The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-05-15

corner as he entered and established
himself for the evening in chair by her
side; but he was not permitted to mo-
nopolize so popular a young lady. A
gay circle had gathered about her and
she was in the full tide of laughter, jest
and repartee when half an hour later
she felt the slight stir caused by the en-
trance of Roderic McRae. He passed
gracefully about the room with gay
word and an especial attenti IN for every
one, diffusing general feeling of
brightness and an pleasure, and at last
joined the brilliant circle about Miss
Martin. She looked up at him with a
glance of such perfect understanding
that there was no room for formal
greeting, and in some mysterious man
ner, without word or gesture, indicated
the stupid little fellow at her side. Nc
Rae bent over him with a fattering
eagerness.
"Mr. Mounce,'' he said, in low,
confidential tone, "there's a young lady
across in the other parlor that has asked
for an introduction to you. Shall |
have the pleasureP"
Mr. Mounce arose, much pleased.
DOIl dlluNl6 W utI nav my dShCNl
for an introduction" whispered Rod
eric, as they crossed the hall. "She
is little shy and it might upset her." "
He returned in moment and took
the vacant chair by Mays side with the
air of one who has finished his
duties and now means to enjoy him
self.
"Miss May" ne began, picking up a
corner of her work to examine it,
"permit me to thread your needle"
1.-THE ideal" she Knocked. "Gentle-
men are so dexterous about such
things"
"1ndeed I cam" he persisted. CT
did ever so much worsted work once
when 1 was little fellow and had the
measles.'
May scrutinized the needle carefully
moment and then gave it to him with
a mischievous smile. He made one or
two attempts to thread it and then
gave it back, her smile reflected on his
face.
"Let me try" said another young
man, leaning eagerly forward. He
took the needle, tried few times to
thread it, and returned il with peculiar
look. Another tried his fortune with
the same result. There was general
movement of interest.
"Well," cried May, "this is peculiar.
Among all my particular friends isn't
there one that can do such little thing
as thread needle for meP"
This appeal produced no marked
effect. There seemed to be general
underlined suspicion among those who
had not made the attempt.
"You'll have to offer some further
inducements, Miss May" cried McRae
"The spirit sof chivalry is not dead
among us, but the ladies no longer
stimulate us to great deeds. Promise
your hand as the reward of the victor
and see how exciting the contest will
be-"
"All right" said May, catching the
spirit of fun. s'My hand shall be the
reward of the brave man who viii
thread that needle for me.'
There was no lack of interest now
Three or four young men sprang eager.
ly forward, and general murmur
spread through the room. 1t was nc
unusual thing for the whole party to be
aroused by some fun or fancy that orig.
mated in the group around Miss Martin
May began to feel uncomfortable. The
words she had spoken did not suit the
wider publicity given them and she
longed to take them back. Especially
was she startled by o familiar voice
behind her, and looking up she saw
Arthur Huntington bending over her
The careless words had been intended
only for Eric McRae and a few others
all gay testers who would understand
the spirit of the thing; but Huntington
was graver and more dignifed, HI
might not take the joke; and she wa,
further irritated to find she cared fo
his possible disapproval. But she ha(
gone too far to recede, and her spiri
rose defiant to meet him, though tn,
humorous twinkle in his eyes somewha
treasured her.
"Miss May" he began, 'sis this
bona fide offer you are makingP"
Certainly" she responded gayly.
"I'll take you up" said he promptly
"Time," cried McRae. 'sLimit tn
time, Miss Martin. Don't have poo
Huntington working over that needl,
when he's old and gray"
"To be sure,' she said. "Well
then, my hand shall reward the her,
who will thread this needle within thre
days." and she held it up to Hunting
ton. He took it, glancing at it keenl,
an instant and discovering what all wer,
now beginning to suspect, that it haC
no eye! Huntington was in no wis,
disconnected by the shout of laughte
that arose as those who held the secre
impaired it eagerly to the rest, but afte
inquiring gravely if there were any othe
competitors took out his pocket-bool
and put the needle carefully away
CHANGING at the clock on the mantel,
" Saturday evening at nine, then
Miss May" he said, and bowling slight,
walked away.
May rolled up her work impatiently
81 certainly can't work now my needl
is broken" she said, and rising hastil,
as McRae offered her his arm she sweep
away.
On their way, Lou Tyler met them
"Mr. Huntington has gone" she said
''He just came and bade me good night
saying he had to 90 home to night AM
the train left in an hour. Funny, ism
ftp"
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