The Van Buren press., 1873-06-10

mother. | would prefer to remain at
home if it storms 80 severely at nine as
it does now"
"Dr Armitagc may not care to 60
alone, Lilias. think you had better de-
eide"
A ring at the bell took Lilias to tine
door. In moment she came in, and laid
an open note ON her mothers lap.
"It's from DR.. Armitage. He has a
sudden persmptory call, and must sx-
cuse him.
Mrs Wynns looked up from the note
int her daughters face.
"Isu are very much disappointed, l
can see, dear. Lilias let me ask you
do you care SO much for him
A little quiver of the sweet red lips ths,
would net tell their ssprct, and then Mrs
Wynns knew, even though the girl did
not answer, that she did care much, very
much for him.
al wish you wouX 60, with your
brother Ned" Mrs Wynne said, after a
pause. "Ysu can make your silk look
very well with the new lace set, and the
white kids. wish you would, dear"
1t was sweet persuasive tone, and
Lilias, ever accustomed to render cheer
full obedience, stopped and kissed the
eager mothers face.
"As you say. Tell Ned; will you,
please?"
And she went up stairs with slow,
tagging step, that quickened as she pass
cd the room where the beautiful white
dress lay. that was to have done SO much
for her in his eyes But now-it was all
resolved into Just this blankness: Harry
Armitase would not bs there, and for
her there could be no enjoyment
Miss Wynns is looking remarkably
well this evening"
1t was DR.. Armitage's voice, and Lii
las, who had not seen him enter, felt her
heart leap till it almost suffocated her,
and of a sudden a glorious brightness
filled the room.
"Do you think so ?" and Lilias, from
the side Of the bronze Ceres, where she
was almsst hidden from view, heard Ada
Hulme's smooth, gliding voice. "Do
you think so p said Miss Hume. Re-
ally, DR.. Arntage, shall be obliged to
differ with you Miss Wynne is a dear
little darling Of course, but l think to.
night she appears to great disadvantage
in that dress Do you like garnct1'
She raised her vslvety eyes up to DR..
Armitages proud, handsome face, and
smiled SO bewitchinsly that most any
other man would have found it difficult
matter to disagree with her.
But DR., Armtags was not like other
men in many respects, and one was, his
utter Inconsistencies that this pretty in
sipid little Miss HulD.. in common with
score of other young ladies, was des-
perately angling after him, and disposed
to throw cold water" OH Lilias Wynne,
whom he favored trihe more than any
more than All any Of them
SO now DR., Armitags answered blunt.
ly:
Perhaps do not know what garnet
is lfyou mean Miss Wynne's dress,
think it is the prettiest in the room "
He smiled just a little as he said it,and
Miss Hume laughed to cover her con
fusion Just then the music struck up
ajolly, rollicking polka.
"Oh, DR.. Armltage, forgot we were
to dance this together. " She consulted
her tablets, then seemed suddenly struck
with confusion. "Oh, have made n
ridiculous mistake; this isn't your dance,
after all.
An amused little smile lurked in his
eye as he gave her his arm.
II shall be happy to have the honor,
at all events
And he led her out, wondoling il Lii
las Wynne would thus descend from her
womanly sweetness to secure q partner /;
and Ada Hulme folt her cheeks glow with
triumph that she had secured him. and
he was so unconscious Of her little game /!
And Lilas herself csntent 10 sit by
the bronze Ceres, with a heart full Of still
happiness, waited till DR.. Armitage came
to her.