Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-03-31

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thought, with sudden 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
seasons ?" She could not hide the pain that
quivered in her voice. But the limp little
woman crushed into the depths Of the arm
chair by her side did not heed it.
No" she replied, simply, II suppose
NOT
The gentlemen joined them.
''Sit down here by me-" said Mrs. Wins
low to Paul, motioning to the chair at her
side.
'It is of no use," whispered Vesey to
Darrell, with hysterical sound between a
laugh and sob.
"What is of no use ?" He followed her
away from the fire.
Trying to avert grim fate. Your
mother is determined to discuss church af-
fairs with Mr.. Hayes. What will she saw
to find he is not In the succession at ALP
That he simply cares for the souls Of our
butcher and baker, and"
"Candlestick-maker, suggested Darrell.
Eyes, for ought know. have tried
to keep them apart, but"
Extremes will meet. / believe there
is an attraction between the poles. But
what does it portend, this invasion? Are
you about to assume stuff gown and
plain bonnet Or do you propose to bring
him into the true church? Not bad ad-
dition. | should say" fixing his eyes upon
Paul, who had won the respectful atten-
tion, at least, of his rather light-minded
audience in the armchair.
"What were you saying?" Vesey asked
1 lnl H.. e. =
''How he CHANGED to be here? Oh, father
has met him occasionally, and so asked
him to dinner, | was sorry he came to-
night"
"Ah ?" Darrell looked down upon her
with conscious air She had spoken
truer words than she intended. She went
on, as though she had not heard him-as
though the color was not flaming her face.
because / knew you would have little
in common, and thought it might be
awkward for us all 1t does not matter"
Nothing did or ever would any more A
gray wall seemed to shut out all beyond
this night
But | am not to be defrauded of my
rights. | am to take you out to dinner,
am notP You surely won't throw me
over at the last, Vesey" He bent his
head closer to her face
II don t know; you can sit upon one
side and Mr.. Hayes upon the other, if he
WILL She moved away towards the others,
leaning over her mothers chair she pre-
tended to listen; smiling assent; to what,
she never knew. She 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 he
would speak. There was ring hanging
upon his watch-chain. 1t fitted her finger.
He had tried it once in Jest
"Vesey - called her father. And then
she knew the others were rising-that
dinner was announced.
Il hope you and Mrs. Winslow have be-
come friends" she said to Paul, as they
were going out
"One hardly gets SO far as that in half
hours chat" he answered pleasantly.
"And just before dinner" added Darrell
from the other side. That's the time to
make enemies, Miss Vesey."
"Then do hasten to be served, gentle
men, lest you quarrel"
"And the cause ?" queried Darrell in her
ear.
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 come! If he would
only 60. If they would all go, and leave
her alone with her disappointment and
shame,
How she passed the long dinner hour
she never knew. She talked of trivial
things, as we all do, though beneath the
outward calm our very souls are seething.
Har ,nt Of 9th cha
break this crust Paul Judged her. She
has found her lowest depth. he said, when
she chanced to name ribbon. Her spirits
rose; buoyed by her light words and laugh
perhaps. When they were back in the
drawng-room, and the others fell
into the quiet, desultory chat that follows
a dinner she alone could not be still. Her
cold hands refused to lie quietly in her
lap, as shapely white hands should. Her
feet beat an impatient waltz under her
gown. She glanced at Darrell. He had
thrown himself back in an easy-chair, his
head. There was no feverish glitter in
his eye. He looked simply bored. He
yawned furtively. She pushed her chair
back. "How stupid we are It's the fire
think. 1t always dulls everybody but
itself. Will not some one sing or play?n
And she sat down herself before the piano
She struck quick. sharp chord. II
could dance to-nightr' She had forgot
ten the young minister and his probable
prejudice. He caught glimpse, just
then, of the flushed, intense face. But in
an instant, with the minor chord that fol-
lowed, it changed. Tears rushed into her
eyes. "If hadn't lost my slippers" she
breathed to herself Her back was to the
others. Only Paul saw the sudden sad
dening of the face, the fall of the wet eye
lids.
'Such wonderful spirits - exclaimed
Mrs. Winslow. 80 light-hearted Vesey
always isl"
"Ah" responded Paul But he fell in
to a revery.
Darrell leaned over her. .'What has
come to you?"
"Howp Why? She did not pause in
her playing.
YOU'RE simply glorious now. You
hardly need crown"
Her hands went wrong. A quick clash