The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1870-09-15

many acquaintance IN the city, and the
house was filed with company the most
Of the time. Sleigh rides, dinner par
ties, impromptu theatricals, concerts and
tableauz, made the time pas5ih d whirl
of pleasure. The morning after New
Years Violet was in the parlor alone.
India, who had slight headache, had
begged to be excused for a while, and
had gone to her room to lie down. Mr.
Richmond was in the library writing,
Professor Morton had gone to the city.
Vilet played on the piano, then read
awhile; soon tir ing of this she went to
her room, brought down her drawing
materials, and proceeded to draw bo-
quet Of flowers that had just been
brought in from the conservatory. She
had just finished a cluster Of graceful
fucias, when Sidney Morton returned.
He came in, expressed his admiration
other drawing, sat down near her and
toyed with her pencil case, talking with
her all the time.
~ shall now draw a violet" said the
young girl with laugh.
"The one ID the vase, Or the one in
the chair ?" be asked smiling; then
without waiting for her to reply he
said:
"That flower is dearer to me than any
thing else in the world" There was a
look in the dark bright eyes bent ear
nestly upon her, that Violet did not see.
Some one else did. India Lester, who
had just opened the door, heard the last
words and saw the earnest look. In
vain she tried to teas0h with herself
that his words were the mere idle moth
ings such as gentlemen speak to every
lady.
"Trifes light as air,
Are to the Jealous continuation strong
As prOofs Of holy writ"
and in spite of all her feasdhing; India
felt keen pain at her heart. Her
white hands were clenched until the
nails of one tore the delicate flesh of the
other, and look of intense hatred flash
ed from her black eyes But she came
forward and said With stayity:
81 hope do not interrupt a tete
bte."
''Not at ALL" they both declared.
81 fear you think me rather tettiiss in
politeness, but the truth is, l have had
an attack Of headache, and | knew quiet
was the only cure"
elbow is your head now, IndiaP
Better, thank you. Why how pei
feet you have made those flowers, Vio-
let. Professor, l have proposal to
make to yoH. hayebrOught my work
down, and while l sew; and Violet
draws, l should like for you to read to
us. Will you~
''With pleasure, Miss India. What
shall Tread p
II am not particular What is your
choice, Violet7" .'
81 will leave it to Professor Morton"
said Violet. India took up her "work"
as she called it, which was an elaborate
piece of embroidery she had been en-
gagged on for some years; not that it
was so difficult, but that she only work
ed at it for a few moments at time.
The Professor went to the library, aud
soon returned with a volume Of Mrs.
Browning's poems. Before he began
to read, Violet, seeing the marks of the
nails made by India in her anger, ex-
"Why India, your hand is bleeding.
What is the matter with it?'
"A mere scratch" said the girl, bind
ing it up with her lace handkerchief
Morton was fine reader, and his voice
was we'll modulated, and musical. vi
olet listened with real enjoyment, but
India seemed preoccupied, and her black
Drows knit together in a frown as she
lrew the needle in and out of the deli
cate fabric in her hand.
That afternoon beautiful little sleigh,
lrawn by span of white horses, which |
Sidney Morton had engaged in the city |
hat morning, drove up to the door.
Sidney met India in the ball lie want
ID herself and Violet to take ride with |
lim. India accepted the invitation for
herself very graciously.
"Where is Miss Vanel"
'In her room. | will tell her, as it
s late, and there is no time to lose,"
Iaid India.
"If you please" India put on her
most becoming costume, and went to
ler friends room. Violet looked up
rom her book at her entrance.
II am going out riding with Profes-
Lnr MnrfnnN said India nand shall