The Magnolia gazette. [volume] (Magnolia, Miss.) 1872-current, 1880-12-03

Oony; Why don't they put 1t IN the
greenhouse"
Because, Dolly" said the young
man, reddening, sit reminds us Of you.
And the meadow-lark in the cage sings
beautifully; aud old red brindle has
spotted cali"
Has'she?" questioned dolly indiffer-
emily.
John Deadwood looked hard az her.
Dolly" said he, ''you don't care
about the old home any longerr'
Yes, do" said Dolly, rousing her
self, "bTt----"
She paused suddenly, the rosy color
rushed In carmine tide to her cheek, an
involuntary smile dimpling the corners
Of her fresh lips as she glanced through
the smilax trails in the window.
John Deadwood, following in the di-
rection Of her eyes, glanced, too, just
in time to see Q tall gentleman lift his
hat and bow as he went iauntily past
"Is that it., said John, bitterly.
els whatP" petulantly retorted Dolly.
s'Tm sure / don't know why we are
standing here waiting for and with
twenty-eight bouquets to make up by
2 o'clock That's all, John, / think
Don't forget the lilies Of the valley"
''But you haven't answered me, Dol.
ly."
"Answered you what?"
'tAbout the dance in the old barn, and
coming back with me when the wagon
returns at o'clock.
'It is quite out Of the question, said
Dolly, lstlessly.
''Dollyl"
"Well"
'You promised me years ago"
Nonsense said Dolly, hinging the
azaleas and pinks around in fragrant
confusion. II was only a child then. 4
"But you've no right to 60 back on
your word, Dolly, child or no child.
s'I 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.
And if this city situation Of yours should
break up my .life's hope"
Don't hope anything about mo,
Johnl" brusquely interrupted the girl.
"Here comes customer. Please, John,
a, don't stand there any longer looking like
| ghostP'
And honest, heart-broken John turned
| and went with heavy heart out to where
| the wagon stood, and old Roam was wait
ing with housekeeping head aud half
closed eyes.
at does seem to me, he muttered be-
tween his teeth, ''that there is nothing
| left to live for any longer"
Dolly looked half remorsefully after
| him.
"I've almost mind to call him back, :"
| said she TO herself as she picked out q
| bunch of white violets for the newcomer.
| | do like John Deadwood; but think he
| has no business to consider himself en-
| gagged to me, Just because OF that boy
| and-rirl nonsense, Ones ideas change
| as one gets on in life.
And Dolly's check was like the refec-
| ton OF the pink azaleas rs she thought Of
/ Mr. Fitzalan and the turquoise ring that
he had given her as troth plight
And Mr.. Frixham came in presently.
"Tve note from the Sedgewicks, on
| Fifth avenue" said he hurriedly. Ihey
always order their flowers from Seryoss,
but Servoss has disappointed them. Ihey
want the house decorated for o party TO-
! night-there's not minute to lose. I've
te1egraphed to Bottoms for one hundred
yards Of smilax and running fern and
one hundred poinsettas; and | think We
can manage the rest ourselves. You had
better 40 OF once, Miss Penfeld, and
plan the decorations-you q pretty
taste of your own-and I'll send up the
flowers with Hodges to help you.
And Dolly went, her mind still on tht
turquoise ring, with a band Of virgil
gold and its radiant blue stone.
The Sedgewick mansion was browi
stone palace, with plate glass easements
and vestibule paved with black ant
orange marble.
Mrs. Sedgewick, stately lady, in
Vatican wrapper and blonde cap, re
ceived Dolly in the great drawing room
"Ohi" said she, lifting her eyeglasses
"you're from the florists, are you
Well, know nothing about these thing
Il only want the rooms to look elegant
Tell your husband to spare no expense
"Nr. Frixham is not my husband,
said Dolly.
"Your father, then"
"Bat he isn't my father" insiste
Dolly, half laughing. He's no relatio
; at oil. / will tell him, however.
EXACTLY" said Mrs. Sedgewick. :"
particularly desire plenty of white rose'
as I am told they are customary at tn
sort of affair. It's an engagement party.
"Indeed!'' said Dolly, trying to loo
interested.
"Between my daughter Clara and M
I. Alfred Fitzalan," said Mrs. Sedgewicl
i with conscious complacency.
\ Dolly said nothing, but the room, vii
/ its fiuted cornices and lofty ceiling
seemed to swim around her like Il
!. waves Of the sea. And as she went on
i with Mrs. Sedgewick still chatting aboI
3 white rose-buds and begonia-leaves, 81
passed the half open door OF room,
d hung with blue velvet, where a yelllc
tressed beauty sat smiling on a Il
re divan, with Fitzalsn bending tender
;, above her.
"He has only been amusing hims'
81 with me, said Dolly to herself.
et ...nn :. s1,o1-v. oahA Oh her hen