New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1881-12-28
WHOLE NUMBER 2o7
maid entered.
1T is time, miss, to get ready. The

Katherine smiled as she remembered
that Sir Charles had promised to ac-
company them to the county town
some ten miles away-where bazaar
or sale of fancy-work was to be held in
aid of the funds required for the restora-
ton of the ancient church.
! AT the opening ceremony it was ex-
pected that most, if not all, the inhuen-
tial families in the county would be re-
presented.
The squire's daughters had both been
looking forward with pleased expecta-
ton to the occurrence of this event; and
when Sir Charles had promised to be
their escort, the old squire himself had
gladly availed himself of the opportun-
ity of staying away, as such gatherings
were very far indeed from being to his
taste.
Sir Charles appeared with all a lovers
punctuality-that is, he arrived half an
hour before the time of starting. To his
surprise, he found Katherine was ready
too-a most unusual event, for She made
a point of honor always to keep her ca
valiers waiting.
If, however, her design was to prevent
the possibility of a tete-a-tete between
the baronet and Pansy, she was perfect
ly successful. She never. once left his
side, until they all entered the carriage
at the hall-door
The squire stood on the steps watch
ing their departure. His glowing coun-
tenance was beaming with smiles, and
he chuckled gleefully.
s'That Howell is a sensible young fell
low, and I admire his taste; don't like
the idea of losing my Pansy, though I
would rather give her to him than any
one.
Crowded as the town hall was that
New Year s-day with all the youth and
beauty of the neighborhood, the en-
trance Of Sir Charles with his two love-
~ companions attracted immediate no.
tice, and they were quickly surround
ed by crowds of friends and acquaint-
ances.
Among those who pressed forward
was a certain Captain Simister-a tall,
fair man-conspicuous by his thick
mustache, and long, flowing yellow
beard, which descended to his breast.
He was one of Katherine's most per-
tinacious admirers, and she alternately
rebuffed and encouraged him as the hui
NOR suited her.
Il am so awfully glad to see you this
morning." he said, bending down to
Katherine.
''Indeed! Why?''
evil you allow me to showyou? This
way, please. The end of the room is
fitted up as the Cave of Mystery, and
there's a fortune-teller in it. It's real
fun assure YOU"
"And may we follow you?' asked
Sir Charles.
''Oh, certainlyr'
Miss Cranborne put herself under the
captains escort with some misgiving.
But at any rate she thought she should
not be long in discovering what Sir
Charles intentions really were.
The Cave of Mystery as it had been
named, was just one of those NONSENSE
cal affairs common on these occasions.
The principal amusement in connection
with it was fortune-telling doll-a
quaintly-dressed little. figure, which
could be spun round very much after the
fashion of tee-to-tum. Arranged
around it in circle were numerous
small pieces of paper closely folded up.
The figure carried kind of wand, which
when the gyrations stopped, pointed of
course to some one of the before men,
toned pieces of paper.
For this peep into futurity a shilling
was paid.
'.Now, Miss Craneborn,'' said the
captain, taking out his purse, .stry your
fortune?''
But Katherine resolutely refused, and
declared that the whole thing was too
childish for her to take any part in it.
Nor after this could Sir Charles pre-
vail upon Pansy to make the trial, SO he
said
cat least you will allow me?''
Certainly. How can have q voice
in the matter?''
Sir Charles put down his shilling
the fortune-teller was spun round, and
finally, after little oscillation, stopl ed,
with the wand pointing to one Of the
slips.
''Will you take it up please?''
Sir Charles did so, and then read
aloud:
Seek her hand, and buy the ring;
Lifelong happiness twill BRING
He tried to catch Pansy's glance, but
in vain. She had heard the words.
doubtless; but was now intent upon
some pretty trit1es on stall close by.
'.By Jove!' drawled Captain Simist-
er. "Miss Cranborne. Do try-or let
me!,'
''You can try" said Katherine, but
her voice was so harsh that all looked at
her in surprise.
With well-feigned anxiety the captain
watched the motions of the oracle of
fate. He pretended to tremble and
hesitate at the idea of reading the slip:
Have you not heard it said full Off,
He read SO far, then stopped sudden
". With an angry exclamation he tore
the paper to atoms. The conclusion
must have been something most unpala-
table.
'.What was it Simisterp'' cried Sir
Charles, laughing.
But the captains face wore such an
angry look, that the baronet saw that it
would be injudicious 70 pursue the SUBJ
ject further.
"What could it have been?'' whisper
ed Pansy to Sir Charles, as they descend
ed the broad staircase together.
eve shall never know, expect
replied the baronet. Then, in q tender
undertone, he added, inquiringly, You
received New Years card this morn.
ingg'
yes she answered family, though
her cheeks were atlame.
''And Miss Cranborne Pansy-yooau
remember the words on my slip Of
paper: ''Seek her hand, and buy the
ring" If buy the ring, will you wear
it, PansyP''
He drew a breath of relief when she
turned her blushing, smiling face full
upon him. But she lowered her eyes
Immediately. and said G1anauraly.