The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-30
attention from everyone, while her


take any notice of insignificant Pansy
As she opened letter after letter, and
spread out the cards on the table before
her, she gradually regained her tranquil
lily, and by the time she had finished
ed she said to herself, as she smiled at
her lovely counterpart in mirror.
at was foolish of me to be vexed. 1t
is impossible that he could pass ME over
for Pansy! feel sure he has sent me a
card, but it has been delayed, and that
one was only addressed to Pansy out of
mere kindness of heart"
There was tap at the door, and her
maid entered.
cit is time, miss, to get ready. The
carriage is ordered for eleven"
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 infuen-
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 awaited 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
point of honor always to keep her Ca
walters waiting.
If, however, her design was TO prevent
the possibility of Il tetc-d-tctc between
the baronet and Pansy, she was perfect
~ 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 glectully.
THAT Howell is a sensible young fell
low, and admire his taste; l don't like
the idea of losing my Pansy, though ]
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 ncighborhood, the en-
trance of Sir Charles with his two love-
ly 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 Sinister 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 hu-
NOR suited her.
II am SO awfully glad to see you this
morning." he said, bending down to
Katherine.
s'Indeed! Why?"
"Will you allow me to show you? This
way, please. The end of the room is
fitted up as the Cave of Mystery, and
there's fortune-teller in it. It's real
fun ! assure you"
.And may We follow you?" asked
Sir Charles.
''Oh, certainly
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 afterthe
fashion of tee-to-tum. Arranged
around it in circle were numerous
small pieces of paper closely folded up.
The figure carried a 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 shilling
was paid.
"Now, Miss Craneborn," said the
captain, taking out his purse, ''try your
fortune?"
But Katherine resolutely refused, and
declared that the whole thing was too
childish for her to take any part in il.
Nor after this could Sir Charles pre-
vail upon Pansy to make the trial, SO he
..At least you will allow mep'
Certainly. How can have voice
In the matterp''
Sir Charles put down his shilling
the fortune-teller was spun round, and
finally, after little oscillation, stopped,
with the wand pointing to one of the
slips.
"Will you take it up pleasep"
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 triilcs on stall close by.
by Jover' drawled Captain Simist-
er. Miss Cranborne. Do try-or let
MEL
''You can try said Katherine, but
her voice was so harsh that all looked ut
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 Oft"
He read SO far, then stopped sudden
ly. 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 to pursue the SUBJ
ject further.
''What could it have beenP" whisper
ed Pansy to Sir Charles, as they descend
ed the broad staircase together.
1--WE shall never know, expect"
replied the baronet. Then, in a tender
undertone, he added, inquiringly, '.You
received New Years card this morn
ingp"
"Yes," she answered family, though
her cheeks were afiame.
"And Miss Cranborne-Pansy-
remember the words on my slip of
paper: ''Seek her hand, and buy the
ring" If ! buy the ring, win 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, demurely:
81 don't know-indeed I don't. You
must really ask papar'