The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-06-03
CHAPTER III.
THE BIRTHDAY FETE-A PROPOSAL OF MAD
RIAGE-BRoUGHT TO DAY.


RIAGE-BRoUGHT TO DAY.
Night had thrown her sable mantle over
the earth. The moon was rising behind
the hills, and the stars beamed brightly
overhead.
The Clayton residence and grounds were
gaily decorated, in honor of the young mis-
tress' birthday Lanterns hung from the
balconies and trees; flags fioated from the
liberty pole and the surrounding buildings,
and were festooned up the broad saircases
of the mansion.
Servants were hnrrying to and fro, jostl-
ing each other in the excitement of the oc-
casion, and everything implied the good
time coming. Even old John Clayton i'm
bibed the joyful feeling whea he saw Cecil,
happy as bird, fitting about on her mis-
sion of inspection.
At length the hour of reception arrived.
The guests came fockiug in, and after being
received by the Young hostess saantered
out in o the Illuminated gardens.
Many were the admring 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.
ooh, 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 a bright
smile. II am o ligated, Mr.. Eversleieh.
u w kind of you to go to so much troubled"
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 obtanable."
The young men looking on groancd
lnwardly with jealousy. Mr. Eversleigh's
culture seemed to them TO be Of an over-bold
order.
Not long after the audacious Philip asked
if he might have the pleasure of Miss Clay
tons company for stroll.
Certainly, Mr.. Eversleigh; if such fy-
away being can be pleasant society," laughed
the hostess.
Strains of music began to fill the air as,
arm in arm, they crossed the lawn, and the
younger guests betook themselves to the
dance.
Cecil Clayton was passionately fond of
the may waltz" yet whether it would be
quite right to ask Philip Eversleigh to join
the gay party she was not sure. Besides,
his manner was always so ,taid- so quiet
that frequently she felt puzzled to know the
cause.
"Why is he so reserved'" she thought as
they walked along. ale hasn't spoken a
word for at least two minutes! Icouldnt
keep still so long I'm sure'
Mr.. Eversleigh saw the sly look she gave
him from beneath her beautiful lashes.
"You marvel at my silence, Miss Clay
ton?" he said, divining her thoughts. Fear
has placed lock on my tongue tonight"
Cecil raised her eyebrows.
Gear, Mr.. Eyerseigh2"
"Yes; / am afraid 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"
Cecil laughed merrily.
.'Oh, Mr. Eversleigh, what cruel criti-
cism on our baAd! You should feel ashamed
of YOURSELF"
II do" replied Philip Eversleigh, with a
somewhat humliated expression. "But I
csnnot help disliking many things which
average humanity enjoy
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..
Everslsigh?" Cecil suddenly asked. "Ws
are on The edge of the wood!"
"The night is pleasant" returned the
young man at her side. "And l beg you
will not return just yet, as l have something
to tell you of an extremely private nature,
for which I have selected this spot, Please
be seated"
Surprised by this unexpected turn in the
conversation, and not knowing, for the
moment what to reply, Cecil allowed her.
self to be led to bench under willow
Just before them.
No word of love had ever passed between
Philip Eversleigh and Cecil Clayton, though
ihey had been thrown much in each others
society, and Cecil wondered what lie could
have to tell. She recalled his meaning gluces
and the bouquet presented SO cavalierly,
and the pressure of the hand. But neither
circumstance necessarily implied love.
The thought that they might thrilled her
with indefnable pleasure, and yet as she
sat down pang shot through her heart.
81 am listening, Mr.. Eversleigh."
He placed himself near her, and began,
rather nervously:
"Wnen l made your acquaintance, Miss
Clayton, 1 had no thought that we should
ever be such good friends, because there is
80 vast difference in our inclinations."
Chow solemn! said Cecil, drawing o
long face. "You are quite sedate, Mr..
Eversleigh, I frankly confess. At first, l
thought you a student of theology"
"You made no mistake in that Miss
Clayton. am studying for the ministry"
"Why, Mr.. Eversleigh!
"You seem surprised" Yet you must have
noticed how averse am to the o-called harm
laaa anusemapta of tha dav. si,eh az dano-