Eaton weekly Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1866-1875, 1871-03-09

1t is a fine clear night, and turn my
face homeward, and stroll slowly along
the deserted 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. -.-s,---....- -
"Why, Roche, what are you doing
here? Going out to dinner?' o."
/" just had it," he replies "been to
see an old lady home" a."
He then naturally wonders what l am
doing strolling along the streets on
Christmas night. l tell him L 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 a tone as if it were a
mortal sin for a man to read for an ex-
animation on Christmas day.
"That's right" he says, when l had
disclaimed any idea of reading. Well,
you come home with me. My people
will be very glad to see you. We always
have carpet dance or something in the
evening T' ,i-iia1. r.,.-.f---l
I accept readily, and go back with
INOCnS 10 his hOuSo.
Nine o'cIock.-We have cleared the
room for dancing, and the first quadrille
has Just commenced. s. Not being able
to get partner, l am standing on the
landing, when carriage rolls up to
the street door, and there is a loud
knock, announcing the arrival of new
comers. t.HuH .-f. -...Rf.rs.- 70
Mrs. Roche hurries down and meets
them in the hall. l hear her say, as
they come up stairs, " You are just too
late for the first dance, Helen"
The name quite makes me start.
.tTBy Jove, if it should be Miss Lin
toni" is my muttered thought.
b l half hope it may be; I half hope it
may not be; and I haven't time to de
eide which half is the stronger, before
Miss Linton herself comes laughing up
the stairs. III ., ,.-..f.- os f.-...~ .
At the very first glimpse of her, I 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 aguest; !;
but there-it is done, it is fat occOmph !;
and Miss Linton and l are once more
under the same roof. l 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. q -1,az z. 30
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. ID ISM
ais there any Lemonade, Edward ?''
she asks presently. Il want some if
there is.r 3. -F4.t..E 5gs p rr
"There's bad sign, Nelly, after din
ing out,n he answers with a laugh.
-" There is some down stairs. ~ would
get you glass, but you Asee it is my
turn. If you don't mind you will find
somebody outside, think
Roche leads off with the third figure
Miss Linton comes out upon the land
ing; and move from the shadoWlof the
wall into the light. o q 8 8TrT
She gives quick start with her head
and opens her eyes IN surprise as she
sees me- ~1hereis is Just little tighten
ing of her lips, faint blush rises to
her lips, and then she as ks me
quietly to fetch her glass of lem
onade. .'at.-
Roche had said itwas down stairs, and
find it in the dining room. l am ra-
ther 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. 5i- " o. -1|
Have you got your lemonade T' he
asks. q That's right" Now you want
a partner for the, next dance. Who
shall it be? | am engaged till after
supper, unfortunately. o, here! Let
me Introduce you. Miss Linton, Mr.. 1
Instead of waiting to hear my name,
the young lady puts down the glass
quickly and looks indignant. .l|
Don't be absurd, Edward ~ she says,
as she walks off. '.'.'. t.'
"Some mistake, old fellow" whispers
Roche to me, and catches her up just
inside the room.IE -Ef.t
They are so close l can hear what
they say. ..:.....,,
udL Is Inc uldtleI, Neny He
asks.
"How could you be SO ridiculous as
to introduce me to him p she replies.
Why shouldn't ?' eel. .. ~ 81
"Why shouldn't you? He is a waiter;
know that. He was waiting at Mrs.
.t..t- aa
Instead of looking contrite, Roche
goes off into roar of laughter.
" 1t was very stupid of you," she says,
half Grossly. I" 1t forced me to be rude
10 him. re l
What nonsense, Nellyl l shouldn't
play you such a trick as that, of course.
That is Herbert he is in the same office
rs l am ..EH-.-s -
You ate not joking, Edward, are
you ?'' she asks him quite seriously.
No; upon my word, l am not"
80, am so sorry, then,' she says, |
Immediately. "But there was some !
body just like him at the Domvilles'. |
What shall do ?'' ...r
Come and be introduced, that's all. |
III put 1t right" And they came to- |
gether onto the landing.
MY cousin made a mistake, Her
blushing deeply. Then he adds, laugh |
ing, She mistook you for "a
made mistake," she breaks in. |
very quickly, coming a step nearer. al |
beg your pardon ss.
To save her from farther embarrass-
ment, l ask her at once for the next |
dauce; and it is Immediately granted
"By the bye, Miss Linton l say,
when the dance is over, and we are
ON the landing, "you have
never told me what Won took me for