The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1870-01-20

! wrapper. preparatory 10 tnelf nightly brush
inc when the maid brought up a paper box.
'.With MI Trevor's card and compliments.
Miss
Lilian's color deepened, and a sly smile
dimpled her rosy lips as she took the box,
while her lovely blue eyes grew soft and
limpid.
Il wonder what it is" she murmured to
herself ..How thoughtful in him to remenl-
Der me on New Years ever
She pressed her lips timidly to the box ere
She opened it-a girls shy impulse-and then
colored up as if some one had seen her.
But the momentary rose was nothing to
the hot deluge of crimson which flooded
cheek and brow when she opened the box and
beheld nestled down in its layers of paper
n false front, Of fiaXen hair, with tiny curls
dependent on every side. and stiff seam
down the middle.
She flung the thing indignantly from her :;
it )odred on a chintz draped sofa where it
Law. looking like the head Of one of blue
boards wives.
How dare he ?" she gasped almost mar
ticulatelv. How dare he insul, me by a
coarse. practical Joke like this Does he
think my hair is false9 Does b. mean to in
innate that | am indebted to the air dresser $
art tor what should be woman's chietest glory?
But he shall never have the chance to insult
me again. care not for his insolence; | re-
ioice rather, that | have discovered his true
character before it is too late.'
And by way of proof of her rejoicing,
Lillian sat down and cried heartily.
Yet notwithstanding this little episode,
Lillian Dare looked as beautiful IS royal rose
in full bloom on New Years day. as she stood
in her parlors, dressed in blue silk, with blue
flowers in her hair, and her golden tresses
netted at the back of her head. Leslie Trevor
thought he had never seen her 50 lovely as he
timidlv advanced to give her the compliments
of the season.
MAY l venture to wish you a lifetime of
happy New Years ?" he said gayly; but to
his surprise, Lillian coldly inclined her head,
and made no answer in words.
You are WE'LL | hope ?" he went on.
'Quite WE'LL
Trevor looked panied and embarrassed
II had hoped to see you carrying the gift
| presumed to send you last night he said,
feeling the blood mounting to his cheek as he
spoke Lillian drew herself haughtily up,
and turning to a side table, took the lucklesS
paper box, and held it towards him.
"Allow me to return your gift, Mr.. Trevor y
she said coldly' The insult was gratuitous
but YOU shall have no opportunity to repeat
it."
Leslie looked bewildered.
Il don't understand you, Miss Dare
But as Lillian turned toreceive fresh call
er, he mechanically opened the box, and the
false front fell out. one Of its curls catching
IN his watch chain!
..Lilian-Mss Dare Y he cried, as Mr.
Dewitt Jonesbury was conducted into the
back room for refreshments by comfortable
Mrs Dare, ''you can never suppose that
ever sent this-this monstroSHy to you"
1T came with your card!" Lillian respond
ed mercilessly.
impossible. I sent you aboquet."
'.Then," Lillian answered, not without the
cam of a smile, sit must have undergone
some mysterious transformation before it met
my eyes"
Trevor opened the window and tossed the
hideous falsity out. 1t descended on the hat
of Mr. Potts.
"Haloo " cried that gentleman, indignant
ly dodging. 'what the mischief do folks
mean Why-halloo-lt's Mrs. P.'s hair
It must have rained down from the heavens"
And Mr. Potts, pocketing the mysterious
visitant, walked into Miss Dares to tell, re-
gardless of the afterwrath Of Mrs. F.. what
very excellent joke had just belallen him.
Trevor looked at Lillian. LiEan's eyes an
swered back a CLEAN or blue sunshine; and
when Mr.. Potts finished by saying:
"And by Jove, | haven't an idea whom
the bouquet belongs to-" they both burst out
laughing.
And Mr.. Potts thought he had said a very
funny thing indeed, although he wasn't quite
cart ain what If was