Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-06
Tales aud Sketehes.
A LITTLE LATE.

became grave again and replied stiff1y
81 am obliged to you for your advice,
Johnstone, and am sure you mean it
kindly but consider / am compromised
and bound in honor to propose 10 Miss Du-
val; and, moreover, l tell you frankly that
intend to do so, tomorrow night at the
ball" a
That being all settled, it is useless to
discuss the subject further until the young
lady has either accepted or rejected you"
he replied, and then changed the topic.
and we talked away amicably until we
reached our quarters in time to dress for
mess.
After that convivial repast was over,
beat retreat to my own room, where
gave way to a reverie, from which l was
recalled to sense of my present position
by the opening Of the ante-room door,
from whence distasteful sounds Of mirth
were borne on the tobacco tainted air;
then, as feared, steps approached my
doors, which l had taken the precaution
of locking.
paid no attention to loud knocking,
which was followed Immediately by a
wrench at the handle, and"I say, old fel-
low!" se IS
"Well?" growled, surlily.
II say, Ola IellOW =.
"Wcll P" (still more surlily, and drawn
out into n prolonged tone of irritation.)
"lts only me-Hood; want to speak
to you" ....
Here another voice chimed in ooh
leave him alone-he's sulky. and come
and have game Of pool" Then the
speaker walked off. aa@ GeU
Hood was great chum of mine, and as
good fellow as ever lived so, repenting
of my ungraciousness, opened my door
and admitted him.
Why, old fellow you have got an at
tack OF blue-devils. tonight. and no mis-
take" said my companion. helping him
self literally to liquor; I'm give you
some of this delectable beverage, and
you'll be all square in no time at AL"
Having taken dose of that remedy
we both began to smoke. At last Hood
asked:
Amy plans for tomorrow, Manners ?"
mo, I've no plans" A@tsefs
Not going to see Mademoiselle Mar
guerite, eh ?"
mo, | was there to-day,"I said, con-
scous of wretched failure in my attempt
ed uncOncern of tone. t,'t.
IL am going to drive out to Neither.
cotes," he presently said, apparently re-
gardless OF my last remark. .'Will you
come? Let me see, do you know them?"
II know the son. Are they coming to-
our ball p ID. taf
decidedly. have promised 10 dine
there and escort them hither; and have
an invitation for You to do the same"
| was about to express my approval OF
the arrangement, for had long wished to
make the Miss Fanshaw's acquaintance.
when my appointment with Marguerite
flashed to my recollection.
81 should like to go with you, OF all
things, Robin; but won't it make us late
at our bail ?"
"To relieve your mind. let me assure
you, you will he in ample time for the first
dance. The Fanshaw girl have each
promising Irritating on hand. and are not
likely to be late. So you come with me
to Nethercotes; we'll drive out about four
o'clock, and Ipromise you very agrees-
Bile afternoon" RT9i
| consented. The next day, at four
O'Clock, found me driving with Robin
through Mr.. Fanshaw's pretty pleasure
ground, and approaching the large white
veranda. guarded house. My friend was
right we had very pleasant afternoon;
the girls were large-eyed. hrge-limbed
and largc-voiced, and sang to perfection.
The dinner also, when it arrived. was per-
fection; but it was unpunctual.- and. my
fears were realized, when. on the la
dies leaving us, looked at the clock and
saw the hand fast approaching nine.
The ladies had 10 dress, saw the gem
,lemen of the party intended to fortify
themselves against the fatigues OF the com-
ing by big drink" and reflected with
the calm agony of despair. that ii were
enabled to keep my appointment it must
be by miracle. However, determined
upon making an attempt. and leaning
across the table. said to Hood, f-.,..,
81 must be of. VIII yos let me order
the dog cart at once ?"
''Couldn't be done, dear boy" he said
with provoking calmness; II should have
to pay doctors bill either for your neck
or my horses knees, to dead certainty.
No one but myself shall drive Semeramis.
She takes after her beautiful namesake,
who, by all accounts. was rum one. Be-
sides. have promised to take Fanshaw
over, and you are to cavalier the ladies'"
There was nothing more to be said. and
wisely gave up the idea Of being In time,