, 1882-07-14

and protection when he was Near
But the thought and the vision
vanished with the sight of Richard
Writings card, and only the inno-
cent roses own beauty and sweet
ness saved them from sharing ats fiery
fate.
A merry, though small company.
met in Miss Ferris elegant rooms
that night, and all seemed to enjoy
the flying moments. Laura was not
annoyed by the presenee of Colonel
Whiting. George had not invited
him, and he was not there.
In the middle of the evening, Lau-
ia, on Mr.. Haleomb's arm, paused
before the basket of roses. Larry
bent down and severed one lovely
bud.
Permit me-" said he, gently max
ing movement as though to fasten
it IN her hair
But Laura drew back with motion
of dissent.
NO, pleasew she said, half smiling.
"Did 1 offend?''. asked Larry Hal
comb, looking panied
aNo. But" with a curl of her lip,
Il chance to know who sent those
flowers, Mr.. Malcomb, and l despise
him so utterly, will not wear his
gift" :
Had she looked up as Harry Hal
comb aropped the bud, she would
have wondered what had so suddenly
stricken all light and color from his
pale, set face. But someone else
claimed her just then; and she saw
Mr.. Halcomb no more that evening.
"What made him leave so early, l
wonder? Without even saying good
bye, too 1t is very odd, she mused,
as she let down the heavy tresses OF
her perfumed hair, alone in her own
room after her guests were gone.
And her thoughts wandered to
other evenings when Larry Halcomb
had fingered behind the rest for more
than one good night, and to one or
two, when he had left his farewell
imprinted upon her delicate hand
and once, she well remembered, upon
her brow.
This, she knew, meant something.
Larry Halcomb was no triher
But when day after day passed;
and after that little party he came no
more. she wondered and wondered,
and did not know what to think.
When they met accidently, he
passed her with a distant b W, and an
averted face, and she could not help
seeing that he avoided her whenever
he could
Laura was a proud girl; she could
neither complain of his conduct, nor,
even to herself, explain its cause.
She never mentioned him to any
one, nor showed in any way the pain
she felt. But it is pity young
hearts ever have to ache, as Laura's
did, in secret.
At last she heard that Larry Hal
comb was going out to California,
and then she reused for action.
There is a meaning in it, and |
will know ity she said to herself
He shall not go this way! 1 cannot
seek him, but if he gives me the very
least chance, / will ask why he has
changed so. Surely, in common
politeness, he will call to say good
bye"
But time passed, and every day
Laura was more and more convinced
that he did not not mean to call, or
say goodbye.
The very last day of his time had
arrived and he had not come. For
over week Laura had not even seen
him in the street.
What shall l do?" she asked her
self, in distress, lam sure there is
some misapprehension in this, which
1 could explain, if he would only give
me chance. But he seems determ-
ined not to do it: and how can he go
so? / know he did care for me once,
l know he did, and 1 don't see how he
can do it."
Once she wrote him a note, and
asked him to come and SEE her, but
she could not bring herself to send it.
No" said she, there is one last
evening. He may come yet; but if
he does not, he must 80, and shall
never care for any one again! I'll be
an old maid, and stay at home and
take care of papa"
And then she gave a little, odd
laugh, and wondered if she would
ever look as old, and wrinkled, and
withered as Miss Agnes Keesbee did,
and wear such skinny and old
fashioned clothes.
And then she remembered that she
had promised to spend the day with
her friend. Jenny Burford.
1t was wild, clustering March
day, with signs Of snow, but she was
too nervous and restless to spend the
long day alone at home, and no one
was likely to come-Mr. Halcomb, if
he called, would not come before
night, and she would return early.