Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1871-11-24

land you really 60 home to- morrow p
Vesey said, sitting down beside Mrs
Wiuslow.
''Yes, there is nothing to wait for now;
aud Darrell does not care to stay. The
opera season is over, you know"
So it was for the gayeties Of the town
be bad fingered. she thought. with sud-
den sinking of the heart. Oh, how blind
she had been! His careless laugh came
across the room just then as if to mock
her.
You'll not come back before another
season." She could not hide the pain that
quivered in her voice.
NO." she replied simply, Il suppose
not"
The gentlemen joined them.
Vesey was thinking how pleasant she
had hoped it would be, with only Darrell
and his mother here-they four around
the fire in the twilight, Darrell by her
Of the words she had thought be would
speak. There was ring hanging on his
watch chain. 1t fitted her finger. He
had tried it once in jest.
She turned away from him to Paul.
And yet what should she say? What do
people say to ministers ? she asked herself
helplessly. And to young ministers above
all. Oh, if he had not comel If be
would only go! If they would all go and
leave her alone with her disappointment.
How she passed the long dinner hour
she never knew. She talked of trivial
things, as we we'll do, though beneath the
outward calm our very souls are seething.
When they were back in the drawing
room and the others fell into quiet desul-
tory chat that follows dinner, she could
not be still. Her cold hands refused to
lie quietly in her lap. as shapely white
hands should. Her feet beat an impa-
tient waltz under her gown. She glanced
at Darrell. He had thrown himself back
in an e6sy chair, bis hands under his head.
There was no feverish glitter in BIS eye
He yawned furtively. She pushed her
chair back. ''How stupid we are! It's
the fire think. Will not some one sing
or play?" And she seated herself before
the piano.
She struck quick. sharp chord. Il
could dance tonight" She had forgot
ten the young minister and bis probable
prejudices. He caught glimpse just
then of the flushed, intense face. But ip
an instant, with the minor chord that fol-
lowed, it changed. Tears rushed into her
eyes. Her back was to tue others. Ouly
Paul saw the sudden saddening Of the face,
the fall Of the wet eyelids.
"Such wonderful Spirits" exclaimed
Mrs. Winslow. $50 light-hearted Vesey
always is"
''Ah!" responded Paul. But he tell
into reverie.
Darrell leaned over her. '.What ha.
come to YOUR
"How? Why?" She did not pause
in her playing
You're simply glorious now. You
hardly need crown"
Her hands went wrong. A quick clash
"a discord-then she went on. She was
growing strong; equal to the strife
There is nothing so deathless as woman's
pride. 1t had risen at last. Her bands
flashed over the keys, throwing off sparks
the widest, gayest music.
''Good night! and goodbye; it must
be-" he said, OBTAINING her hand when
they separated.
1--WE shall take the early train"
The flush had died ou. of her face
She looked worn out and tired. Upon
the whole he was not sorry he had decid-
ed to go.
Goodbye" she said quietly.
You'll come and make US that visit in
the summer, Vesey ""
II don't know. Perhaps so.'
''Of course you WILL"
ITO be sure. added Darrell. II shall
come for you myself"
| They were gone at last. She turned
away.
'.But Mr.. Hayes. Vesey!"
She had forgotten his existence.
"Im afraid Tn rude" And she put
her hand. 'Good-by but indeed | may
confess now that have wretched head
ache and-and-" That was all she said
The play was over.
The spring and early summer wore a.
way. One letter came from Dsrrell. A
letter such ss be might have sent to any