The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1881-10-27
A FIERY CHRISTENING.

N l a0H Ste5tS . @NsiNN
The lights streamed forth gayly from
the windows of the town hall OF Bridge
stoke, and there were sounds OF fes-
tiyity within. Mr. Robertson, the head
of the principal banking firm Of the
town, was giving his annual ball. All
the select society within several miles
was gathered there, and was described
in the ensuing number Of the Bridge
stoke Gudrlian as ga very brilliant
assembly"
Lillian Grey was undeniably a CO.
ouette. and as undeniably the belle of
the ball. A face of wild, haunting
beauty with its flashing eyes and wealth
of raven hair, superbly nodded figure,
and an air OF queenly grace were fasci-
nations that proved irresistible to the
male admirers buzzing around.
Mrs. Grey sat watching her all
charming daughter, with a complacent
smile on her stately features. She was
widow, with comfortable, though not
considerable. means, and Lillian was
her only child. They lived at Burn
ham house-a handsome residence
standing in its own grounds in the
outskirts of the town.
Twice Lillian had danced with tall
gentleman of distinguished appearance,
who was some fifteen years her senior.
After the second time, he stood by her
chair, talking to her, when handsome,
brown-pyed, brown-h haired young man
approached them.
8. Ny next partner" said Lillian, with
fam, change of color.
G., VII i,>+, OD nIca1.xyoI
the tail gentleman.
claim noe, George? This is an old
friend of mine, your lordship. MIR
George H0wel--Lord Walsover."
They shook hands, and the introduc-
ton was made. His lordship was q
widower, with one interesting little
girl, and also large landed property.
He was the best matrimonial catch in
the county, as every match making
mamma knew; and that he-a man of
more than local grandeur-should be
present at the ball tonight was mat
ter of much comment.
A few minutes after, when the music
commenced, Lillian arose, and with
George Howells arm around her waist,
foated around the room in the may
waltz They stepped by easement
leading into a conservatory, from
whence issued the perfume of choice
exotics.
Gillian, I wish to speak with you a
moment. VIII you come in here with
me-"
He drew her through the easement,
Notwithstanding that she hesitated; and
after wandering little way in silence,
they sat down.
"Wlll you let me look at your pro.
gramme?"
1t hung by a silken cord from her
waist. Without word, she handed il
to him.
ar. w, once, twice, three times! Who
is Il. W., Lilian?"
"Lnrd Walsover," she replied, gently
"WhGt does it nlean?" he asked, in a
low tone.
She toyed with her fan and was
silent.
81 thought we had known each other
too long, Lillian, for there to be any
secrets between us. When L told you
of my true, honest love, did you not bid
me wait ? I am not wealthy, but have
sufficient to provide comfortable home
1Of YOU nave WdluOU, bHu NldU W
you say to ME now?'
"That l never can love you, George,
dear, as you wish," she said, tremu-
lously. ''You must not speak to me so
again. You forget that we are not still
boy and girl together. We have grown
up, George"
ST know it to my COST" he said, bit
terly. "In the old days you did what you
liked with me, blew hot and cold on me
by turns, and, by Jove! you are as bad
as ever.'
She bit her pretty neither lip, and bent
very low over her fan.
"Ypu must not hope, George; you will
know why, later on. My present answer
is final"
"Yes, I know! Your answers are
always final, Lillian, and are subject tc
changes like the weather. Really,
think I'm most long-enduring swain. y
"Bnt I mean it this time. 1 have
reasons"
"What are they?'
"Ioughtn't to tell yet; but you will
know soon enough. 1 am engaged to
be married, George"
"Engagedl" I" he gasped, beneath his
breath.
eyes TO Lord Walsover. 1t took
place Yesterday" And she sighed q
little. ...
He was quiet few moments, and
then he asked in a sad, changed voice,
"Do l understand, Miss Grey, that
everything is settled? ?"
She nodded, without looking up.
I''I shall go away" he said, strangely
after further pause. "You need not
fear my presence any more, Miss Grey
shall leave by the early morning mai
for Liverpool. I shall try to mend {
broken heart in foreign land" And
he rose as if to go.
"oh,: do. not. take it to....heart $50