The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1880-12-02
9pt carefully at the south window,

And the meadow-lark in the cage sings
beautifully; aud old red brindle has q
spotted calf"
Has she?" questioned dolly indiffer-
entity.
John Deadwood looked hard at her.
"Dolly," said he, "you don't care
about the old home any longerp
Yes, do" said Dolly, rousing her
self, "but--"
She paused suddenly, the rosy color
rushed In q 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 tall gentleman lift his
hat and bow as he went iauntily past.
els that it," said John, bitterly.
els what?" petulantly retorted Dolly.
"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, I think.
Don't forget the lilies of the valley"
'rBut you haven't answered me, Dol.
ly."
"Answered you what?"
"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.
"Dollyp
"Well."
''You promised me years ago"
Nonsense" said Dolly, finging the
azaleas and pinks around in fragrant
confusion. "I was only child then"
"But you've no right to go back on
your word, Dolly, child or no child"
81 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 me,
John!' brusquely interrupted the girl.
"Here 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 down-drooping head and half
closed eyes.
"It 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.
GIVE almost 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 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 Dolly's check was like the refiec-
&c III ~ 90
Mr.. Eitzalan and the turquoise ring that
he had given her as troth plight.
And Mr.. Frixham came in presently.
GIVE O 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-
n1ght-theres not a minute to lose. I've
telegraphed to Bottoms 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 go at once, Miss Penfield, and
plan the decorations-you'v 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 the
turquoise ring, with band of virgin
gold and it's radiant blue stone.
The Sedgewick mansion was q brown
stone palace, with plate glass easements,
and q vestibule paved with black and
orange marble.
Mrs Sedgewick, o stately lady, in a
Vatican wrapper and blonde cap, re-
ceived Dolly in the great drawing room.
"Oh!" said she, lifting her glasses,
you're from the florists, are youi
Well, l know nothing about these things
II only want the rooms to look elegant.
Tell your husband to spare no expense"
MIR. Frlxham is 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 Sodgewick. 81
particularly desire plenty of white roses,
as am told they are customary at this
sort of affair. It's an engagement party"
"Indeedp said Dolly, trying to look
interested.
Between my daughter Clara and Mr..
Alfred Fitzalan," said Mrs. Sedgewick,
with conscious complacency.
Dolly said nothing, but The room, with
its huted cornices 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 and begonia-leaVes, she
passed the half open door of room, all
hung with blue velvet, where yellow
tressed beauty sat smiling on low
divan, with Fitzalan bending 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