The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1880-12-23
APAIR OF SLIPPERS.

A tall young man ran hastily down tho steps
Of u handsome house in thirty seventh St.
and went quickly toward Broadway. The
sun was shining upon n diamond net work
which glittered upon every branch and with.
cred vine, and was reflected from tho daZ-
cling pavement, covered with thin glazing
of leo. There was veXed, panied look up.
on his handsome face. and his steps We're
reckless, because his heart was inpatient
and sore.
Beautiful us ever" he muttercd to him.
self, land colder than ever. There she
sat with her friends, exquisitely dressed
quiet, and as unmoyed by my presence as il
had not been away for five days, writing
TO her by every mall hungering for a sight
of her. ] used to think this calmness was the
perfection of high breeding; now know it.
FOR the sign of GOLD heart and absent mind.
Not even to come for moment into the Ii
bmry when gave her such pretext! There
stood like n fool fora quarter of an hour,
turning over the books, and thinking every
minute she would come. All, well lac sigh
ed, ut is my doom to love her and 10 marry
her; now how to thaw the ice will be the load
out question. Here comes my pretty neigh
Dor, with tho bright cordial smile II does one
good to meet! / should think such n bit Of
Sunshine would have melted Fred Boone 5
stiffness 10y this time, if, rs people say, they
aro engaged But he looks as much Il ram
rod as ever. Good morning, Miss Here,
10 his and her intense surprise, he sat down
on the pavement ut her feet. Tho careless
foot had slipped upon the treacLerous ice,
and his downfall WAS complete.
4 quick tide Of changing expressions
chased themselves over Rosamond Nane's
bright face. First fun, then CONSERVATION,
frightened and softened in her hazel eyes;
but her mouth remained preternatunlly
grave. Instead of scrambling up again, he
BAT quite still. and looked ut her comicaly.
please laugh. Ee said; Il know You are
dying 10.
\ soft mirthful peal rang from her pref
" lips, and she exclaimed: oh, Dir.
Blount do got up. ] am quite unused 10
have gentlemen PROSTATE themselves before
mo- aud il IL quite embarrassing, though
complimentary" Then, % he tried to rise,
her face changed to pity. "You have hurt
yourself-where2 Have you broken any
bonesI"
"a few" he answered, with smile and
n writhe; but have good many left,
thank you. No, it is wrench or sprain OF
some sort. 1t will pass in a moment" and
he turned very pale as he rose and felt the
full force of the twist he had given himself.
what can do for you?" asked Rosa
mond.
ave are very near your house. Do you
think you can walk, or il there anybody
can call? and she looked around the de-
serted street, where even the policeman
was missing, truo to the spirit of the old
conundrum: What is invisible blue?--A
policeman when he is wanted"
If could persuade this lamp post to come
too ! should get along very well, ho an
swered, trying to laugh; but don't quite
see my way to letting 1t 60"
Lean upon me. said Rosamond, with
an earnest, blushing face. 1T will help
you. and the distance is really short"
II could not think of it, Miss Nane," he
replied. But if you would take my arm,
perhaps I might steady myself so. 1 shall
feel all right III minute"
SO Rosamond put her hand we'll in his
arm, and pressed it firmly and closely as
they moved slowly on. A lover like attitude
II seemed to distinguished looking young
man who approaching, eyed them curiously;
then his face grew white as Miss Vanes
grew rosy, and she exclaimed, quito loud
enough, rs she thought, for him to hear;
oh. here is Mr. Boone; he will help you
much better than J."
But even as she spoke he had raised his
hat in stiff silence and passed On.
Rosamond stood quito still for moment in
her bewilderment, aud the tears swelied in
to her eyes.
Did he not recognize me?" she asked,
piteously.
"Oh yes. think 3d." answered Philip
Blount. Mr.. Boone was perhaps in a
hurry-some appointment" Andho looked
at her with kind pity in his eyes ms the vary
ing color and changing expression betrayed
her emotions OF surprise, pain, and finally
nnInt nlQnlanQurn Ehn gall nothing m
however. Perhaps this Was not the first
blow that her trust had received during her
three months engagement
Only few steps moro, and his labored
breath and white face told Of SO much suf-
fering that she was glad TO lnd their des-
Gnation close at hand.
Now sit Oh this step a momont," she
said, and ran lightly up TO ring the bell and
call the servant 10 his masters aid. II hope
You will feel better very soon," she said
earnestly, rs she held out her hand for good
BY.
and you. my kind neighbor, hope Ihave
done you no harm in any way, !" he answered,
In the same tone.
And she said. pressing her lips together
very firmly after she had spoken, mo you
have done mo no harm in any ray"
Several days passed, and Rosamond saw
neither of the two men who had played 80
prominent part in her morning walk.
She had sent to inquire after Mr.. Blount
with her mothers complilnents-and had
learned that he had not been able to leave
his room, but short rest would probably
make him all right.
And almost disappointed was she, when
beautiful basket W roses came to her. to
read on the card his name, instead Of find
ing in it tardy but acceptable token of
penitence from her own absent lover. Still
the days passed Oh, and she bided her time,
displeased, thoughtful, yet ready with atrue
woaan's heart 70 listen 10 excuses ready
to be easily propitiated. But absence and
silence still reiguel.
At last he came. She met him in the
parlor. as grave as he, and shook hands in
Us unmoved way as il they were ordinary
acquaintances.
Il have TO ask nm explanation" ho said
stiiiiy, ag he Sat down at little distance,
and looked coldly ut her;
And too have 10 ask an explanation of
your conduct" said Rosamond quietly.
II suppose you refer to my absence for
the last ten daysf" he replied. II have
been out of town"
Indeed! was not aware of it" she said.
Formerly you thought it worth while to
tell me your movements, to writo TO me
whom You were away. All that is over now,
it would seem, and you arc changed; conse-
nuppfiV vou can mt comnlaip III l tno at,l