The herald. (Smyrna, Del.) 1870-1871, 1870-08-27

llYb6ll Vi Lulc nOPCACo9 A0AA~J ~Ae'AA ~
cause had anything to doin the North.
When came back in the autumn the
opposite house was closed and my neigh
Dor gone,
That afternoon, walking down Re-
gent street, met an old college friend,
Tom Birdsell.
"why, bless no. he cried, 1--WE havn't
met for years. I'm just going to Yer-
ry's to dine. Join me, and we'll talk of
old times, unless you're married, and
must go home TO dinner. Not married.
ehf'' he added, gaily. "Lucky fellowl
I'm not exactly married, but I'm en-
gagged, and want to make the most Of
my liberty. So come along"
We went accordingly.
"Alice is charming girl" he saids
getting confidential as the dinner pro-
gressed. "I'm going there this even
ing, and, by the way, why won't you
come, too, and give me your opinion of
herr Lots ofmoney, I can tell you. It's
rather romantic story; my engagement
to her, I mean. Her father was an old
friend OF my fathers, just as you and 1
are; but they hadn't met for years. In
fact, Alice's papa had lived at Liverpool
and only came to London last Spring,
when he hired a house for six months,
till he could look around and buy one
for himself. The two fellows ran against
each other accidentally in the street,
were frightfully glad, insisted on Alice
and meeting, and finally planned a
match between us. My charmer was a
little distant, at first; but she's coming
around now: and though the wedding
day isn't fxed, the marriage is to come
of, the old folks say, some time next
Spring."
sand do you love herr"
ooh, enough for all practical purpos-
es. She's lady like and cultivated, nnd
pretty, and all that, and has lots of mo-
ney. 1t would be pity to disappoin
the old people, eh7"
"But you havn't told me her name?'
"Alice Milford. But, bless me, OLE
fellow, what's the matterf"
''Nothing, only a sudden cramp."
81 forgot to show you her picture" h
said. "Here it is-a very good one, too
though must say it flatters her slight
lly.r
knew before took the photogfapl
in my hand that it wa5 my opposit
neighbor's. And I had thought he
married-oh, how blindl Iturned aside
as ifto throw the light more directly o
the picture; no one must see while
looked upon her. How had loved he
L never knew till now.
1t was she looking upon me with calm
soft eyes-eyes that might have been
my heavoni
swell, it's eight O'clock, aid am T.
be there to take coffee at nine. So W
had better be going. no excuses
Come along" he said, as I drew bach
allowed myself to be led hway.
> We reached the place, an elegant man
sion in the Regents Park and wer
ushered into the drawing-robm,
"I'm very glad to meet yoh," said MI
Milford, on my being introduced t.
him. 81 like your face, sir and, by th
way, It looks familiar. SILL, I neve
heard your name before, think"
Alice soon made her appearance
Stately and star like she glided in, greet
I ing her betrothed with careless grace
that seemed more like friendship tha
f love. was introduced. AS she CAV
, me her hand a crimson flash shot owe
. her face.
"I thought you were alone" she said
: turning to Tom; "but y,ur friend
} very welcome"
Tom was evidentally pt,ud of her,
f He was himself handsome, but superb
cial and selfish. felt thit, though sh
3 might admire him for a tine, such We
D man as Alice Milford could never b
Q happy as his wife.
8 "Hal, you are so fond If music, yo
) must hear Miss Alice sing" Tom sal
= directly.
e He led her to the pian,, and motion
!, ing me to seat near hG, returned
Q resume his conversation gith Mr.. Mi
= ford.
4 "Sing whatever you lils best, please,
a I said, as she turned to ak me as to m,
= favorite. "My sister usd to sing to m
: before she was married; but of late
know but little of hone, or HON
Q songs"
Softly she swept her white fingers owe
, the keys, and then broks into song ful
/, of feeling.
s 81 have heard you sifg 1T before, Mis-
: Milford" said, quite frtetting mysel
l. when she stopped.
Y "Ahp she said, and tgain her fac
u flushed crimson.
"This is not the first tine," went on
o ST have seen you, thoug4you do not re
g member mo. The housdyou occupies
i last Spring was. opposite my lodgings
: L remember your face tell, and you
: songs cheered many a bnely evenin
Q for me-"
Q "I have seen you at bur window,
@ she replied, half shyly, In soft, 10y
y voice. that the blood Iuicken in M,
pulses, though why 1 cobd hardly tel
b "Sing something morl please" Isai
,. directly.
|, She chose simple bkIed; a sad one
and her voice seemed lii the wall of
II broken heart. When S had finished
" she Suddenly rose, and bid, "Are yol
IS fond of fiowers?, We I've some yer,
e fine ones in bloom now3'om," she ad
ded, won't you come iny the conserva
% tory?"
IT Tom rose, giving her hs arm as he di,
v so. Mr.. Milford and I lhlowed.
+ "Alice, DEAR" said Il with an un