The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1880-06-24

could Angie be deceived? or did he
toss kiss as he sprang from the car
rage to assist herself in alighting? An
gle did wish she knew; but it was no
time for idle speculations. The next
moment she was borne into the house
bv let 10 be introduced to the new
conner. Then mamma Alden had a
motherly welcome tor her, and the
worthy doctor laid aside his Medical
Journalto greet her with marked favor
Evidently little Miss Converse was a
great pet in the household. Was it
strange if she had come to believe her
self tacitly regarded as one of the fam
lily?
There! Iwonder if Sidney remem-
bered to engage oysters for the festi-
valn' cried let, suddenly, as she helped
Angie remove her wraps.
"Tll ask him. volunteered Miss
HuntreSs from the window-seat.
" Thank you. And if he's forgotten,
scold him"
" / will-in your name
/ why not in your own, too? 1t will
be more effective. Besides, it's your
peculiar duty-not to say privileger'
d" | don't wish to anticipate these
! things" smiled Miss Bertha, vanishing
4 through the doorway.
4" Isn't she charming, AngieP' cried
| let with enthusiasm " Such eyes,
And such exquisite hair! Sid says she
is like Titan Madonna.
." She is lovely" assented Angie in
the tone of a martyr who dies for the
| truth.
So Sidney had compared her to a Ma
donna! He would worship her next!
Perhaps he did worship her already!
And why was it the peculiar duty"
of this paragon to scOld Sidney? On the
whole, it was a wretched morning to
Angie. Zet was helping her mother
about the fruit cake for the festival,
Sidney was overseeing the decoration
of the public hall and she was left with
Miss Bertha, whose ease and elegance
rebuked her own restless cOnstraint.
The afternoon was yet worse, for with
some tiimsy excuse Sidney drew Miss
Huntress away to the library for pro-
lOnged tete-a-tete, and Zet and Angie
could not practice because of stupid
callers.
girls began their duets. Sidney leaned
over Angles chair to turn the music
leaves; discoursing merry nonsense with
herself and Miss Bertha, who sat near
the lamp sewing brass rings upon cur
tain for the public hall.
" appreciate your good intentions,
Sid" cried his sister at last nervously;
9 nevertheless l wish you'd run off,
Your chattering puts us out"
- Your eloquence distracts our at
tention' would sound more polished,
sisterkin."
Choose your own form of rhetoric,
only leave US! Bertha, use your infu-
ence He's bound to do as you say"
Bertha won't abuse her rights; she
knows l haven't seen Angie ten min
utes.'
% But Miss Converse would rather be
heard than seen Just now" said Miss
Huntress, rising with an indOlent smile.
d" We ought to interrupt the duets"
Fair tyrant! She says go and l
must be gomez responded Sidney, in
an apparent agony of submission.
Don't take Bertha away. She doesn't
disturb US"
MAY be not; but her tarrying be-
hind might disturb me, sisterkin," re-
torted Sidney airily, "and she'll never
desert Mr.. Micawber.'
As the twain disappeared arm-in-arm,
Zet drew a long breath.
"ThereT said she, "hope we can
play better now I've disposed of him and
his bride-elect.n
Bride-elect?' faltered Angie, strik-
ing a false note.
Eyes. Haven't you heard? l sup
posed Sidney had told you. You're out
of time, Angie. Oae-twO-three-
four. Now the pedal"
Wasn't it rather-rather suddenP"
Sudden? the sub-bass? 1t is writ
ten that way"
"What you said a moment ago
about Miss Huntress and Sidney?'
That? o, yes! L was disappointed
at first. Do you know wanted Sid to
have youP never once thought of Ber
tina. l have my doubts now whether
she is Just the one for him; but he ought
to know her better than we do" an
swered Zet between fitful pauses, as she
labored over a difficult passage.
Angie played on mechanically, with
a vague fancy that she was drumming
upon coffin. Don't you cry, Angie
Converse! Don't you dare to cry she
kept saying to herself, hammering at
the KEYS as if her troublesome heart
throb5ed beneath and must be paralyzed
by blows. And through all The changes
of the music rang this silly refrain:
"Sidney's tickle, all things show it,
Once you thought so, now you know it."
But at last they had mastered the
duets to Zet's satisfaction, and Sidney
loungedin, Ito accept their apologies"
he observed loftily.
Had Bertha finished the curtain? his |
sister inquired. He had no convictions |
on the subject and Iet went to ascer-
tain.
Making a movement to follow her, |
Angie found herself cleverly penned be-
tween n rocking-chair and the center |
table.
"Wait little lady. I've something
sweet to tell you"
Il know! l know! Zet has an
nounced it. II congratulate you"
"On the -storm?" Sidney looked |
a trihe puzzled. Thank you; though |
| don't hatter myself it comes solely for
my benefit"
+" Not on the snow-storm. Does it /
really snow? l meant to congratulate
you on--on everything"
." Kind little soul! | was sure you |
would be pleased" he said, taking her
hands in his, as one might take child's
to warm them. Eyes, | consider that |
am avery lucky fellow Bertha is"
"Oyes, certainly! There's no ques-
+io,, about II - interruntad Anria bur