The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-06-09

bulu dUOuL NOiutu uAlDgS," re
tired crestfallen to a seat. "Satel
lite" vanquished poor Jones, who
groaned into Bellies ear that she haC
extinguished him. The small boy
on the opposite side was slain by
"Tragedienne," and "Micaceous'
took off another Of the rustic trinity
who had been raised among the
rocks.
His companion quickly followed
on Bourgeois" which Belle spelled
with her black eyes dancing.
Here were now left the three fair
combatants on each side. The con-
test grew lively, but, alasl for Belle.
In an evil hour she made q respon-
sive grimace to Curly at the same
moment that it came her turn TO
spell "ticdouloureux." She spelled
hastily to cover her embarrassment.
The o's and the us were too many
for her; she got them inextricably
confused, and sat down burning at
hef 0lScOmhture.
One Of the girls on Miss Dins
more side fell stricken by the same
attack, and poor Kathie Brandon
succumed without an efor. at resist
ance. Miss Dinsmore's remaining
ally got through with it, but on the
next round "0beisancen compelled
her to make her bow, and Ruth De-
mean and Rachael DiusmOre confron-
ted each other on the floor, unsup-
ported Rachie's slight figure sway
ed with excitement, while Ruth's
fine physique had never shown TO
such an advantage, as she stood i'm
movable betraying no sign of the
perturbation raging in her breast
There was a strained stiffness in the
room. Curley was watching Rach-
ael, with his soul in his eyes. Hol-
combe resolutely kept his eyes on
the list before him, his voice ringing
out with startling distinctncss on
each word. The girls spelled delib
erately, each, as if holding her pow
ers in reserve. At length it was
suggested that foreign words be tried,
and list with the meanings affixed
was handed to Holcombe. He glanc-
ed at Rachael who nodded affirma-
lively, then at Ruth, who made an
imperative gesture with her hand,
and began. Was there a fatality in
the words? He began to think so as
be gave them out. Alliance" to
Rachael; "Belleslettres," to Ruth;
Surveillance" "Canaille," "Trous-
seau," "Bellesprit," "Potpourri, "
Reconnaissance, " followed each 9th
er in slow succession. "Bonhomie"
be put to Rachael, who spelled it
with a smile "Coup-de-rgace" to
Ruth-"a stroke Of mercy-a finish
ing stroke-p His voice rang out as
he gave the explanation.
There was an instant Of intense
silence then, without a quiver Of the
lips, as she opened her glowing eyes
to their fullest extent, to the surprise
of her friends, who knew how ac-
complished she was in French, she
said, in a distisct voice. Il do not
know how to spell it," and walked
proudly to a seat. "Died camel"
"Plucky, by jover' Good grit!'' and
sundry expressions Of the Ike, were
heard from different quarters Of the
room. The Webster was awarded
to Rachael, amid ringing cheers in
which the vanquished joined Justify,
and Curly sprang over the tops OF
the benches to hold it for her, quite
forgetful Of Ruth, who sat pale and
apathetic. The meeting broke up in
enthusiasm. As Ruth was adjusting
her wrappings, Holcombe approach
ed her. Shall | have the pleasure
of. escorting you to my uncles?
Creighton seems obliyious to every
thing but the present owner Of the
dictionary" He drew out his watch
We've two full hours before time
for your return, Curley," as be and
his companion neared them. care
you equal to transporting Miss
Dinsmore and Noah Webster to
our house. viii attend Miss Dun
can, and they set forth. 4 short
walk, with only time, for the inter-
change of a few common places,
them to the hospitable man.
sion of Mr.. Tronstine, which had for
years been the home Of Rex Hol- |
combe. Here they found c few in
innate friends of his waiting their ar
rival. Ruth felt greatfnl to Hol- |
combe that be RETAINED from men
tioning what had passed, and deter
mined to reward his kindness by en-
oying the evening. With such
spirits as Belle and Curly to set the
ball rolling, mirth was soon estab-
ished
Rachael was the heroine Of the
hour, and Ruth. with inimitable tact
Ind grace, added her congratulations
% the rest.
"But Ruth . said Belle, Didn't
Tou know how to spell it,"
Il didn't at that moment, Belle"
"And had the courage to say So"
,ut in Taliaferro, who kept close in
Bellies wake
A stir in another part ofthe room
lttracted their attention; q dance
was proposed and sets were forming
or quadrille. Curly had secured
Miss Densmore's hand in advance
md they took their places. while
Ruth smiled at bis oblivion to her.
Holcombe stepped at her side "rhe
;ets are full Miss Denean, but will
rou dance the next with me2" She
lssented and be left her to look after
bis other guests.
A new sensation had come to her.
True. she had been defeated by the
pale little thing over there dancing
with Curly, but no sign of disap-
Dointment in her had been manifested
IN Holcombe's demeanor, and the
,haerin she had felt was fast giving
place to o pleasurable feeling that
.he accepted without attempting to
analyze it. When be came for her a
iulIer life seemed pulsing in her
veins, her distant manner was gone,
md Rex Holcombe felt that for some
-eason unknown to himself, be was
seeing her in q new and different
,hase. There was little opportunity
or conversation, but in thinking Of 1t
lfterwarjs Holeombe could not re-