Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-11-17

Her brave words and manner have
not deceived her sister. ~ ought to be
ashamed to think of allowing her to
sacrifice her young life" she thinks, as
she turns back "but ii is for the dear
mothers sake, and what other way is
there ?"
Pussy walks on, pretty picture in
her dark suit with its scarlet pipings,
aud the lovely face whose brilliance no
heart trouble can quito quench.
1t is very COLI overhead the sky is
gray, and the wind skurries the clouds
along at rapid rate, and plays many q
prank with Pussy's hair, now blowing it
forward into the rosy face. and now
backward into disheveled, curling,
bronze brown masses.
A steep incline is before her, and it is
one long dazzle Of ice.
"Oh, dear" thinks Pussy, II shall
certainly fall"
The thought has scarcely passed
through her mind when, with an tx
clamation of dsmay. her feet slip from
beneath her, and down che goes.
Some one secs and hastena to her
assistance but masculine boots cannot
always tread dangerous spots in safety
any more than the tiniest Of feminine
feet, such as Pussy y's-and there is OK
clamation number two, az, with de
c1ded thud, her would.be deliverer sits
down by Pussy's side.
1t is frank and very handsome face
which meets hers, as his dark eyes look
into her blue ones with an irresistible,
mirthful laugh. In a moment the gen.
tleman is on his feet and Pussy, with
his help, soon stands beside him.
II hope you are not hurt" tho young
man says, as he lifts his hat, his voice
grave, though his eyes still brim over
with fun.
mot at ALL" Passy answers; "but I
am on my way to the village, and / am
afraid il / go on shall fall again. I
think l will turn back"
81 am going to the village myself,
and il you will allow me, will accom-
pany you as far as you CO."
"oh, thank you" Pussy says, "I
shall not be at all afraid OF slipping com
ing back, as it will be up hill"
And so they walk of together, and be-
fore long, with the bonhomie of youth,
they are chatting together as though
they had known each other weeks in
stead of moments. They part at the
postofiice, which likewise is the rcposi-
tory of all the needfuls OF life, such as
sugar, teas. needles and pins, and such
like commodities.
"i am ever so much obliged to you,
Pussy says, earnestly, raising her soft.
innocent eyes to the handsome face Of
her escort.
Thanks are needless" be says,
politely. 81 am only glad that you
were not hurt by your fall"
A little mischievous light flashes into
Pussy's eyes, and she replies, demurely:
" All the same, / do thank you, and L
am equally glad that you escaped any
serious injury from your fall, empha-
sizing the "your very palpabIy.
As the door closes upon the girls
slight figure a faint smile curves the
gentleman's mouth.
"What little darling lam not by
any means sure that have escaped q
serious injury after ALL" he thinks to
himself
"See here, Gray he says aloud to
gentleman who is just passing. "I
have n question to ask you You have
lived around here long enough to know
something of the people. Can you tell
me who the young lady Is you saw me
with just now?"
"Of course can, though I am not
acquainted. Why she's the daughter
Of"
Turning, the two gentlemen move on,
while the crisp wind carries away what
they are saying. A couple Of hours
later sees Pussy homo once more. No
one is in the sitting-room, aud as she
runs up the stairs she sees that the par
lor door is open and hears voices.
again.
"Iam sureitis Mr.. Law, she thinks,
turning to fee, but she is not quick
enough, her light steps have been
heard; and At Sarah's call. the girl goes
with q fierce, reseniful feeling as Of
some hapless animal caught in a trap.
to face, Us she thinks, the detested
suitor she has determined to accept for
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