The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-02-02

now. l mean-could last forever Tomorrow,
perhaps, you may " speak OF that, not before
"Then you are not hopeful ?" sighed Ned.
| "Hopeful2 Oh no, no; 50 far from hope
full But, oh, N, d, hushp He felt, under
the sleigh robe her little hands quick press
ure Of his. Let us just be happy this beau
t aay that seems to rub out everything
and white winter days. Every one loves con-
trast, you know; and, Ned the colors of my
life are not these light gentle colors just
now"
That evening, when Dolly was dressed for
the German In her delicate gown of pink
gauze and wreath OF businesses, two notes
were brought TO her almost simultaneously;
one on silver salver by jacques who was
dismissed Immediately, and the other pro-
duced, will some perturbation, from an apron
pocket by Patty, who deyoutly fingered.
/ Dolly had just reached the landing OF the
| upper staircase, on her way down to the
drawing ROOM when these messages reached
her, and she stood In the arch of the stained
glass window-where Patty has TO light the
bracket lamp-and read them both. The first,
on avender-tiDted paper, with a monogram
trlcoored, was from Eustace Hurd:
"Dedr MISS Derlcent--At last l have the
| permission Of your mother to say to you o
few words that have long wished to say, and
that have only been suppressed In considera-
tlon for your. youth and lnexperence until
this hour. Will you grant me the indulgent
favor to come into the library for moment
before the dancer
"Your devoted EusrAoB HuRD."
The other note-on papa's business paper
was from Ned Berton:
mn Darliag Anget-I have done exactly MS
you told meat least In regard to your
father. A thousand blessings on that in
spring little card, which | have worn upon
my heart all day. oh, Dolly but for your
divine courage l should have yielded to
despair sga,,r father has u,von mo ,.rm,ss,on 10
address you. Meet me one moment, dearest.
before the dance, In the library, just to let me
look at you and kiss your hand. l promise
not TO say word of that I'LL tomorrow
"Your own. NED"
four-o' clock posy," said Patty, describing the
scene afterward And then when she thought
/ didn't see, she kissed Mr. Ned's note, and
she said to herself like: But what can he
mean about the card,-the spiral little card2
oh, Miss Dolly, do send some answer quick
to Mr.. Ned for he's walking up and down
the piazza this freezing night without an
overrcoat And she says Go tell him WILL
thank me that he did not catch his death OF
cold and told him what she said, and he
cried out, Bless you, Patty you are good
girl, Patty And he gave me-bu I didn't
do 1t for that. And my amt he q strong
young. gentleman and just the one for Miss
Dollvr
"What can he mean about the cnrd r. thought
Dolly again. as, so absorbed In Neds sur
prisag note that she quite forgot the other,
she went am usingly down.
For, In fact, the card was n simple memoir
andum made year ago. But until months
after the present pregnant February 10, to
did Ned Berton know that the writing had
been made upon the white surface oblivions
of the other side OF the crested card, by his
impulsive little Iady-loye one day when with
Pail
her own written terms to serve for solemnity,
like sworn signature she determined to ask
her mother, and, In case of denial there, to
coax her indulgent father, 'for black silk
lilly, like Miss Austen's"-a style OF costume
already pronounced "too old for school
girl. Could 1t be possible that fate In caprice
destined the grlsh demand 10 be answered
wedding-gown2 Time alone could tell
Flushed and radiant, and with but one
thought In her heart, Dolly glided down the
stairs and entered the library. But she re-
coiled with astonishment. when Mr.. .Hurd,
alert with expectation, stepped briskly for
ward, and lifting her hand to her lips, Kissed
the finger tips devotonally.
Ned Berton, Mt the Instant entering the
door behind Dolly. saw the compliment face OF
his rival and his assurance in the little act OF
gallantry Springing forward, he laid his
hand authoritatlvely and possessively upon
Dolly's shoulder. Mr.. Hurd drew himself
IL
dispnised animositv M no encountered Neda
blazing eyes.
"Wnat does this mean. sir ?" he demanded
Ell means TINT Miss Derwent came here to
see me. :" said Ned. ''>1NO "
''You are mistaken. sir" answered Eustaee
Uurd bauphtilv ias Derwant co mo bere
In RESPONSE to nv solicitation
The mems voices were loud and angry; Mrs.
Derwent. who In an adjoining room awaited
with huttering anxiety the result of the inter
view which she believed would c0nsummate
the abrIllinnt match long held In contemnIa-
ton. and for which she had used ali her
motherlv Influence to inspire Dolly with n
sense OF it's advantage. could not possiblv
concern nj this violent Information She
came into the library and caught Dollv;s hand
to withdraw her from the hold of her youth
full lover.
"Mr. Be,ton." she said angrily. show dare
you infringe upon the rights OF hospitality so
far as to annoy nv daughter?,'
AS she spoke she felt n strong. commanding