The Morning herald., 1878-11-20
and *ssra sssso0nsd up the broad stairoasss

and wsSra fsstoonsd dp the broad stairoass
Of the mansion.
Servants were hurrying to and fro, jostl
ing each other in the excitement Of the 90
casion, and everything implied. the goot
time coming. Even old John Clayton i'm
bibed the joyful feeling when he saw Cecil
happy as bird, fitting about on her inis
sion Of inspection. ~
At length the hour of reception arrived
The guests came focking in, and after being
received by the young hostess sauntersd
out into the illuminated gardens. :.
Many were the admiring glances bestowed
on Cecil by her gentleman friends, and
courteously she received their compliments.
One Of these, as he entered, presented her
with massive bouquet Of exotics. ,,
"Oh, how lovely" exclaimed the recipi-
ent "Are they not exquisite, father?''
Then, recollecting that in her exuberance
she had failed to welcome or thank the
donor, she extended her hand, with bright
smile. II am obligated, Mr.. Eversleigh.
How kind Of you to go to SO much trouble"
Philip Eversleigh bowed politely, and
pressed the velvet fingers little harder,
perhaps, than strict etiquette would allow,
for Cecil blushed and looked confused.
'It cannot be accounted trouble, Miss
Clayton" he said, "as the floral offerings
for such occasions as this should be the
choicest obtainable." III ~
The young men looking on groaned
inwardly with jealousy. Mr. Eversleigh's
culture seemed to them to be Of an over-bold
order. II
Not long after, the audacious Philip asked
if he might have the pleasure of Miss Clay
tons company for stroll q
Certainly, Mr.. Eversleigh; if such fly
away being can be pleasant society," laughed
Strains of music began to fill the air az,
arm in arm, they crossed the lawn, and the
younger guests betook themselves to the
dance. g5aggrr .,ae.-, ...N
Cecil Clayton was passionately fond Of
the ''mazy waltz" yet whether Il would be
quite right to ask Philip Eversleigh to join
the gay party she was not sure. Besides.
his manner was always 30 staid-so quiet
that frequently she felt puzzled to know the
cause. il."a 1aff.c -. Ht% .
''Why is he SO reserved9" she thought as
they walked along. "He hasn't spoken q
word for at least two minutes! couldn't
keep still 80 long I'm sure! -.a'r
Mr.. Eversleigh saw the sly look she gave
him from beneath her beautiful lashes.
"You marvel at my silence, Miss Clay
toni? he said, divining her thoughts. Gear
has placed lock on my tongue tonight"
Cecil raised her eyebrows. .. y
''Fear, Mr.. Ev@sleigh?"
''Yes; am atnid you wish to join the
dancers, and have been almost regretting
that those fellows with grating violins and
footing horns were not at the bottom of the
river" 'll as.t 5'r.f, .-g. .
Cecil laughed mefrily. rz..D ~,
''Oh, Mr.. Eversleigh, what cruel crti.
cism on our band! You should feel ashamed
Of yourself?' .... o.
II do" replied Philip Eysrsleigh, with
somewhat humiliated expression. "But I
cannot help disliking many things which
average humanity enjoy" o.
They were now out Of sight Of the gay
party on the lawn. The music sounded in
distinct.
"Had we not better turn back, Mr..
Eversleigh?" Cecil suddenly asked. 1--WE
are on the edge of the wood!'
'The night is pleasant" returned the
young man at her side. "And beg you
will not return just yet, as ! have something
to tell you Of an extremely private nature,
for which ! have selected this spot. Please
be seated" 81. 49,
Surprised by this unexpected turn in the
conversation, and not knowing, for tho
what to reply, Cecil allowed her
self to be led to q bench under a willow
just before them.