River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1881-11-24
CHATTER II.

The next morning when Lille awoke
she felt that something had happened
what that something was, she could
not for the moment define; then when
she remembered that this was the very
day that Charlie was to sail for Europe
that he had left her for three long
months, and the tears started again tc
her eyes; but she brushed them hasti-
ly away, and began to dress, just as the
breakfast bell was sounding the second
time.
No traces of tears appeared on her
face as she entered the breakfast room,
where her indulgent old uncle was
waiting patiently for her to pour out
his cup of Java. Lille always presid-
ed at the head of her uncle's table, for
her aunt was confirmed invalid, and
scarcely ever appeared at breakfast,
preferring to take that meal in ner own
room; indeed, her failing health was
fast causing her to become quite a re-
cluse, so that Lille was almost the sole
companion Other uncle, who having
no children OF his own, lavished his af-
fections on his orphan niece.
But to return to the breakfast table
Lille found three notes beside her
plate: one from her cousin, and old
play-fellow, Sidney Dalton, declaring
his intention to come on from Cam
bridge and spend a few days with them;
a dainty little rose colored note, con-
tanning a pressed violet and few fond
parting words from Charlie, which
brought the love-light to her eyes; and
the third note was an invitation to a
masked ball, to be given at the house
Of her particular friend, Mrs. Milling
ton one week from date.
Here the dining-room door opens
and in comes Clara De Ford, hes init
mate, bosom friend.
"Oh! Lille, just think-one week
from to-day, how charming of Mrs
Millington to give ball. What costume
will you wear? We are all to be mask
ed until supper-time."
81 am not going" said Lille, when
her friends volubility had given her
room to reply.
s'Not goingr exclaimed her friend.
and her uncle looked up from his hot
muffin with surprise.
"When," he said, "did my gay little
fairy ever stay home from a ball? OF
course you will go, but have an APP
pointment at nine" he added, glanc-
ing at the clock, 81 must leave you
young ladies to discuss THE weighty
matter of dress at your leisure"
ssWhat is the true reason you will
not go to the ball, Lillie?" said Clara,
when they sat talking in the parlor,
after Mr.. Rainsford had left them. 81
never knew anything half so provok-
ing, really believe you are going to
NOPE yourself TO death, just because
Charlie Kingston has left. I'll be
bound he won't deny himself any pleas
ure because you are not with him, but
dance and hirt with all the pretty girls
in Paris, to his hearts content. Now
if am ever so unfortunate as to have
a Jealous lover" continued the gay
girl, II will take care not to give way
at first to any of my lords whims and
caprices, but just do as please, from
the start, and then he won't expect so
much of me-"
Eyes, but it is my pleasure to stay
home," answered Lille, 'sand besides,
/ promised"
at is Just like mems selhshness to
expect one to do all manner OF uncom-
Portable things. What will your cous-
in say to your staying homer
"0h Sidney can go with you, Clara;
| know he viii not object" she added,
with sly glance at her friend.
II suppose not; but | have already
engaged myself to go with some one