The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-11-26

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involuntary smile dimpling the corners
a. her fresh lips a she glanced through
the smllax trails In the window.
John Deadwood, following In the d.
rection a her eyes, glanced, too, Just
in time 10 see tall gentleman Int his
hat and bow rs ne went jauntiiy past.
cts that IT," said John, bitterly.
cts what?" petulantly retorted Dolly.
sT'm sure don't know why we are
standing here waiting for and / with
twenty-eiqht bouquets to make mp by
9 o'clock. That's all, John, 1 think
Don't forget the lilies Of the valley"
''But you haven't answered me, Dol
~" -,
Answered you what2"
"About the dance in the old barn, and
coming back with me when the wagon
returns at o'clock. ;" :.
cit is quite out Of the question" said
Dolly, listlessly.
'Dollyi'
well"
.'You promised mo years ago"
scNonsense, said Dolly, hinging the
azaleas and pinks around in fragrant.
confusion. II was only q child then. =
ssBut you've no right to go back ON
your word, Dolly, child or no child"
s1 never promised, John"
'But you let me believe that one day
Won 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 me,
John" brusquely interrupted the girl.
'sHere comes 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 Roam was wait
ing with dropping head and half
closed eyes.
"It does seem to me-" he muttercd be-
tween his teeth, ''that there is nothing
left to live for any longer"
Dolly looked half remorsefully after
him. =.
"Tye almost a mind to call him back, ="
said she to herself as she picked out
bunch of white violets for the newcomer
I do like John Deadwood; but l think he
has no business to consider himself en-
gagged to me, just because OF that boy
and-girl nonsense. Ones ideas change
as one gets on in life.
And Dollys cheek was like the reflec-
ton of the pink azaleas as she thought OF
Mr.. Fitzalan and the turquoise ring that
he had given her as troth plight.
And Mr.. Frfxham came in presently.
'I've a note from the Sedgewicks, on
Fifth avenue" said he hurriedly. They
always order their flowers from Servoss,
but Servoss has disappointed them. They
want the house decorated for party to-
night-there's not a minute to lose. I've
telegraphed to Bottoms for one hundred
yards of smflax and running fern and
one hundred poinsettas; and think we
can manage the rest ourselves You had
better go at once, Miss Penfeld, and
plan the decorations-you've pretty
taste Of your Own-and I'll send UP the
flowers with Hodges to help ycu."
And Dolly went, her mind still ON the
turquoise ring, with a band OF virgin
gold and it's radiant blue stone.
The Sedgewick mansion was brown
stone palace, with plate glass easements,
and vestibule paved with black and
orange marble.
Mrs. Sedgewick, . stately lady, IA
Vatican wrapper and blonde cap, re-
ceived Dolly in the great drawing room.
"Oh!" said she, lifting her eyeglasses;
you're from the florists, ara you?
Well, know nothing about these things
Il only want the rooms to look elegant.
Tell your husband to spare no expense.
"Mr. Frixham il not my husband"
said Dolly.
"Your father, then"
"But he isn't my father" insisted
Dolly, half laughing. He's no relation
at all. will tell him, however"
Exactly" said Mrs. Sedgewiok. II
particularly desire plenty OF white roses,
as l am told they are customary at this
sort of affair. It's an engagement party
"Indeedr' said Dolly, trying 10 look
Between my daughter Clara and Mr..
Alfred Fitzalan, said Mrs. Sedgewiolx,
with conscious complacency.
Dolly said nothing, but the room, with
its 1uted cornioes and lofty ceilings,
seemed to swim around her like the
waves Of the sea. And as she went out,
with Mrs Sedgewick still chatting about
white rose-buds and begonia-leaves, she
passed the half open door of o room, all
hung with blue velvet, where q yellow
tressed beauty sat smiling On q low
divan, with FitSalan bending teuderly
above her.
HE has only been amusing himself
with me" said Dolly to herself.
There was a sharp ache at her heart;
but after all, IT was only the sting OF
wounded pride. Thank heaven-oh.
thank heaven, II was nothing worse than
that
Honest John Deadvood was driving
old Roam steadily and solemnly along
past the patch OF woods, where the vel
vet-mossed powders lay like dormant
beasts of prey in the spring twilight,
when a gray shadow glided cut Of the
other shadows, and stood ct his side
"John!" she whispered
DOLLY it's never your"
eyes, john" said the giN, gently but
Tin going back homo with
you"