The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1875-06-17

side him at the table, fallen in with
him on the grounds. He had talked
with her At the daucing-parties-
Lauras partners were like angels Wis.,
its-they had played chess together
to oblige each other; she had picked
out with great trouble the air of some
little songs he had composed expressly
to keep himself before her eyes, but
all unsupported by her; he had indit-
ed numerous sonDets for her delecta-
ton, which figured in the Poets Cor
ner of the local gazette, but which,
unfortunately, she never read he had
declined a shooting expedition and a
yachting voyage, Of both which he
duly and significantly informed her,
and she had wondered if Rose were
the attraction; in short, she had put
herself SO entirely out Of the question
that this confession appeared incredi-
bic, and consequently the Major ex-
perienced defeat. So it passed by,
and Major Thorne changed his mind
and went yachting after all, and no
one guessed what had happened.
II can't understand what sent the
Major off 80 suddenly" said Mrs.
Devon. "No fault of yours, I hope,
Rose1' And Rose simpered and tos-
sed her fine head, leaving it to be in
ferred, while if any one had noticed
I the color that few over Laura's face
at the mere name the story would
have been only too plain.
However" said Rose, "it's only
an exchange Of officers: Major Thorne
goes, and Captain Laurence arrives" "
"Who is Captain Laurencer' ask
ed Laura, glad to change the subject.
"Heayen only knows; some one
Harry has picked up-one of his vio-
lent friendships"
Il hope he will prove an addition" !"
said Mrs. Devon; "for, now that the
Major is away, every one seems a lit
tie downcast."
"Nonsense, mamma! Major Thorne
is your hobby. I don't see what there
is to admire in him do you, Laura
He never could dance . step-a posi-
tive thorn in the feshp'
The following day, toward evening,
as Laura came up from the garden
with bowl of goose-berries which
she had been picking-her eyes on
the ground and her thoughts, maybe,
a little way out at sea-what should
she do but trip, and let the bowl
dance out of her hand and splinter it
self and scatter the contents.
"Even Hebe has her ups and
downs !! said a voice at her elbow
a voice sweet and suave, as if some
nectarous blossom had spoken instead
Of the bending figure beside her
There was yet enough light to show
Laura the bold, black eyes that seem.
ed to interrogate her the smiling
outline Of expressive features; the
soft, rich tint Of complexion. In
the mean while she had just
enough wit left to put two and two
together, and conclude that the in
truder was Captain Laurence, who
had strayed into the garden to enjoy
a quiet smoke.
II am afraid that you have me tc
thank for that false STEP" he continu
ed; II startled you, did I not p
"Indeed, Captain Laurence, I shall
not thank you, then see all my ber.
ries rolling in the gravelv
"The ruins Of Carthage" said he
"but how do you know I that an
Captain Laurence,"
by induction, Sir; certainly moi
| by introduction" Laura replied
laughing lightly.
! "You are more fortunate than T.
he returned, echoing her laugh. 81
have no data from which to deduc'
whether you are Fair Rosamond or 8
Nun of st. Hilda."
"You might take me for u Goose
berry Fool" she answered, in allus
ion to her labor lost. "But don't le
me interrupt your Havana ; besides
some one is calling me-"
LET us listen then; it will save tn
ceremony of introduction. When
was a boy I used to hide in the garde,
and enjoy the uproar that ensue<
when no one answered to my name
Laura, or Laurence Is it you or
or both of us, that is wantedp 2 Mis-
Laura, it is quite dark in this alley
you are apt to trip; my arm is at you
service. We will make it dramati
, by appearing together on the scene.
"What piece of impertinence! {!
! thought Laura, but took his arm
? nevertheless.
81 "My dear Laura" quoth her aun'
' "it is long past Geordie's bedtime"
;. "Oh, indeed! I didn't know
was so late. Bridget was anxious t