The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-06-25
A Narrow Escape.

A Narrow Escape.
'sThere that'll do now, Miss Gcrtle, dear,
you look just lovely"
Poor old nurse, according to her, l was
always lovely. Whether arrayed in silks
or cottons, ball dress or morning gown, her
verdict respecting me remained tho same.
AS surveyed myself in the glass felt q
conscious blush rising to my face. wanted
to look my very best tonight, and knew
my white dress and pearl ornaments be-
came me we'll.
''Give ne n kiss, nursie,"l cried, "and
then 20 and get ready while show myself
to papa. How do l do, papaa" 1 de-
mandcd, bursting uppn him in all the
splendor of my attire.
''Eh, my little girl" he said, looking up
from the the book he was reading, 'arc
you going now!'
eyes; promised to be the first arrival,
you know; and, please want your candid
opinion on my appearance. Nurse thinks
look lovely"
"I am afraid nurse is partial critic"
he returned with fond smile. ''You look
very nice indeed, darling. You are grow
ing wonderfully like your mother.
knew that this was the highest praise
he could give me, and forgetful alike of my
dignity and my extensive tram, l ran TO
him and clasped my arms round his neck.
"You dear old papa You're sure you
don't mind my leaving you-quite sure9
And you wont feel lonely without me will
you}"
'No, my child-no.
As drove along with nurse in her prinl
black bonnet seated opposite to me, my
heart beat high with ner vous anticipation.
1 was going to my first party: for though
l was eighteen. papa and had lived such
retired lives that till lately had known
nothing of the gaeties usual to girls of my
age. Six months previously, however, the
Mortons, some old friends Of my fathers
had settled in the neIghborhood, and at
their house 1 had begun to appear in
society," Already on the strength OF few
musical evenings and garden party or
two, felt myself quite dissipaled per-
son.
When we reached Holme Lodge, tie
large, comfortable. old county mansion
was ablaGe with light, and from the open
door streamed an inviting flow Of warmth
and brilhaocy.
In the hell was seized upon by Louie
and Lottie Morton, the twin sisters.
"Come up stairs to our room." cried
Iottle 1--WE will have time for a chat be-
fore the people arrive.
The sitting room, specially appropria ed
to the girls use, was pretty, cosy apart
ment. A splendid wood fire was burning
ON the tiled earth, and near by little
table was set forth with dainty repast OF
coffee and delicious cakes.
After we had examined and commented on
each others costumes, Louis began filling
our cups just as q young lady entered the
room.
She was a friend staying on visit
Isabella Saloni by name, and by birth half
Italian and half English.
She locked remarkably well, in suit of
saftron-tinted brocade, and necklace, ear
rings, and bracelets of dull gold, and as l
gazed at her l comprehcnded how rarely
ovely she was.
was engaged to Rupert Morton for the
first waltz but we had only taken couple
OF turns round the room when he whis-
pered:
"Do you particularly wish to finish this
dancel If not, will you come into the
conversatory 1t is cool and pleasant
there"
was about to make some laughing re-
joindcr, but a look IN his gray eyes stopped
me, aud l merely bowed assent.
"Gertrude," he said softly, as we stood
by marble basin wherein tiny fountain
sent up sparkling cascade of silver drops,
''do you guess why l asked you to come
hcre2"
glanced up at him saucily.
'Certalnly because 1t is 80 cool and
pleasant"
''Ah that was only the pretext, tho ex-
cuse. Surely you can guess my real rcason,
darling. You know l love you, do you notp
slrove to cover my burning checks
with my hands; but he gently removed
them, and held them in his own as he bent
his head down to the level of my downcast
eyes.
"Have you word to say to me2 Can
you not give me one word Of hopea"
could not at first speak, but he read his
answer In my silence.
''Rupert," murmurmed presently rails
Ing my head from Its resing place on his