The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1878-10-19

4
had transformed the pretty face and figure,
and frightened Helen into most attrac-
tive hostess.
Only ten minutes left for the dining
room.
Jane was sure TO have a well-eoOked
dinner aud neatly arranged table, but a
/ few touches here and there removed all
the stiff primness of James work, while
tall vase Of June roses made the dining
room fragrant and pleasant
When George Huntley opened the hall
door with his usual weary sigh his foot
had scarcely passed the threshold, when
/ pleasant sense Of relief crept over him.
The long-elosed doors of the drawing
room stood wide open.
! The half-closed blinds of the open win
dows admitted the cool evening breezes,
softly stirring the lace curtains: vases and
saucers of fresh, fragrant flowers stood here
and there, and upon the piano were scat
/ tered loose sheets of music
In this pleasant room chubby boy in
white was running to meet papa, while
smiling wife spoke few gentle words of
I welcome.
No fretful woman, with untidy dress and
rough hair, no boy banished to the nursery
tonight
George was philosopher.
He made no comment, but Nellie felt
the added tenderness Of his kiss, noted the
admiring looks in his eyes, and felt that
her work was appreciated.
Dinner passed off pleasantly.
Encouraged by her success so far, Nell
lie ehatted gaily, and George found him
self lingering over the desert of fresh
fruits till long after his usual time for
leaving the table.
"You are not going out? Nellie said,
as she saw George advancing omniously to-
ward the hat rack.
81 was going to Kate's. Will you not
come along?"
Il would rather have you here"
"Then ! will stay. You have the first
claim
Thanks. l was thinking how long it
was since we had game of backgammon
81 hoped you were going to play for
me, . with glance at the piano.
II viii. Tonight you must remember
that | am out of practice, but afterwards /
will MT claim that indulgence. TO-mor-
row will resume daily practice"
Il wish you would, was the careful
reply. 1T has grieved me to see such
musical talent and culture as yours being
wasted"
Even in that opening prelude the skill
full fingers regained some of their cunning
and force, and when at last Nellie said she
was tired, both were amazed to find two
hours had flown by.
a few games of backgammon, a song or
two, and it was time to retire.
Instead of lonely, hurried breakfast
next morning, George found Nellie in a
neat morning dress, presiding over the
table, as in the days when housekeeping
had the charm Of novelty
Three weeks passed away, and then Kate
came to spend an evening with her broth
er, accompanied by the pretty widow, AIrs.
Gordon.
Nelly had scarcely admitted to herself
why she chose her softest aud prettiest
muslin for that evenings wear; why she
was so very careful in the arrangement
of the Pompador roll her husband declared
so becoming to her face; why she selected
her prettiest set of jewelry, and crisp new
ribbon for hair and necktie.
But George, as the visitors entered the
room, could not refrain from the compar-
ison between Nellie and Retta, and a
throb of exultation at the thought that he
had chosen well.
Pique, or a more ignoble impulse,
prompted the dashing widow to exert all
her fascinations.
She played brilliantly; she sang well;
she chatted with wit and vivacity; but
Nellie met her bravely upon her own
ground, and conquered her.
Her musical attainments far surpass-
ed the widows snowy, superficial playing,
and her voice was full of depth and feel
ing.
Not once did she waver.
Her husbands heart was the stake for
which she played, and though she knew
it had never strayed far from its lawful
allegiance, she wanted it firmly fixed upon
herself
The evening was nearly over, when Kate
said
"You have quite deserted US George.
1t is three weeks since you have spent an
evening at our house"
Impossible? 1t can not be so long"
Nellie turned her head away to hide her
glad smile of triumph.
But it is, Kate persisted; 'we were
counting the.days this morning"
II will come with Nellie some evening
next week. Where has the time flown
Nell r.
"There were two evenings at the thea
atre, Nellie said, demurcly.
US and We have been learning some
new duets. And | am reading Owen
Meredith's last new poem aloud to Nellie,
and we are contriving some additions for
the conservatory, that takes time to cal
culate and plan. Then Nellie is helping
about some papers that / want to get ip
order, and"
Stop stop. You are pardoned, Kate
cried, laughing at her brother earnest face.
"Only when these pursuits will allow you
to spare one evening, pray remember that
you have sister
"Nell, Walter was saying last week he
wanted to hear you sing that Brindisi he
used to admire so much. am so glad
you have taken up your music again.
We are all so proud of it.
IL mean to keep my practice up now,
Nellie said. "George is getting so big
that mamma cannot make him an excuse
for Iaziness any longer.
So, with promises for an evening at
Kate's soon, the party separated, George
| escorting the ladies' home
Nellie sat thoughtfully in the deserted
parlor, wondering if her husband would
soon return, or be detained by Mrs. Cor
don's charms till still later hour.
The full time to be allowed for the walk
had passed, and doubt was creeping into
the wife's heart, when ringing step upon
the pavement, light, bounding feet upon
the steps, and the rattling of the latch-key
in the lock, announced her husbands re-
turn.
Waiting for me, dear?' he said.
"You have come home quickly" she
answered
t. ,rsv-o- he trot- L. ., L., o,,,,, IL