The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-03-17


Sir o'clock.-Crumms and / solemnly
put on the wine and the glasses, put the
dessert dishes a little one way or the
other, and leave the room.
Bravo r. whispers Crumms when we
are in the hall. Bravo, sir With a
little teaching you'd make capital
waiter. And Miss Linton installing
you for a gentleman, too! What a
joke At least" he adds, as if he sud-
denly feels that he had made rather a
mistake himself "of course, that is
what you are, and gent is always a
gent, | say. But you understand, sir
1t was so ludicrous. There amt any
thing more for you to do, and | can say
you've got an appointment to keep, you
know"
Acting upon his advice, we 90 up
stairs to the hall. and Crumms lets me
out, shutting the door very quietly be-
hind me.
1t is fine clear night, and turn my
face homeward, and stroll slowly along
the deserted square. / 60 all up the
long, straight Cover street without
meeting any one. BY the University
see figure advancing quickly. We
pass under gas lamp, and both pull
up.
Herbert, by Joye y
Why, Roche, what are you doing
here? Going out to dinner ?'
Just had it," he replies " been to
see an old lady home"
He then naturally wonders what am
doing strolling along the streets on
Christmas night. | tell him | have
been out to dinner.
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 it were a
mortal sin for a man to read for an ex-
animation on Christmas day.
"Thats right" he says, when | had
disclaimed any idea of reading. Well,
you come home with me. Ny people
will be very glad to see you. We always
have carpet dance or something in the
EVENING"
| accept readily, and 60 back with
Roche to his house.
Nine o'clock.-We have cleared the
room for dancing, and the first quadrille
has Just commenced. Not being able
to get partner, am standing on the
landing, when carriage rolls up to
the street door, and there is a loud
knock, announcing the arrival OF new
corners.
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, Helen"
The name quite makes me start.
"By Jove, if it should be Miss Lin
ton y is my muttered thought.
half hope it may be; | half hope it
may not be; and | haven't time to de-
eide which half is the stronger before
Miss Linton herself comes laughing up
the stairs.
At the very first glimpse of her, in
stinctively drew back into the shade,
and she and her mamma pass by with
out noticing me.
1t seems very ridiculous to meet the
same young lady twice in one evening
first as waiter, and then as guest ;
but there-it is done, it is fat qccompE;
and Miss Linton and | are once more
under 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 part
ner, she stops there and talks to them
when they are not dancing.
as there any lemonade, Edward p
she asks presently. i want some if
there is
There's bad sign, Nelly, after din
ing out he answer. with a laugh.
"There is some down stairs. | would
get you glass, but you see it is my
turn. If you don't mind you will find
somebody outside, l think"
Roche leads off with the third figure f;
Miss Linton comes out upon the land.
ing; and | move from the shadow of the
wall into the light.
She gives quick start with her head
and opens her eyes in surprise as she
sees me. There is just little tighten
ing of her lips, faint blush rises to
her lips, and then she asks me
quietly to fetch her glass of lem
onade.
Roche had said it was down stairs, and
/ find it in the dining room. l am ra-
Their glad of the excuse to get away and
have my laugh out; for the whole thing
is more and more absurd, since Miss
Linton has made a second mistake, and
thinks | am waiter. 1t is very natu-
raj error, of course; and to keep up the
deception, put the glass on tray and
go gravely up stairs.
She is quite composed now, and
thanks me unconcernedly as / hand her
the lemonade. Then we stand side by
side-I holding the tray in both hands
till the dance finishes, and Roche
comes out to Us.
Have you got your lemonade ?" he
asks. "That's right" Now you want
partner for the next dance. Who
shall it be? | am engaged till after
supper, unfortunately. o, here Lei
me introduce you. Miss Linton, Mr.
-!
Instead of waiting to hear my name
the young lady puts down the glass
quickly and looks indignant.
Don't be absurd, Edward y she says
as she walks Off