The Indianapolis leader. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1879-1890, 1881-12-17

long in finding the dusty old volume which
he carried under his arm.
But always lose track of time when
! get among the books" SAID ne.
Barbara had just come down stairs, after q
hurried toilet, which had added pink rib
bon bow to her dress and a cream-cOlored
/ rose to the heavy black braids of her hair
when she found Lisette in the little dining.
room.
Barbara" cried Lisette lust look here
Is il enchantment that has been at work?'
| For upon the table was spread collation.
| of cold boiled ham, sardines glistening with
their fragrant oil, chicken salad, iced sponge
cake white grapes and Strawberries as large
| as lady apples. On the floor two or three
long-necked claret bottles prOtruded from a
pail OF powdered ice. and a slender roll of
French bread was cut in slices on a napkin
in the center of the board, while half a
dozen pates tie foie gras in their little metallic
cans, stood opposite.
Benny's big eyes. watching them from be-
hind the lilac bush that shaded the window,
grew preternaturally bright as he noted
their amazement; and at the same moment
the Doctor shuffied in. all unconscious of his
carpet slippers and carelessly buttoned dress
ing gown, and uSheFed his guest into the
presence of his daughters.
''IIere's Mr.. Dulcimer Lisette," said he.
Barbara, little girl, here's our neighbor, the
young Squire. Dulcimer, let me present
you To my girls-Blonde and Brunette, as We
sometimes call 'em, la, ha, hap
And Ia the midst of their CONSERVATION
and perplexity. Lisette and Barbara were
obliged To assume the part of gracious and
undisturbed young hostesses.
They all enjoyed their impromptu lunch
IN spite of the mystery that surrounded il;
and when Mr.. Ducimer returned to the
Hall, they all walked halfway through the
woods with him.
DO you know. Mr. Dulcimer," said Bar
bara, with sparkling eyes, Il fancied you a
naughty arlStocrat who wouldn't notice his
humble neighbors at alp
Il hope yOn are disahused of the idea
now" said the young Squire, smiling.
'Oh, entirely said Lisette.
and believe me-" said Mr.. Dulcimer,
holding Barbara's slim, brown hand in his
second longer than was absolutely necessary.
Il should never have forgiven myself il,
through any law of stern necessity, | had
eaten up your white doves in the shape of q
fricassee.'
And he disappeared in the woods, leaving
Barbara and Lisette looking with amaze
ment into one another's eyes.
"Lisettel" cried Barbara, breathlessly, sis
it possible that he could have heard what
we said?'
"He certainly has," Lisette made answer,
with a comic gesture of despair
Ard then Benny was called into the wit
ness-box and made to own up that the ele-
CANT luncheon came direct from Dulcimer
Hall. and things seemed worse than ever.
We are rightly punished" said Barbara,
bursting into tears, ''for our inhospitality.
And never, never shall forgive either my
self or Mr.. Ducimer!"
But she did. She forgave both the GRIM
inaIs before the young moon, now hanging
over the hills like a thread of silver, had
widened into its full shield OF luminous
pearl.
1--WE are friends" she srnilingly acknowl.
edged to Mr.. Dulcimer.
so far SO good said the young Squire;
but may not hope that one day we may
be something more?"
And Barbara bluShed celestial red and
said she did not know
So Mr.. Dulcimer leaves the solution of
that problem to time But il is more than
probable that the question will be settled to
suit him.