Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1878-10-05

he must never, never, never KNOW.
The evening after Miss Hammond's
dutiful act, Irene was beautiful real
ly beautiful for the first and perhaps
last time in her life. She came down
into the drawing-room arrayed in an
excellent Paris dress for her mother,
whose maternal instincts had been
aroused to the perceF tion that Irene's
costumes were not in the style of those
worn by her companions, had pur-
chased for her darling at an immoder.
ate cost from one of those fashionable
modistes who follow in the wake the
summer faring gay world the very
last importation Of draperied grace.
Irene came down into the craving
room attired like little princess but
it was not that which made every eye
discover she was beauty al last. 1t
was the hectic rose leaf OH her check,
the scarlet of her lips, the violet shad-
ow upon young eyelids that grief had
at last kissed it was the lindled ex-
citement of conflicting pain and pride,
the quick fame that made her gentle
fawn-colored eyes shine steel and gold,
and gold and steel and that illuminat-
ed into positive, potent brilliancy, her
modest, softly tinted, pleasantly fea-
tured, but never before startling face.
She was really beautiful, and every
one said SO that night. The belle,
without possibility Of mistake.
But to those who knew her and who
were with her frequently, or watched
her closely from that time forth, there
was something missed from Irene that
hitherto had part in herself; the joy
Gus confidence, the innocent abandon,
the quiet but genuine undertone of
real happiness had fed. With all
her pride, che was too ingenious to
conceal from those who cared for her
that her perfect peace was lost.
Our friendly young men held con-
sultation upon this point.
MARK me, said Sam Dent, "Iknow
something Of girls, and that girl has
fallen in love. Mark me, in love with
one of us. I only hope, since I am
an engaged man, that it's not me"
Du Bois looked infinitely self-asser-
tion, but did not speak.
Don't trouble yourself, Sam," said
Wilhurst, with insinuating self asser-
tion, II happen to know she hasn't
been such fool as that"
We've played too deep" said Gros-
venor. Upon my word it hasn't
been right. We've had our fun, but,
by Jove, it has been hard on the girl. "
"Well," said graceless Dick, ut
isn't wrong that can't be made right.
If it's me she's in love with-and-but
well n sn.pmts. If it's me, don t
care if l do become victim. IT'S a
cool hundred thousand. 1t mil ight be
worse" )"
"Wilhurst," e1 claimed Lindsey,
with flashing eyes, "take care. Miss
Wolf is too true woman, too good a
girl to be lightly spoken of in my
presence, at least. A girl that any
man might be proud to make his
wife,"
"Hear hear" cried Dick. Excuse
me. friends. I meant to praise, moi
to scof. What greater compliment
can be paid to made belle than ts
ring the change out of herring The
changes, mean. Lindsey, my deal
fellow, I pass. Take her; and thous
and blessings go with you my boy
Lindsey is right" eaid Sam Dent
"The girl has metal in her"
"Whoever heard of belle that hat
not metal in her p asked Dick.
Nonsense but I tell you there's {
genuine ring to her"
"Of course -
"hnd a smart tongue, as can tes
tify, when she's put to it" said Gros
venor. ? like woman who can hole
her own"
"Her own tongue? So do l." saic
Dick. ooh, I'm sincere. Irene VOL
is all right. Hurrah for our mad
belief She's trump. Lindsey
you're success. Well, good night
boys; Tn off. By-bye, Lindsey
Ring the belle-ding-dong!'
X X 4
The feminine portion of the hous
had not been SO sensitively aware c
the change in Irene. The truth ii
f they were too thoroughly engrossed i
. a wonderful event to condescend t
triehs.