American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1881-01-15
"A PAIR OF SLIPPERS.

ty-seventh street. and went quickly to-
ward Broadway. The sun was shining
upon diamond network which gilt
tered upon every branch and withered
vine, and was reflected from the daz-
cling pavement, covered with "A thin
glazing of ice. There was a vexed,
panied look upon his handsome face,
and his steps were reckless, because his
heart was impatient and sore.
,.Beautiful as ever" he muttered to
himself, ''and colder than ever. There
she sat with her friends. exquisitely
dressed, quiet, and as unmoyed by my
presence as if had not been away for
fye days, writing to her by every mail,
hungering for sight of her I used
to think this calmness was the perfec-
tionsof high breeding; now 1 know it
for the sign of a cold heart and absent
mind. MT even to come for moment
into the library, when l gave her such
n capital preteXt! There l stood like 8
fool for 3 quarter of an hour, turning
over the books, and thinking every
minute she would come All, well"
he sighed, sit is my doom to love her
and to marry her; now how to thaw the
ice will be the question. Here comes
my pretty neighbor, with the bright,
cordial smile it does one good to meet!
sh0nld think such bit of sunshine
would have melted Fred Boones stiff
ness by this time, if. as people say,
they are engaged. But he looks as
much ramrod as ever. Good-morn-
ing, Miss ~ Here, to his and her in
tense surprise, he sat down on the pave
ment at her feet. The careless foot had
slipped upon the treacherous ice, and
his downfall was complete.
I'm. L.
chased themselves over Rosamond
CONSERVATION, frightened and softened
in her hazel eyes; but her mouth re-
maneG preternaturally grave. Instead
of scramhiing up again, he sat quite
still! and looked al her comically.
'.Please laugh he said; 81 know you
are dying to-
A soft mirthful peal rang from her
pretty lips, and she exclaimed: "Oh,
MIR. Blount. do get up. am quite I'M
used to have gentlemen PROSTATE them
selves before me, and it is embarrass-
ing, though complimentary. Then,
as he tried to rise, her face changed to
pity. ''You have hurt yoursef-where?
Have you broken any bones?''
"a few" he answered, with smile
and writhe; "but | have good many
left, thank YOU. No. it is q wrench or
spain OF some sort. 1t will pass in a
moment;" and he turned very pale as
he rose and felt the full force of the
twist he had given himself
What can 1 do for you?" asked
Rosamond. I'VE are very near your
house. Do You think you can walk, or
is there anybody can call?'' And she
looked round the deserted street, where
flap -
the spirit of the old conundrum: ..What
is invisible blue?-A policeman when
he is wanted"
'tIf could persuade this lamp-post
to come, too, l should get along very
WE'LL" he answered, trying TO laugh;
but don't quite see my way to letting
it CO."
s"Lean upon me-" said Rosamond,
with an earnest, blushing face. cit
will help you, and the distance is really
short. -
II could not think of it. Miss Vane,"
he replied. ''Bu5 if You would take
my arm, perhaps might steady myself
so 1 shall feel all right in minute
So Rosamond put her hand well in his
arm, and pressed it firmly and closely
s'they moved slowly on. A lover-like
attitude it seemed to distinguished
looking young man who, approaching,
eyed them curiously; then his face grew
white as Miss Vane's grew rosy, and
she exclaimed, quite loud enough, as
she thought. for him to hear, ..Oli, here
is Mr.. Boone; he will help you much
better than l.
But even as she spoke he had raised
his hat in stiff silence and passed on
7kosamond stood quite still for mo-
psut in her bewilderment, and the tears
welled into her eyes
Ibid he not recognize me?' she
asked, piteously.
'.Oh yes, think so," answered Phil
ip Blount. MIR. Boone was perhaps in
a hurry-some appointment" And he
looked at her with kind pity in his eyes
as fhe varying color and changing ex-
preston betrayed her emotions of sur
prise, pain and finally quiet displeasure.
She said nothing more, however. Per-
haps this was not the first blow that
her trust had received during her three
months engagement.
Only a few steps more, and his Ia
bored breath and white face told of SO
much suffering that she was glad to find
their destination close at hand.
Now sit on this step moment"
she said, and ran lightly to ring the bell
and call the servant to his master aid.
g hope you will feel better very soon,"
she said, earnestly, as she held out her
hand for good-by.
land you, my kind neighbor, hope
have done you no harm in any way"
he answered. in the same tone.
And she said, pressing her lips to-
gether very firmly after she had spoken,
!" No, you have done me no harm in
apb ray"
Several days passed, and Rosamond
saw neither of the two men who had
played so prominent part in her morn
ing walk.
She had sent to inquire after Mr.
Blount with her mothers compliments
and had learned that he had not been
able TO leave his room, but short rest
would probably make him all right.
And almost disappointed was she,
when beautiful basket of roses came
to her, to read on the card his name,
instead of finding in it tardy but ac-
ceDtable token OF penitence from her
own absent lover. Still the days passed
on. and she bided her time, displeased,
thoughtful. yet ready with true wom-
an 5 heart to listen to excuses-ready to
be easily propitiated. But absence and
silence still reigned.
At last he came. She met him in the
parlor. as grave as he, and shook hands
in as unmoved a way as if they were
ordinary acquaintance.
- have to ask an explanation" he
said. stitily, as he sat down at little
distance. and looked coldly at her.
:" And l, too. have to ask an expla-