The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1881-11-03

furs and shawls, whence her face flushed
forth like winteT rose, and Mr. aellioii
At the back.
| am sorry she has gone. said KARL sey
snour.
SO am /, said Mrs. Hayward. beginning
herself to be infected by the vague uneasi,
ness Of her companion. It's all very well
TO act in private theatricals. and among
our own friends, but this place is so far
away. and among strangers, too. What
could / say, however, Leo wanted the
money 10 make us some little gifts, and
you know KARL. whsta coaxing way she
has
The drawing rooms at Church court were
all festooned with eyergreens aud holly
berries 10 honor Of the Christmastide An
impromtu stage occupied the last room OF
the suit with glittering, circular row Of
footlights, and a green serge curtain;
while the great mont room was packed
with an audience consisting Of the elite Of
the surrounding neighborhood.
Foremost among them. Leo conld see
the face Of Guy Delliott, as she ratified
gaily through her part as the rich old baro-
nets viyacious helpmate.
And Just behind him sat an old gentle
man, his chin resting on his two hands,
crossed above the ivory knob of his UNI
brella, long, flowing hair, as white as sill
yer, and two green spectacled eyes that
watched the amateur actress intently.
wish he wouldn't look at me so hard,
Leo thought. 1t makes me nervous.
Lady Teazle was success. Bouquets
rained shower; kid gloves slit in num-
bers with the force Of applause; the cheer
ing rose up like cloud Of voices; and Leo
stood in satin and jewels, courtesying
again and again, with her cheeks dyed
rose-red, and her eyes shining like purple
stars
Mrs. Church herself rose up and threw
her arms around the little actess, as she
disrobed in the improvised green room,
and became Leo Hayward once again,
Must you positively 60 tonight, my
dear? It's so dark, and showing too.
Can't you stay day or two, and help to
enliven us up little.
But Leo declined positively. Now that
the stimulus Of excitement was withdrawn,
she felt weary and downhearted.
\ tla,,.an1 l,1,
but must go back to my mother. She
expects me, and she would be alarmed if |
/ failed to return tonight.
Well. if you really must go, the carriage
will be ready in fifteen minu tes. am
sure Mr.. Melliott will take the best posi-
BILE care of you. Good-by.
Leo smiled and nodded her adieux. Up
to this moment she had never dreamed of
being afraid; but now she dreaded the
homeward journey, aad wished oh, so
earnestly that she was safe at home by
her mothers side.
The night was dark, the gusts of snow
so binding. that she could scarcely see
her way as she entered the carriage.
That is not Mrs. Church's coachman on
the box; said she, half-hesitatingly as she
caught sight of muffled face above, with
a luxuriant growth Of red whiskers below
his collar
No, mum. Mr.. Bates, mum, he's drank
alittle too much Christmas punch, giggled
the man. But I'm a careful driver, as
Mr.. Melliott knows. Hellol who's this
ere extra passenger, as wasn't bargsined
for?
It's friend OF Ms. Garrett Church's,
Gates, called out the housekeeper, evident
ly in Ignorance of tho charge of Jehu--an
old gent hard of hearing and not easy Of
seeing, as is to be set down at No. ---
Temple street, by Mr. Garret Churchs
own orders.
Confusion seize him say /, mnttered
the driver. Hows'ever he must hold tight q
on to the coach-box if ! don't manage to s
tip him off afore we get to Lixdale cross
roads. {
Never mind, Joe. said Melliott in low I
tone. He is old and feeble he II make no
extra trouble. The old gentleman quite S
to the fact that he was not want
I'd, scrambled to the top seat with remark /
able agility, aud away they whirled into
the night. O
Mr. Melliott made one or two casual re- Il
marks; but Leolne scarcely answered
hem and q deep silence fell over tho little b
party, only by wind and tempest. c
)nce or twice the driver stopped for a
lrink at solitary inns. and the night wore
N. -
Are we almost home? she asked, at Y
ength. pcering out. This road seems un.
amiliar. / am sure we did not pass u
trough these woods before. Oh, Mr. A
ielliott, surely the driver has lost his y
ray.
Calm yourself, Miss Hayward, said Mel d
lot, suddenly jerking the strap. We are Of
/ home now. Open the door, Joel Now,
Iiss Leoline, be so kind as to step outl b
What forf This is not home she gasped.
Because say SO. You have had your W
eign long enough; my princess Of hearts, ei
felliott answered with sneer. Mfae be.
ms at last You are in my power. This b'
ouse belongs to very good friends Of
line and you don't leave it until you are to
iarried 10 me as tight as the knot can hi
e tied. Get out, sayl Joe, you william u
'hy don't you open the door? N
Wait just a moment, Mr.. Guy Melliottl ar
ried out clear ringing voice, and the
ext minute the middle aged swain found "
imself measuring his length in the snow, de