Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1881-12-21

that evening to attend the partyf that
he was handsome and rich and splen-
did, etc,
when we're married, | mean to
travel all over Europe said Miss
I'erkly, while Margaret knclt beside
her and looped her rich overskirt of
lace triae higher,
But interrupted Isabel, you aren't
engaged yet, aud | may win him away
from you, you know.
There, Miss Arnold, you may go
now, Thank you. You have very
good taste
And Margaret gladly returned to
her schoolroom and books,
well, Isabel Granger exclaimed
her guest, jcstingly, you may just
thank your stars that yosr govcrness
will not be on exhibition tomorrow
when Harold Weston comes to dine
| tell you, neither you nor | would
contrast iavorably with her. ! never
saw such q perfect face and those
cycs'
That girl puts On airs enough to
make one sick fof her., was Isabcl's
amiablc reply. 'Onc would think her
q born duchess, to see her manners at
times do wish that mamma would
send her away"
The door-bell put q stop to further
discussion of poor Margaret, and Mr..
Weston was presently announced.
1t was late that night ere the party
goers returned, and Margaret was
dreaming Of her mother, and the old
days Of happiness before she learned
that man may seem to be all that is
noble, and yet be villain.
She was dreaming about Howard
Winthrop, and that his arms were
about her, when the sound of voices in
the lower hall aroused her. She heard
Mr.. Wcston's Goodnight = as Isabel
and her friend parted from him at the
door; and something in his voice min
gled with the dream she had awakened
from, and thrilled her long after the
wheels of the carriage had died away.
Il hope Miss Berkly's experience
with love and trust may differ from
mine, heaven knows = she thought, and
turned to her slumber again.
But this time she dreamed only Of
the cruel letter, and when morning
dawned she awoke with tears in hel
eyes.
The grand Christmas dinner was
over at last. Isabel had enjoyed il
because Margaret, shy of meeting SC
many strangers, had declined to dine
down stairs, and she, with Harry and
Elsie, had eaten their own good dinner
in the nursery; all the pleasanter be-
cause minus the wearisome etiquette
of the large table. Harold Weston
had enjoyed it, because the two young
ladies made the fuss over him which
it is perfectly natural any man should
like.
But, truth to tell, his heart was ir
no danger, neither Of the ladies, not
withstanding Miss Berkly's confidential
confession to Isabel, reaching hi;
standard as to true womanhood, ant
because long ago he had decided all
women unworthy mans trust anc
love. But he talked and laughed anc
played the agreeable, and at the proper
time the ladies retired, leaving the
gentlemen to their cigars.
And presently little Harry ran from
the conservatory, with a beautiful
white rose in his hand.
1T is for Miss Arnold he explain
ed, when Harold playfully caught the
little hand and asked for the rose.
And who is Miss Arnold! asked
Harold, more seriously.
oh, she's beautiful lady who
teaches us lessons, and is awtully
sweet
'Only the children's governess, ex.
planned Mr.. Granger, and the CONVEX
satan turned on other subjects,
But little later, as Margaret, who
had gone down to the dining.room tor
something, paused moment before the
fire and listened to the sound of music
from the parlor. Harold Weston en-
tered, and, without seeing Margaret,