Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1874-06-04
IN DISGUISE.

olulcl lau loi bllldll, DuI hlS
Mira put some salve on it, done it :
heap O good. She's so berry kind to
ebry body, is Miss Mira
Yes, kind to every one but me.
thought that as I rode through tho
gate Cato held wide open, and, dis
mounting, flung him the reins kin(
to the servants in the kitchen; thu
dog who came limplng to the door
to beggar and wandering tramp; t(
guest, and kin, and stranger tc
everything but me-to whom she
should have been kindest Of all for
loved her, loved her as men love who
only love once in theirlives. Even then
my heart was beating f1riously to feel
myself so near her. My step quick
ened, I flung the door wide open and
strobe in. | heard my aunt cry, Its
Paul heard my uncle utter the same
words pleasantly, and furious, tumult-
GUS barking and leaping told me that
Nep had awakened from his nap upon
the rug to greet his master. In mo-
ment more the red light of the open
fire had flashed upon me, and l
grasped two plump old hands.
Really we aOerc anxious about you =
cried my aunt. 'We expected you
yesterday. How is your mother, and
why didn't Nina come with you?'
Then, before I could answer, my
uncle said, Just in time for dinner,
my boy. Let's talk it over at the
table. Why Mira, any one would
fancy you did not see your cousin
I'm sure he's large enough said
Mira, counting her stitches as she sat
at crochet work. How are you
Paul l told them you'd come back
again, like bad penny
| nodded carelessly, and stopped to
pat the fawning dog, begging mute
ly for caress. Poor comfort it was,
yet, after all, some little, to know
that Mira never guessed how much l
cared for her. | was ne carnless in
my manner to her as she was to me.
l initiated her as thoroughly as good
breeding would allow in one of my
sex, and said again and again. At
least, | can take the secret to my
grave with me. The girl shall not
triumph, as she would in my pain
I had whistled Nep out Of the room,
and followed my old uncle to the din
ing-parlor. I suppose no one could
have guessed that was anything but
happy as I chatted Of my journey and
gave Nina's excuses for absence. She
is to be bridesmaid for a friend, said
| :; and there are dresses to be made,
and | know not what to do, before the
day arrives
'Who is the bride p asked my aunt.
Lila Newcome.
'And you the bridegroom, eh 2
chirruped Mira.
-?
'Why, we heard you adored Lila
I've always admired her.
'And she has Tilted you 2
Not so bad as that
Iet me sympatihze with you
Not at all ; there are other pretty
blondes in the world.
| said that because Mira was as
dark as any Cuban.
"a blonde Hear him, aunt. Had
| yellow hair and blue eyes I'd have
the grace to admire brunetts.
We can't help our fancies,' said I,
who absolutely disliked light color
ing.
'Ofcourse not now if you were
not fair.
well?
I'd tell you how l admire dark
men.
Don't stop for that. l shouldn't
care
Her black eyes danced. You'll see
my idea of perfection Tonight said
she. Captain Earnly.'
i haze seen the gentleman
By-the-way, l promised to play
something for him tonight said
Mira, 'and if don't practice | shan't
be able to remember it. Excuse me,
will you good folks ! and away she
tripped, leaving us in the midst of des-
sert.
Captain Earnly did call that even
ing, and she played for him, and sung
with him. He told her his stories of
his prowess as soldier, and she was
wondrously interested. He mention
ed his wounds, and she pitied him
voice and eyes. | thought him an