Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1881-01-20

hhS sne! quesuoneu Dolly, lnull-
ferently.
John Deadvood looked hard at her.
Dolly said be. you don't care
about the home any longerT
Yes l do SAID Dolly, rousing her
self; but
She paused suddenly, the rosy color
rushing in carmine tide to her cheek,
an involuntary smile dimpling the
corners of her fresh lips, as she
glanced through the smilsx 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 jsuntily past.
is that itf said John, bitterly.
lis what?' petulantly retorted Dolly,
d am sure l don't know what we are
standing here waiting for, and l with
twenty eight bouquets to make up by
two o'clock. That's all John, ] think.
Don't forget the lllies-o -of-the-valley.
But you haven't answered me, Dol
ly.'
Answered you what 2
about the dance in the old barn,
and coming back with me when the
wagon returns at FIVE o'clock
.s'It is out of the question: said Dol
ly, listlessly.
'Dollyl'
Well
you promised me, years ago
NONSENSE said Dolly, flinging the
azaleas and pinks about in fragrant
confusion. | was only child them
But you have no wright to 60 back
of your word, Dolly, child or no child.
Il 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, j John
don't stand there any longer, looking
like ghostP
And honest, heart broken John
turned and went with heavy steps out
to where the wagon stood and old Roam
stood waiting with down-drooping and
half-closed eyes.
1T does seem 10 me, he muttered
between his teeth, 'that there is moth
ing left to live for any longer
Dolly looked half-remorsefully after
him.
I've almost a mind to call him back,
said she to herself, as she picked out a
bunch of white violets for the new
conner.
i do like John Deadwood; but
think he has no business to consider
himself engaged to me just because of
that boyand-girl nonsense. Ones ideas
change as one gets on in life
And Dolly's cheek was like the re-
Election of the pink azaleas as she
thought of Mr.. Fitzalan and the tur-
quoise ring that he had given her as a
trothplight.
And Mr.. Frixham came in present
ly.
I've note from the Sedgewick's on
5th Avenue, said he hurrledly. They
always order their flowers from Ser.
vosss, but Servoss has disappointed
them. They want their house decor
ated for party tonight. There's not
minute to lose. I've telegraphed to
Bolton for 400 yards of smilax and
running fern, and 100 scarlet poinset-
tas; and l think we can manage the
rest ourselves. You had better go at
once, Miss Penfeld ,and plan the decor
ation-you've 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 its band of vir,
gin gold and its radiant blue stone.
The Sedgwlck mansion was brown
stone palace, with plate-glass case
ments and vestibule paved with or
ange and black marble.
Mrs. Sedgwick, stately matron in
a Vatican wrapper and blonde cap, re-
ceived Dolly in the great drawing
room.
'Ohr said she, lifting her eyeglasses;
you're from the florists, are you =?
Well, I know nothing about these
things-l only want the rooms to look
elegant. Tell your husband to spare
no expense
tMr. Frixham Is not my husband,
said Dolly.
Your father, then
But he isn't my father insisted
Dolly, half laughing. He's no rela-
tion at all. l will tell him, however,
Exactly said Mrs. Sedgwick. 1
desire plenty of white roses, as I am
told they are customary at this sort of
affair. It's an engagement party
'Indeed! said Dolly, trying to look
interested.
Between my daughter Clara and
Mr.. Alfred Fitzalan, said Mrs. Sedg-
wick, with conscious complacency.
Dolly said nothing, but the room, its
futed cornlces and lofty ceiling, seemed
to swim around her like the waves of
the sea. And as she went out, with
Mrs Sedgwick still chatting about
white rose buds and begonia leaves,