Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-01-03


spent no more pleasant mornings in the school
room. The German dictionary took up its per-
manent abode in the library, likewise the In
dian ink not to mention the book on geology.
When unavoidably thrown together, he showed
her the most elaborate polteness, the stateliest
civility, worse by many degrees than downright
this could only be endured.
Muriel-quite unconscious of the cause of her
disgrace; astonished and distressed by his man
ner; far too shy to break through the armor of
his reserve by speaking-cast many pleading,
wistful glance at him; glances very hard to be
resisted. But Mr.. Vernon was still at Ashleigh
and spared no pains to win Muriel's favor. The
Major, still jealous ccused Muriel of flirting,
and at every soft shy glance seeking his face,
said to himself, "Of course she looks at that
fellow Just in the same way" Which was verv
unjust, as Muriel had turned deaf ear TO Mr..
Vernon from the first, and he. poor man, would
have given good deal for one of the shy looks
that fell to the share Of the fastidious, hard
hearted, Major.
So the Christmas week wore away. The old
wear rang out its sad chimes, and the new year
advanced in saucy independence Of youth, with
changing, noisy peals OF triumph.
1t was the custom at Ashleigh to give new
years gifts; Generallylbreakfast was a plea
sant, lounging, procrastinated meal, lasting
from half-past eight to eleven. Everybody
came down when they liked, sat where they
liked, breakfssted as they liked, and went away
when they liked, regardless Of other people
But on new years day more ceremony was
held. Breakfast was ready punctually at
eight, and ybody was expected to be down.
| Their respective seats were allotted to the
guests and the presents, delivered beforehand
| to the servants, we're placed on the plates or
| piled up on them according to size and
Here is your place, Queen NAB, by me-"
| said Clare Arundel to Muriel, as she entered
the room on New. Years morning. happy
new-year to YOU
! THANK you, Clare. A very happy one to
| you. Are all these for me?" said she, as she
| took her seat, regarding with pleased surprise
the heap Of parcels, big and little, piled on her
| plate.
Eyes Your subjects all bring offerings to
| their queen. Do open that queer, oblong
| packet" said Miss Arundel. al am diving Of
curiosity to know what 1t can possibly be-"
| Muriel drew the parcel from the heap, undfd
| the wrappings, and took out . glove-box OF
| brightest blue velvet, ornamented with gold,
| her initials with raised work on the lid. Blush
ing with surprise and pleasure, she pressed the
spring and opened the box. 1t was full Of deli
| cately- tinted gloves On the top lay spray OF
her own silver ivy, to which slip Of paper was
| fastened.
Muriel opened the paper and read the words,
| To Miss Hastings. The value Of kiss"
She looked perplexed. "Value Of kiss!''
| What can 1t mean?' The blood rushed In tor
rents to her cheeks rs she read the words,
| sprea d over brow and cheek; even her finger
| tfps Flowed. Raising her eyes with hah-puz-
| zied, half Indignant look, she met those OF
| Major Aseheton watching her intently.
In . moment the truth rushed TO her mind