Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-03-29

he examines every dish, as 1t is handed t.
him, through an eye glass. His inspection
is so long and his nose so close, that have
growing inclination each time to bob the
dish up in his face. For more than hal
the dinner he is silent, then he talks little
politics-staunch Conservatism-and Mis-:
Linton Immediately enunciates the strong
est radical principles, upholds woman suf
trage, and their having seats in Parliament
This seems to overwhelm him, and he re-
tires from the contest with a sigh.
Later on, he tries again, when the mince
pies are being handed round.
"Will you have happy month p he
asks, with faint smile, which disturbs his
eye glass and brings it down in his lap He
readjusts it slowly, and not trusting him
self to repeat The joke, asks her to have
some mince pie.
mo, thank you; never eat them," she
replies.
Have yoG never tasted them p frown-
Ing as if he Fad been a bafrister crosse
amining witness, but probably becarse his
glass give premonitory slip.
20, yes, ! have tasted them, but don t
care abott them" she answered.
He has no comment to make upo0 her
reply, so he helps himself in silence.
Sir o 'clock-Crumms and solemnly put
on the wine and the glasses, put the dessert
dishes little one way or the other, and
leave the room
'Bra7ol" whispered Crumms when we
are in the hall. Bravo, sir With a little
teaching you'd make a capital waiter. And
Miss Linton mistaking you for gentleman.
too! What joke At least" he adds, as
If he suddenly feels that he had made rath-
er mistake himself, ''of course, that is
what you are, ard a gent is always a gent, 7
say. But you understand, sir. 1t was so
ludicrous. There amt anything more for
you to do, and [ can say you We got an ap-
pointment 10 keep, you know.
Acting upon his advice, we go uD stairs
to the hall, and Crunms lets me out, shut
ting the door very quietly behind me-
1t is fine clear night, and [ turn my face
homeward, and stroll slowly along the deser-
ted square. | go all up the long, straight
Cover street without meeting any one. By
the University | see a figure advancing
quickly. We pass under a gas lamp, and
both pull up.
Herbert, by Jove !"
why, Roche, what are you doing here I?
Going out TO dlnner?"
Just had it, he roplies been to Sc .
an old lady home"
He then naturally wonders what | am do
ing strollng along the streets on Christmas
night. | tell him have been out to din
ner.
They have broken up very early" he
says and then asks suddenly, You haven t
sneaked off to read, surely?''
This is said in tone as if il were more
tai sin for a man to read for AN examination
on Christmas day.
That's right" he says, when I had dis
claimed any idea of reading. We'll, you
come home with me. My people will be
very glad to see you. We always have a
carpet dance or something in the evening. !"
accept readily, and go back with Roche
to his house.
Nine o 'clGck-We have cleared the room
for dancing, and the first quadrille has just
commenced. Not being able to get part
ner, [ am standing on the landing, when a
carriage rolls up to the Street door, and there
is loud knock, announcing the arrival Of
new comers.
Mrs. Roche hurries down and meets them
in the hall. | hear her say, as they come
up stairs, You are just too late for the first
dance. H len"
The natne quite makes me start.
by Jove, if it should be Miss Linton I"
is my muttered thought.
| half hope it may be; half hope it
may not be; and l haven't time to decide
which half is the stronger, before Miss
Linton herself comes laughing up the stairs
At the very first glimpse of her. l in
stinctively drew back Tito the shade, and
she and her mamma pass by without notice
ing me.
II seems very ridiculous to meet the same
young lady twice In one evening, first as a
waiter, and then as a guest but there-it
is done, it is fat occon,pli; and Miss Linton
and | are once more ahder the same roof
wonder if she will recognize me, and
watch her with interest as she goes round
the room. Sooner or later we must meet
face to face and the awkward moment
comes sooner than | expect.
When Miss Linton reaches the door where
Roche is standing with his partner, she
stops there and talks to them when they are
not dancing,
is there any lemonade, Edward ?" she
asks presently. u want some if there is 1"
There's a bad sign, Nelly, after dining
out, be answers with laugh. ''There is
some down stairs. would get you glass,
but you see it is my turn. IF You don t
mind you will fnd somebody outside, l
think.
Roche leads off with the third figure !;
Miss Linton comes out upon the landing !;
and move from the shadow of the wall in
to the light.
She gives quick start with her head and
L