The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1877-11-14

table upheld fragrant floral pyra
mid.
"My gift," she explained. "a
could take nothing else from any ex
cept the family, you know"
Il sent you the only token daret
this afternoon said Gale, his fac,
flushed as shs singled it from tht
mass of bloom.
Twin camelia, pure and wax-like
nestled down against the bed of glis
tening green.
II knew it came from you, ever
before | saw the name. SO consid
crate not to add to the influx of ro
ses and lilies. People seem to pitct
upon them as an available standard
See-this, too, is exquisite"
1t was cluster of musk uiuks ar
ranged in a silver filagaree holder.
There was no name, bu. Rube
was the kindly donor.n
as woman's institution such Ger
tain guide?n
He stopped ever the flowers as il
to inhale their pungent odor, aud the
shadow playing on his face conceal
ed the quick hardening of his lips.
"Not in this case" Nympbea
laughed. "The perfume lingering
abou: him told me that they had
been made up by no other tands
What is it?"
He had dropped the cluster be was
carelessly handling. An insect dron.
ed away from honey Laden calyx.
"Only the traditional thorn. A
wasp in the midst of your fragrance,
ma belle"
"ADd | came near looping them in
to my aources," Nymphia shuddered.
"They suited my dress so admirably
| But / could not wear all, and would
make no distinction tonight
She did not see tiny slip of pa
per lying within Gales halfclosed
palm How he blessed her impartial
resolution when he glanced at it IN
der the gasjet, as she fingered over
ONE other tributes. just a line In
| Rube's writing, fine and accurate as
copperplate.
Wear bat q flower of mine if
may speak tonight"
| He crushed il into bis glove, and,
drawing closer to her, lowered his
voice until itcould reach no passing
curious ear
"If you would accept gift from
me, Nymphea All the love of my
life went out to you from the verv
FIRST. II is so precious to me, and
yet SO worthless, if you have to re-
turn. Give me merciful assurance,
| Nymphea.'
Her eyes-wondrous eyes they
were-met his gaze, and sbyly drop
ped before it. Rosy waves surged
up to her very hair, and fingers
plucked neryously at tutt of bloom.
He closed his one hand over her two
and they lay quiet in bis clasp. He
detached ring from bis watch chain
twisted circlet of gold, so pure
that it was pliable--and slipped it on
her unresisting hand.
Wear my fetter,n he whispered.
LET me feel that | am linked TO you
by tangible tie. l will never let
you regret it, Nymphea."
Her eyes flashed up with a sud
den, saucy light, but her hand with
the ring nestled closer to him.
III il is bond, you must expect
a restive captive Don't let the
chains chsfe, or | may break them. y
"And my heart too? You would
never do that, my Nymph. Elf,
changeling, you should have been.
A moment ago vou were all shy diff
dence; now you are sparkling, exult-
ant already in the power you WELD. ~
81 am like chameleon, never re-
liable The promise of one moment
may not develop in the accomplish
ment of the next"
Then shall tell myself that you
are mine and hold You fast"
Gertie Wray, alone. auttered up
TO them. Gale reached over, taking
Nymphea's tablets.
"The lancers," be was saving.
"Ah, your card is full.r
Il promised ltube the first, and
have no: locked at it since. 1t has
gone the rounds, see."
Those who had been earlier at her
side bad filed the vacancies. Gertie
Wray looked on half enviously.
"You never lack attendants. Just
think, Nymphea-I came with Burt,
and he has deserted me already. Let
me stay with you until | can get
back to the parlors."
81 will do BETTER" Nymphea de-
clsred, as the soft strains of quiet
melody changed to lively measure,
and she saw Rube coming 10 claim
her. 81 charge Mr.. Gale with the
delightful task of caring for you"
"A task which is endurable only
because you have given it, Gale told
her in an aside. II wonder il bliss
is never unaloyed"
What are you saying2" Gertie
asked, thinking the whisper had been
meant for her.
Thanking Fate for unexpected
bene6cence. See that obese lady
with the eyeglass. | am sure you
have preserved me from her."
"And | am tolerated as a lesser
evil, | suppose" Gertie pouted. ais
that Burt! If you will call him"
/ (Which | certainly shall not," !"
Gale responded, tucking her hand
within his arm "You were depend
ent upon my mercy a moment ago;
don't recompense me by cruel deser-
tion.r
"If l thought you were not bored, "
she hesitated
IF you go, | shall not care to
avert boredom. Don't you see you
bold my contentment in your pres
ence?"
They turned away from the floral
mass.
"What a pity the other gifts
could not have been placed on exhl-
bition," Gertie said. "Es.abroke is
muni6cent. Nympbea's gems are
worth fortune"
"You have been favored with ad