The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-01-05
MI j @ collan ne @ IN q.
PINK CORALS,

Janet stood in the glow of the Septem-
Der sunset, and watched the handsome car
riage as it rolled away, her brown ewes ike
stars, flush in her cheeks as vivid as he
hearts OF the summer roses that grew along
the hedge.
Down the little winding foot-path, lead
ing from the bold spur on which the par.
ish church stood, came her father, the
rector of st. Ives. The girl saw him, and
the pretty carnation in her cheeks deepen
ed. Tossing aside the dainty bit of en-
broidery she had in her hands, she opened
the wicket, and ran to meet him.
"Oh, papa, papa !" she cried, catching
him by both hands, 81 am so glad YOU
have come ~
Mr.. Arbuthnot bent down and kissed
the excited, young face. She was his only
daughter-the dau liter of the fair, young
wife who had died in the bloom of her
sweet womanhood, and lay buried up there
in the little church-yard on the green slope
that looked westward to the Blue Ridge :;
for our story is story of the old Domin-
ion.
"Well, my little one, what has happen
ed 2" he asked, reading the innocent face
at glance. There's something wonder
full to tell me, see; what is it 2"
Blushing and dmpling, Janet pointed
toward the carriage which was just enter
ing the park gates at Hardwicke Hall, the
great place of the neighborhood.
"They've gone only few minutes since,
papa she said, her voice tremulous with
happy excitement, Eugene Hardwicke
and Lillian. They made II long visit, and
brought me some lovely hot house flowers.
And, oh, papa, Mrs. Hardwicko gives a
ball on the 10th, und Lillian came to invite
me. May l go3'
The old rector sighed, as he care ssed
the bright, young head. If only he could
see his way clearly Eugene Hardwicke
was fine, handsome young fellow and for
some time had been quite devoted to Janet.
Every other night found him at the quiet
old rectory. and Janet was growing inter
ested in him and learning to watch eagerly
for his coming. IT the young man was
sincere in his attentions, he would be a
tine match for Janet, but young men, as a
rule, were tickle, and the match was really
too great one to hope for, even for Janet.
Papa, may goa"
my little girl. I'm at loss what to
say. hardwicke Halls a hard place and
there'l be q great many grand folks at the
ball. Hadn't my little brown-eyed wren
better stay at home in her secure little
nest 2"
"Oh, papa, only for once never was
at ball in my life. But can dance quite
well, for Mrs. Hardwicke said 80 herself
when | danced at her May party. And,
papa, I've saved ever SO much money fiom
my embroidery. Why Margery's got the
silver punch bowl almost full and I've
earned every penny. May l get nice
white muslin and trim it with mammals
wonderful old lace2 And, oh papa, may
get that set Of pink corals we saw at
Doffrafeld's the other day."
|. Mr.. Arbuthnot had never denied his
daughter pleasure in his life and he
could not deny her now.
yes, my Janet, you may get the pink
corals, and you may go to the ball." he
said, "you are good, industrious child,
and | cant find it in my heart to spoil
your pleasure
Janet kissed him in rapturous delight
and flew back to the house to tell Margery
the good news and count over her precious
earnings.
"There's just enough, Miss Janet" said
the wuman-who was u faithful servant
and tender foster mother in one when the
C, ntents of the silver bowl had been count.
ed, Just enough to buy mice muslin, and
some rose ribbons, and the pink cornls.
Wen 10 down o. Wednesday and get
them; and I'll get Miss Pet igrew to come
and help US with the fuunce. And won't
my bairnie look sweet Thtre'll not be u
grand Ia y at the Hall one half SO pretty.
Janet could almost have cried in her in.
nocent delight. When the sun was down
and the twilight fell over the quaint old
house, she went up the Hill to the church
yard, as was her custom. Midway the
ascent u tall figure joined her.
" Is it you, Janet2"
Yes, Mr. Hardwicke, it is t.
He took her hand and drew it under b s
arm.
~ came down to know what your father
said, Janet. Are you to come to the ball 2"
"Yes, Mr.. Hardwicke, papa says may"
All, that's delightful. Lillian wants
you. and 50 does my mother, and I'm sure
you'll enjoy it, Janet"
ooh, yes, know SHALL" she answered,
simply and frankly.
The young man looked down at the
sweet, girlish face, his eyes full of tender
admiration.