The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1881-05-14

W. sea-green sash somewhere she
'A4 never worn, and pair of white
ks4s at home that Rose could go for
wen she went to buy her suisse. So,
w3lie her busy, deft fingers sewed
Trough the summer days on Ro5e's
~ uress. little Bell decided she would
sY, after all, and wear her fresh white
uzess, and tea roses in her golden
s%sses, and the sea green sash knot
to her skirt-a simle, exquisite
lt1iet, that made very Undine of
TT, that made Deople turn their
neaus for more than a second or third
lvpk when she and Rose entered the
magnificent ballroom.
~ was perfectly delightful every
way. Mr.. Granville possessed none
oAt highbread intelligent friends. and
lhe Misses Melton were treated ac-
cscrdingly.
1he music was iiestvtifIy. and fr0nf
her seat, where she SAT, like queen
in state, Rose watched her handsome
host, who had bowed low over her
hand when he was introduced
watching him, as. in his quiet, self
possessed manner, he went among
his guests.
Her heart was beating-would he,
oh, woulc he ask her for the first
dance, or would he go among the
groups Of stylish ladies from the city,
any OF whom would be so honored by
his attentions?
And then Rose saw Mr.. Granville
go straight across the room, right by
her, and bow slowly to Bell as he
said few words, and offered his arm.
Bell! Bell to lead the grand quad.
rifle! Bell on Lionel Granville's arm,
the observed of all observers-as fair
as a seanymph. and so graceful, so
sweetIy unconscious of her radiant
beauty.
Rose sat gloomily through the first
quadrllle, and watched Lionel's pale,
handsome face as he bent it very near
Bells golden curls, his ardent, ad
miring eyes that looked SO eagerly
into the sweet, girlish face, that
others beside Rose noted his atten-
ton.
/ Then, the dance over. Lionel gave
Bell his arm.
"That has been a delightful quad
rille. Miss Melton. By the way, did
you know have something that be.
longs TO you ?"
They had reached Roses chair by
this time, and Bell turned laughingly
to him.
Something of mine! / do not see
how that can be, Mr.. GRANVILLE. Do
you Rose ?"
Rose favored him with her most
fascinating smile.
Indeed | do not, seeing that this
is he first time we ever saw Mr..
Granville"
He smiled in Bells eyes.
"l'll leave you to fathom the mys-
terry. Don't forget, the first waltz
for me, Miss Bell"
He went away, so handsome. so
cOurtly and Bell's foolish little heart
was throbbng with new, vague de-
light, while Rose was almost suffo-
eating with envy at the signal tri-
umph of her sister. Mr.. Granville
cauIe promptly for his waltz,
He drew her hand through his arm
almost authofftatiyely.
Miss Bell, it seems / haye always
known you, yet you say you never
saw me before. Suppose we take a
walk through the conservatory in
stead of having this waltz ?''
| to the fragrant semi dusk they
went where fountains tinkied and
rare flowers bloomed, and the music
came in veiled sweetness and rich
ness.
81 want you to be sure 1 am right,
Miss Bell, when l say / have some
thing of yours. Look at the me close
ly. Have you never seen me before 2"
He bent his face near hers. Ii was
smiling-and so tender and
good and Bell looked timi,lly in the
smiling yet stern eyes.
Il am sure l never saw you before.
Mr.. Granville"
"Then have you ever seen this ?"
He drew from his pocket sover-
eign-the very one, with "A tiny bit
Clipped off it, that Bell had given
the tramp.
Don't you understand, dear child?
l had taken a freak into' my head
that weuld walk from town here,
and it was grand walk, although
it took three days and ruined my
clothes stopped at your little cottage
to beg a glass of water. You know
the rest"