The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1876-11-16
BELLIES BEAU"
lFrom Harpers Bazar.l

towns, SET back from the village street
among spacious grounds that stretched
to a rivera house that would have de
lighted an artist, with the broad drive
before it shaded by yellowing elms, its
piazzas overhung with Virginia creeper
and scarlet woodbine, and the gay glimp-
ses of garden ON the right. The haze
and color of superb September after
noon were over every thing. Two girls,
evidently just from school, stood at the
gate, one within, the other leaning on
the fence to gossip.
''What is she going to wear 2" the lat
ter was asking, with deep interest.
"White silk and pink trimmings"
-"Won't she look lovely What shall
you wear yourself ?"
'tI? Belle says I sha'n't come in the
rooms at all. She says I'm only child.
I always have to stay off in the nursery
with David evenings when there's COM
pany. did think I might come in to
her birthday party, though :" and the
speakers lips quivered, and tears stood
in her eyes.
'-And she won't let you! What a
shame Why, you're sixteen years old,
though you don't look it. IF was you
I'd Oh, see, Christy! !'' she finished
in hurried whisper, as a horseman gal
loped out of the sun-ht vistas of the road
and passed them, "there's Charlton
Ross, your sisters beau l''
Christy looked up in time to catch the
momentary glance of q pair of dark
eyes.
''Why didn't you bow2"
Christy did not answer for a moment.
She was watching the gray horse, and
noting the careless grace of the rider as
he wheeled and dashed through the
stone gateway of the Ross mansion.
''Don't you know him ?"
'tOnly just by sight. When he comes
to our house I never see him. But some
times I see him in his grounds. They
join ours, you know"
Her companions eyes followed hers to
where, at a little distance, a cluster of
gray stone chimneys rose high under
ancient elms.
els your sister going to marry him ?"
81 don't know. I don't suppose he's
ever asked her. Why ?"
"Oh, I should think she would if he
did. that's all. He's ever SO handsome
and rich, I heard Honoria say"
81 must go, Kate there's Belle call
ing now" )" and with hurried goodbye,
Christy ran up the walk, rushed into the
hall, and tossed her books on the table.
A voice from the top of the stairs, rather
incisive than sweet, stayed her progress.
''Bring those books straight up to the
nursery, and attend to me, Christy. You
are to show the ladies their dressing
room tonight. Maria IL be busy in the
kitchen, and there1l be no one but you
to do it. You can just stand here at the
head of the stairs and show them which
way to go, you know. Your white mus
lin dress will do to wear, and mamma
says it's all ready and afterwards
'fOh, Belle, mayn't I come down stairs
and see the dancing afterward p
The pretty blonde at the head of the
stairs tossed back her braided hair
with a gesture of yayation
''You are the greatest baby!''
s'But it's your party, Belle. right in
the house, and I do so love dancing, if
it's only to look on. And Tn sixteen
years old, and Kate Clapham-"
"Oh, don't quote Kate Clapham, and
don't bother me. Wait till it's time for
you to go to parties
"Why, Belle" said voice from one
of the hambers, good-homoredly, ''do
let the child come down. She won't be
in the way, and her dress looks very
well. Maria can curl her hair"
GAS if she could help being in the
way !" muttered Belle, turning away
with a shrug of the shoulders as she not
ed Christy's radiant face. "School-girls
are always awkward and stupid in COM
pany."
'sOh, Belle"
''Come, come," said the good natured
voice again, as portly matron appeared
at one of the doors, "don't stay there,
talking. Come back, Belle, and let me
finish your hair
cam I to come down." queried Chris
ty, breathlessly.
There was hearty "Yes" from her
mother, and a sulky one from Belle.
Christy waited for no more. Dropping
her books on the stair landing, she ran
down and out the rear door into tie
sunshine, tossing up her flat hat exult-
ingly.
''Oh, my I almost feel as if I was a
young lady"
She did not look much like one, as
she raced down to the river, intent on
rowing off little of her excitement. She
looked very young, indeed, with her
slight figure, short dress, and careless
curls tied down under the flat hat, as she
loosed her boat and pushed out into the
stream. And she felt just like child as
she rowed off in the perfect air and sun
shine of the autumn day. The ripeness
and mist of September were on the rus
set fields and painted woods. Warm
scents came from sedge blooms and gar
dens along the banks, and here and there
the dark water caught scarlet refec-
ton from vivid cardinal flower or a
Redeemed b0uch Chrisfy rowing 1azilv