The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1882-11-09


AlAsl Venus siih her wicked elf Cupi
had strangely heWi.ehed him as ibere
this evidence enough 10 prove they bare b
wilch.d many stalwarthero in every Ag
aud cline
The bank, great solid building Of dar
grey stone. stood in an inclosure. At ,h
rear was court encircled by . fence, !
which was small wicket gate openin
into a lane short distance below th
man enterance, and used chiefly for com
municatiou with the back premises.
night IL was always KEEP. locked Th
front Of the building on the other band
faced one Of the principal thoroughfare'
and was approached through massiv
outer gate. which, like the smaller one
was carefully closed after sightfall
Captain KeEdal did not change hi
mins, As the evening wore on, he slippe'
ont, merely informing the sentine! that h
should soon return, The old soldier, VIII
had known and loved his young officer TO
some years, shook his head ominousiy a
he saw him depart, but inwardly resolved
to keep bis counsel il possible
The truant meanwhile sped on his will
full way, and banishing all anxious reflect
ions, appeared in the ballroom in time ;,
secure the hand Of his fair charmer fo
several dances. Fortune seemed disposed
to smile propitiously on him, and thu
coast was clearer. The Colonel was not L
be seen, and no one else cared to inquir,
too curiously what officer ought to be OF
guard at the bank on that particular night
AS he led out the lady. the scrapegract
lover had the satisfaction OF seeing his ri
val turn away with loSerVg brow. He
was determined to lose no time now. In
the maze of the waltz, while the soft un'
dulating strains Of Strauss stepped the
senses of the dancers in sweet dreams oi
delight, under roseate light Of the many
wax candles in that perfumed, crowded
ballroom, question was asked, and an
answer tremously whispered, which trans
ported two young people into paradise
OF their own creating, where there were
only two, and no room for any other be.
sides, No wonder that at such moment
all minor sublunary considerations were
forgotten.
But, when brief ecstatic hour had pass.
ed, and they emerged once more from the
rosy pavilion whittier they had re.rested
among the flowers, there loomed, dark and
erect in the distant doorway Of the adjoin-
ing ballroom, q tall martial figure, whose
gray head lowered above the company; q
vision which sent sudden chill to the
ardent lovers heart.
BY Jove! he exclaimed with start
Thoro's tho Colonel!
The sharp ejaculation breaking in
strangely upon the dulcet tones OF io,s.
the pretty creature VINO hung
on his arm.
What or the. Colonelg she asked softly
Why should he not be here, poor manf
Because / am here who ought to be Oh
guard in--Street, aud because l shall
be cashiered to certainty il the sees me,
was the abrupt reply.
Oh, do go away this minute. DO, dear
Harry she pleaded in terrified, beseech
ing accents
lie looked at her, then around him, ir'
resolute for moment. The Colonel had
turned his back and was moving into an
other room. No, he could not go just yet,
.he temptation to remain was too strong.
Leave You now when we are happy and
IRE to be parted SO soon? No, | cannot,
iarling, he whisperered fondly. But new
n fear we will keep out Of his way.
She did not urge him any more. She
lid not fully understand the magnitude OF
he offence, nor the risk it involved, and
vas too glad to keep him little longer by
ii available means.
There were number. of recption-rooms
n the tOcaie where the ball was held, all OF
which was thrown open for the occasion.
Keeping cautious eye around them, the
oung people contriyed to pass from one
partment to another, whenever they de.
ected the dreaded. form OF the Colonel APP |
roachiag. After q time he settled down
uietly ut whist-table in the distance, !
nd they gave themselves up with reckless
ayety to the enjoyment of the evening.
mother hour passed, and supper-time
anne, and still they danced or fingered in
uiet hooks, and managed successfully to
lude the eyes whose recognition was so
arefully to be avoided.
What comfort that he is such may
ole, and may be observed from afarl
.ughed< ths girl. who had caught the in
,ction Of her lovers audacity.
At length the dreaded time for parting
as at hand. The early morning train
as to bear away the lady to her fathers
immer residence, and thus to separate
n while the newly plighted pair. What
onder, that in those last few precious
Ioments thoy forgot all precautions, and
Nv and heard nothing in each others all
lgrossing presence He followed her to
ie hall, and folded the shawl carefully
,und her GRACEFUL form; for another hap.
y minute yet he stood with her hand
'cked in his, meeting all her heart shin.
g out though her deep blue eyes, Then
ie carriage door closed with sharp
Ang. which struck cold aud heavy on his
IT. as the rolling wheels bore her away
to the night.
Perhaps his eyes we're somewhat dszzled
7 the bright parting glance be had drunk
80 eagerly, for all other things around
,okei dim. Presently he turned listless-
10 take his la, and depart in his turn,
al feeling like one that dreams. Sud.