Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-12-03

"Yes l do" said Dolly, rousing her
self, "but-"
she paused suddenly, the rosy color
rushing IN carmine tide to her cheek,
an involuntary smile dimpling the cor.
ners of her fresh lips as she glanced
through the smilax trails in the win
dow.
John Deadwood, following in the di-
rection of her eyes, glanced, too. Just
in time to see tall gentleman lift his
bat and bow as he went jauntily past.
"Is that it," said Johu. bitterly.
"Is what p petulantly retorted Dol.
". I'm sure I don't know why we
are standing here waiting for, and l
with twenty eight bouquets to make up
by 9 o'clock. That's all, John, I think.
Don't FORGET the lilies OF the valley"
But you haven't answered me,
Dolly"
Answered you what?"
"About the dance in the old barn,
and coming back with me when the
wagon reterns at 5 o'clock"
lit is quite out of the question, "
said Dolly. listlessly.
dolly"
Well"
"You promised me, years ago
"Nonsense!" said Dolly, finging the
azaleas and pinks around in fragrant
confusion. 81 was only child them
But you've no right to go back of
your word, Dolly, child or no child"
~ never promised, john"
"But you let me believe that one
day you would be my wife. And I've
lived on the thought of it, Dolly, ever
since. Aud if this city situation OF
yours should break up my life's no pc
Don't hope anything about me,
John!' brusquely interrupted the girl.
Here comes q customer. Please,
John, don't stand there any longer,
looking like ghost!"
And honest, heart-broken John
turned, and went with heavy heart out
to where the wagon stood, and old
Roan was waiting with down. dropping
head and half.closed eyes.
1T does seem to me-" he muttered
between his teeth, "that there is moth
ing left to live for any longer"
Dolly looked half remorsefully after
him.
"I've almost u mind to call him
back" said she to herself, as she picked
out bunch of white violets for the
newcomer. l do like John Deadwood;
but think he has no business to con.
slider himself engaged to me. just be.
cause OF that boy and girl nonsense.
Ones ideas change as one gets on in
life."
And Dolly's cheek was like the re-
Fiction of the pink azaleas as tshe
thought of Mr.. Fitzalan and the tur-
quoise ring he had given her as troth
plight.
And Mr.. Frixham came in presently.
"I've note from the Sedgewicks,
on Fifth avenue" said he huryiediy.
They always order their dowors from
Servoss; bat Servoss has disappointed
them. They want the house decorated
for q party to-night-there's not min.
ute to lose. I've telegraphed to Boil.
toms for one hundred yards of smilax
and running fern and one hundred
poinsettas; and I think we can manage
the rest ourselves. You had better &c
at once, Miss Penfeld, and plan the
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS a pretty taste OF
your own-and I'll send up the flowers
with Hodges to help you
And Dolly went, her mind still on
the turquoise ring, with a band of vir-
gin gold aud its radiant blue stone.
The Seagewick mansion was brown
stone palace, with plate glass easements
and vestibule paved with black and
orange marble.
Mrs. Sedgewick, stately lady in 9
Vatican wrapper and blonde cap, re-
ceived Dolly in the great drawing
room.
"Ohr' said she, lifting her eye.
glasses; you're from the florists, are
you? Well, I know nothing abou,
these things-I only want the rooms to
look elegant. Tell your husband t.
spare no expense"
Mr.. Frixham is not my husband,
said Dolly.
"Your father, then"
"But he isn't my father" insisted
Dolly. half laughing. Hes no rela.
ton at all. will tell him, however. "
Exactly" said Mrs. Sedgewick. 81
particularly desire plenty of white
roses, as I am told they are customary
at this sort of affair. It's an engage
ment party"
Indeed!" said Dolly trying to lool
interested.
Between my daughter Clara and Mr.
Alfred Fitzalan," said Mrs. Sedgewick
with . conscious complacency.
Dolly said nothing, but the room,
with its futed cornices and lofty cell.
ings, seemed to swim around her like
the waves of the sea. And as she went
out, with Mrs. Sedgewick still chatting
about white rosebuds and begonia
leaves, she passed the half.open doc,
of room, all hung with blue velvet
where yellow-tressed beauty sat smil.
ing on low divan, with Fitzalan bend.
ing tenderly above her.
He has only been amusing himself
with me" said Dolly to herself.
There was sharp ache at her heart
but after all, it was only the sting OF
wounded pride. Thank heaven-oh
thank heaven, it was nothing worse
than that!
Honest John Dead wood was DRIVING
old Roam steadily and soberly along