The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-04-13

face, her ease and grace, was certain to
outshine score of Zerlinas. Tom
Alden was blind and faithful ally of
his; he would never rise above circus;
he wanted, therefore, to attach her to
Tom Alden, who was head and ears in
love, and never had any scruples of con-
science
In the street, and Just in hearing of
Mr.. Midriff's remark, stood a tall,
broad-shouldered young fellow with
black hair, bronzed, frank face, and the
general air-albeit well-dressed-of
countryman. Unlearned though he
might be in the ways of the world, he
seemed yet strong-hearted, honest,
reliable man, and glanced with inter-
ested sympathy at Mdlle. Leo as she
flung those few desOlate words at Mr..
Midriff. Afterward he walked rapidly
forward with the procession, keeping
near the danseuse and watching her
with attention.
When the route was gone over, and
the procession entered the long stretch
of the East Common and were swallowed
up by the mammoth tent he followed
and stood lettering about
The girls were down in the apart
ment screened off by a curtain from
the men and horses. 1T was a hot day;
fans were piled; the weather was an
athematized, neither mildly nor in re-
fined terms.
q declare! I'm Just dead and gone"
said Mdlle Zerlina, sitting on a camp
chair and sweating vigorously. "The
waters just pourin' off of me, it is.
My! how anybody can jump round this
Astronomical Mitchell, you're white
as a sheet; are you faint, or what?
You'll have to lay on the paint, let me
tell you"
This because Mdlle. Leo despised
painting and never did it of her own
accord.
MY head aches" said the girl,
YEARLY, and she turned away from
them all, and flung herself on the grass
beside the flap which served as an air.
hole. T.E
"You needn't feel so big you can't
talk to a body" said Zerlina, whose
real name was Sarah Hodgkins; and
proceeded to indulge in further remarks
concerning " shoddy aristocracy," and
. lords and ladies, whereof Mdlle. Leo
took no notice. As she listlessly leaned
her head against the canvas, Mr.. Mid
riff came up on the outside
"Now why can't you be reasonable"
he inquired, in tones the very acme of
condensed reasonableness. "Why will
you look so eternal sour? What are
you hankerin' after that you hain't
got? What's the matter with you, any
way?n
What's the matter with you, l
should ask, Mr.. Midriff?" answered
Mdlle. Leo, with little thrill of fear
and annoyance; for the mans nature
was fierce one.
"Never you mind me-" retorted the
proprietor, "but just smooth out that
face of yourn and say pleasant word
to Tom Alden. He's all in the dumps
I'll let you know if things 60 on this
way much longer
What he was to let her know he didn't
specify; but the threat was very Obvi-
Gus. "What is Alden, or any other
man, to me?'' she said, sharply; and
shook little as Midrlff reached one
powerful hand through the flap and
gripped her shoulder so that she
screamed.
81 don't care what any other man
may be, but Tom Alden good fellow,
and he shan't be shelved for your cuSsed
freaks. | calc'late you'll marry him
when the seasons over, recollect that
And now 90 and paint up-unless you
can keep that color she was red
as blaze with humiliation and anger
With a parting shake he withdrew his
hand and passed round the tent The
colloquy had been in a subdued tone,
and no one but Sue Willows had no.
ticed; and Sue was a gOod-natured girl.
"There, now, don't you 90 and cry"
said Sue, getting rapidly between
Mdlle. Leo and the rest of the noisy,
chattering throng. 1" If you do, the old
man'll lay on to you with the horse
whip, like as not. He's got trife too
much down; and he always wants you
to look nice, you know. Here's dinner,
now, and only just time to eat it, it so
late.n
81 don't want any. Give me cup
of tea, that's ALL said the girl, chok-
ing down her emotion and turning her
face to the wind from the flap. A pair
of black eyes looked pityingly into hers,
and their owner, tall young man with
black hair and bronzed, pleasant face,
paused and drew near.
''It's burning shame, miss. heard
the whole of it, and I'm right-down
sorry"
"Thank you,'' said Leo, looking in
startled, abashed way at her cup of tea
81 wish could help YOU" pursued
the strange young man, in low voice.
Mdlle. Leo lifted her eyes and scanned
him in one rapid glance from head to
foot. She saw that he was honest and
in earnest.
81 don't see how you CAM she an
swered, hopelessly. 81 did hope to get
away from this sometime, but | don't
see as ever shall. l have no place to
go to-"
"No friends nor relatives?" asked
the young man. ...
She shook her head.
"And you don't like the business?"
81 hate itr' she said, with energy.
"What is your name?"
"Leo Mitchell. l must go now; |
have to dress"
She rose languidly.
Wait-where can see you againpn
q asked the vOunU man with nannrnaSS