Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1871-03-17
ENCE, IOWA, FRIDAY, MARCH II, 1871.
everybody but itself. viii not some
one sing or play?" And she sat
down herself before the piano.

one sing or play?" And she sat
down herself before the piano.
She struck quick, sharp chord.
81 could dance tonight" She had
forgotten the young minister and
his probable prejudices. He caught
glimpse, just then, Of the flushed,
intense face. But in an instant,
with the minor chord that followed,
it changed. Tears rushed into her
eyes. ''IfI hadn't lost my slippers" !"
she breathed to herself. Her back
was to the others. Only Paul saw
the sudden saddening Of the face,
the fall of the wet eyelids.
"Such wonderful spiritsw ex-
claimed Mrs. Winslow. $50 light
hearted Vesey always is!"
"Ah" responded Paul. But he
fell into revery.
Darrell leaned over her. "What
has come to you?"
"How? Why?" She did not
pause in her playing.
"You're simply glorious now.
Yeu hardly need crown"
Her hands went wrong. A quick
clash-a discerd-then she went on.
She was growing strong; equal to
the strife. There is nothing so
deathless as a woman's pride. 1t
had risen at last. Her hands fash
ed over the keys, throwing off sparks
of the widest, gayest music.
"Not that" Darrell whispered.
"Play something soft and low. Do
you forget it is our last evening?
You're not sorry after all thcnn' for
her face never changed. She
laughed low quiet ripple in her
throat.
"Sorry? Oh yes," lingering over
the last word. And still her hands
toyed with the keys. "But one can
not cry at bidding, you know; l
dare say / may tomorrow. And
again the low laugh welled up in
her throat. She looked up fearless
ly. 1t had been all husks she knew
now. But at least he should not
triumph over her shame. She had
worn her heart upon her sleeve; but
though it bled he should not know
it. She might indeed cry tomorrow
but not now.
AS for the man, he experienced a
new sensation-of doubt, mingled
with amazement. He had read her,
as he thought, like an open book.
He even fancied he had cut the
leaves. "Poor little mouse!" he had
said to himself, 81 really must go
away. She certainly is growing
fond of me-" He almost wished
now he had decided to stay. 1t
seemed there was sequel to the
book. He was tempted to fall in
love with her upon the spot. eff
she is acting, she's by far more
clever than | thought; and if she is
really Indifferent, I've been a con-
ceited fool"
"Good-night! and goodbye, it
must. be-" he said, detaining her
hand when they separated. eve
shall take the early train"
The flush had died out fher face.
She looked worn and tired. Upon
the whole he was not sorry he had
decided to go.
"Good-by," she said quietly.
"You'll come and make us that
visit in the Summer, Vesey? Oh,
my gloves and my veil! thank YOU"
began Mrs. Winslow, fussily.
81 don't know. Perhaps So"
"Of course you will"
"To be sure" added Darrel, 81
shall come for you myself
They were gone at last. She
turned away.
''But Mr.. Hayes! Vescym
She had forgotten his existence,
"Tm afraid | am rude" And shF
put out her hand. "Good might;
but indeed l may confess now that
l have wretched headache, and
and" That was all she said. The
play was over,