
ness. Why not? She was almost hall
betrothed to him. Such was the CLAM
or this man had thrown around her, that
she actually supposed his fate rested in
her hands. and that she was waiting to
know her own heart better before giving
him final answer. He greeted her rap
turously, smiled upon her tenderly. She
looked in his eyes and thought she was
gazing down, down thousand fathoms ;
whereas it was probably about the six
teenth Of an inch, and no more. But
faith had designs on our hero this even
ing, and meant to push him to extremities.
my dear Miss Liscom," said he, in
low, soft tones, which, like his eyes, new
er meant what they expressed "My
dear-Miss Liscnm- -rAmanahAr--thA
promise you made me last week p
He only intended to remind her to give
him copy of one of her poems, that
she mistook his meaning.
"Mr. Pardoe, I-I-you know it was
only conditional. I said I. would look
into my-my-heart."
Mr.. Pardoe was visibly startled. He
now remembered distinctly that few
evenings before this he had unintention-
ally carried compliment to the very verge
of declaration.
.Good Heavens !'' thought the discom-
fitted swain; ''can't I speak to woman
without committing myself 7" But he
added aloud:
Charming girl, pardon nay importu-
nifty. promise never, never to allude
to the subject until you give me leave. -
''That ought to settle it, thought Mr..
Pardoe; of course she wont take any
steps towards marrying me till she hears
from me again"
Still his conscience was not easy. He
hurried away from Miss Liscom only to
meet fresh danger in the guise of Ade-
laide Blythe. That curly-headed nymph
was looking at her gossamer robe in dis
may. Some careless foot had mistaken
it for SPIDERS web, and nearly demol-
ished it.
"Oh, Frederick" said the pretty crea
ture, looking into his face confdingly
at the same time laying her little hant
on his arm, ''ao take me out of thes'
rooms, and then call May Fontleroy t.
help me. I'm such figure! Do, dea
Frederick, be quick %
"Poor Frederick" felt himself seizet
and possessed. Here was another wo
man who certainly laid claim to him
Perhaps she had right-he really coul'
not tell. He was always more or less il
love with such affectionate little souls a
Adelaide if he had committed himself il
that quarter, he was very sorry. Jus
at this moment, however, the question
was of torn dresses, no lacerated affec
tions. He conducted Addie mp stairs
the dressing room; then he must fin
May Fontleroy and paper Of pins.
What helpless baby she !' wa
Miss Fontleroy's mental comment, as sh
swept sylph like across the parlors lean
ing on Mr.. Pardoe's arm. They passe
Miss Liscom.
"Come, with me, Jane" said Ma
playfully. Il need your help in arrang
ing tablcau."
The young lady took May at heS,word
and followed. Mr.. Pardoe offered hi
left arm.