The Andrew County Republican. [volume] (Savannah, Mo.) 1871-1876, 1875-12-24
THE BABY'S BENEFIT NIGHT.
& Christmas story.
In WHICH HI PROGRAMME is AR

speaker, AntOInnette 1hOrnC, DluShed
as she advanced into the room with as
sumed holiness and made her little
speech.
\ silence succeeded the announce
mcnt. Matilda Harlow stared haughti-
ly at the intruder oyer the pillows of
r~OSe-colored tarlatan which surrounded
her; Alfred Blake and Nicholas Croker,
FASTING gilt paper on a shield, raised
their heads, moved by a simultaneous
impulse # surprise. Mrs. Boyle was
equal to The emergency. Indeed, Lau-
reltOr was beginning to understand
that Mrs. Boyle knew what she was
about very we'll indeed. She advanced
quickly ard cook the shy strangers
hand.
"To be sure. We want all the help
we can yet. Are you Mr.. Thorne's
daughter? I am glad to see you, my
dear
.sYou are very kind" murmured An
]toinette, with a grateful glance from
V~clVct->oft black eyes.
Mrs. Boyle affected the artistic. She
wore hex hair parted on II side, while
her bomnets and embroidered jackets
were the marvel of the town which fate
had selected as her home. She now
looked at the newcomer reticctively,
and even stepped back a pace.
"YeS, the right complexion, and all
that. Woald YOU mind taking down
you hair?''
"Whac." exclaimed .Antoinette, al
most angrilv. Had she come here to be
made ridiculous?
The Young MAJ Alfred Blake look
ed at her eagerly the young man Mich
olas Croke~ rose from the sofa, and
strolled forward with that easy non
chalance f0r which he was distinguished.
"Is Il al your own? Does it take off?
| never wear false hair myself" whis-
pcred Mrs. Boyle, confidentially.
Nicholas Croker, with habitual audac-
ity, swg0ped down on the victim, and
suatched the carved shell comb from
her head. \ mass of silky black tresses
fell like a sable vail about the slender
form, and swept almost to the ground.
An involuntary exclamation of admira-
ton escaped Alfred Blake, which was
not LOST o. the other young ladies pres
ent.
u cal tna5 handsome" said Nicho-
las, with q malicious glance of triumph
around, as If Antoinette's beauty was in
some sort a glory to himself. ga fell
low don't dare to try that game often
in these days"
"On, YOU outrageous boy" ex-
claimed Mrs. Boyle. "Never mind his
tricks, my dear. You will do nicely for
Juno;
Antoinette did not know whether to
laugh or cry. She gathered up her
abundant locks rapidly, her delicate
eyebrows met in Il straight line, she
grew pale with some unexplained emo
zion which was more deeplyseated than
rufied vanity, and made 4 step toward
the door.
"Shc = going away" said Alfred
Blake, springing up, in entire self-for-
gctfulncss.
Nicholas Croker barred the way, and
inquired, with mock humility, "Will
you not forgive me? l am very sorry
TO have displeased you"
"No," she replied, steadily looking
at him from beneath the level brows.
You are going to u away
on account of that silly fellow?" inter-
posed Mrs. Boyle. Il need you for
Juno. Here, Jupiter Tonans, do help
me 20 keep your Juno. I'm sure all
the stage properties are of no use with
out her and that hair. Besides, it's for
the poor Baby, my dear"
Again the dark eyes softened as they
looked at clever Mrs. Boyle.
Il will do any thing for the Baby"
But not for me-" said Jupiter To-
mans, better known by the plain title of
Alfred Blake.
"No, indeed; why should l? You
do not need me"
This was said without Il trace of CO.
quetry, but Matilda Harlow made a rent
in the r~ose-colored tarlatan as she lis
tened.
al seem 70 need you,' replied Jupi-
ter, with a movement of throwing back
the head that bespoke piquc and some
amusement.