The Newtown bee., 1880-12-29
A PAIR OF SLIPPERS.

the steps of handsome house in Thirty seventh street, and went quickly toward Broad way. The sun was shining upon a diamond network which glittered upon every branch and withered vine, and was reflected from the dazzling pavement, covered with 8 thin slazing of ice. There was 8 vexed, pained look upon his handsome face, and his steps were reckless, because his heart was inn patient and sore.
 Beautiful as ever," he muttered to himself, "and colder than ever. There she sat with her friends, exquisitelv dressed, quiet, and as unmoved by ay presence as if had not been away for five days, writing to her by every mail, hungering for sight of her. I used to think this calmness was the perfection of high breeding; now I know it for the sign of 8 cold heart and absent mind Not even to come for moment into the library, when gave her such a capital pretext! There l stood like fool for a quarter ot an hour, turning over the books; and thinking every minute she would come. An, well" he sighed. it is my doom to love her and to marry her; now how to thaw the ice will be the next question. Here come my pretty neighbor, with the bright cordial smile 1t does one good to meeti i should think such 8 bit of sunshine would have melted Fred Boone's stiffness by this time, if, as people say, they are engaged. But he looks as much 8 ramrod as ever. Good morning, Miss" Here, to his and her intense surprise, he sat down on the pavement at her feet. The careless foot had slipped upon the treacherous ice. and his downfall was complete.
 A quick tide of changing expressions chased themselves over Rosamond Vane's bright face. First fun, then con ssternation, frightened and softened in her haz9l eyes; but her mouth remained preternaturally grave. Instead of scrambhng up, again, he sat quite still, ana Iookea at her comically.
 Please laugh" he said; "I know you are dying to-
 A soft. mirthful peal rang from her pretty lips, and she exclaimed: "Oh, MT. Blount, do get up. am quite un- used to have gentlemen prostrate them selves before me, and it is embarrassing though complimentary Then, as he tried to rise, her face changed to pity. You have hurt yourself-~where r Have you broken any bones pn
 |" A few" he answered, with 8 smile and writhe; "but Ihave good many left, thank you. No, it is Q. wrench or sprain ot some sort. It will pass away In moments" and he turned very pale as he rose and felt the full force of the twist he had given himself.
 W hat can do for you ?" asked Rosa mond. We are very near your house 10 you thlnk you can walk. or is there anybody can call P And she looked round the deserted.street, where even the policeman was missing, true to the spirit of sne old conundrum: "What is lnvlsl5le blue A policeman when he is wanted.n
 "If could persuade this lamp post tc come too, should get along very we'll, te answered, trying to laugh; but don't quite see my way to letting it go.'
 Lean upon mel said Rosamoad with an earnest, blushing face. 'sl will help you, and the distance is really short"
 II could not think of it, Miss vane, , he replied. But if you would take my arm, perhaps I might steady myself SO l shall feel all right in a minute" So Rosamond put her hand we'll in his arm, and pressed it firmly and closely al they moved slowly on. A lover likt attitude 1t seemed to distinguished looking young man who, approaching eyed them curiously; then his face grew white as Miss Vane's grew rosy, and sh, exclaimed, quite loud enough, as sht thought, for him to hear: Oh, here Ii MT: Boone; he will help you much bet ter than IT.
 But even as she spoke he had raised his hat in stiff silence and passed on Rosamond stood quite still for | moment in her bewilderment, and tn tears welled into Ter eyes.
 Did he not recognize mep" she asked piteously.
 "Oh, yes, think so," answered Philil Blount. MT. Boone was perhaps in hurry--some appointment And h
 looked at her with kind pity in his eye | as the varying color and changing ex pression betrayed her emotions of sur
 prise, uain and finally quiet displeasure She said nothing more, however. Per
 haps this was not the first blow that he
 trust had received during her thre
 months engagement.
 Only 8 few steps more, and his lahore,
 breath and white face told of so mucl
 suffering that she was glad to find thei
 destination close at hand.
 Now sit on this step a moment, she said, and ran lightly up to ring tn
 bell and cail the servant to his master aid. hope you will feel better yer,
 s0on," she said. earnestly. as she hell
 out her hand for good bye.
 And you, my kind neighbor, I hop
 l have done you no harm in any way,
 he answered, in the same tone Ana she said, pressing her lips to | gether very firmly after she had spoken
 | No, you have done me no harm in an
 way"
 Several days passed, and Rosamon
 saw neither of the two men who ha
 played so prominent part in her morn ing walk.
 1 She had sent to inquire after MI
 Blount with her mothers compliment