Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-12-07

therefore, wnen, after accepting MS gin
with look that thrilled him through and
through, Estelle drew out Of the centre
of the bouquet little bunch of stephan.
otis, and stuck it amongst the delicate
lace that fell in toW6iilon from hei
throat to her waist.
"Stay Meester Chesterton," she whis-
pered, with one of her lightning smiles,
as Cecil was withdrawing to make room
for later arrivals. "This place, near to
me have reserved it for YOU no one
else shall occupy it to-day"
The waiting lover scarcely knew wheth-
err to believe his ears, nor how to control
the dancing Of his eyes, dszed by such a
flood of delight.
Every man who has been in love knows
exactly how he felt.
The afternoon was one trance OF rap
ture, for all the while she was by his side,
whispered gay comments on the music
and company, relating little snatches Of
green.room conversations, and all the
time smiling in his eyes in way that set
his brain on fire.
He held her fan he adjusted her zenup-
har he was allowed to fetch her refresh
ments. And twenty other men who would
have given their ears for similar m arks Of
the sultana's favor were gnawing their
nails with envy.
When the entertainment concluded and
the guests began to dispense, Estelle laid
a snowflake hand upon Cecils arm, and
whispered, "Meester Chesterton, it is our
hope-my mothers and nine-that you
and the amiable Mr.. Foljambe shall stay
here and join our little diner dc .(amilie.
You are the only persons invited. What
you say?"
OF course he said eyes"
But Mr.. Foliambe had an appointment ;
and as his amiability was never allowed
to clash with business, Cecil took his din
ner with the .faniUe Dacier alone.
The mother was fairly lady-like per-
son, disposed to be patronizing and i'm.
portant and the sister was n little brown
thing, evidently oppressed with the con-
seriousness of being nonentity.
But Cecil scarcely saw these two. 1t
was the first time he had been approx
mately alone with Estelle, and the whole
battery of his observation was sentenced
on her personality.
Never had she been 80 amiable, so gra-
cious, 30 full of tenderness, or its versi-
Multitude, as she appeared that night
No wonder the happy lover felt his
time was come. The sceptre which SO
many-greater than he-had pressed for
ward to touch was being extended to him.
There was no representation at the opera
that night, and Estele was free till ten
o'clock, when she was due at n soiree dan
santc, to which Cecil was to escort her.
After dinner was over, there were two
hours to while away before they started.
Come away and see my aviary," said
Estelle, after coffee had been served, and
Ada had sat down to her embroidery
frame, and Madame Dacier was begin
ming to nod over the Petite journal pour
Rire. "In one cage of Cape cauaries l
have twenty rivals, and there is blue
Peter from Ajaccio, before whom even
Gastrelli bushes to perform"
at is splendid collection, indeed ~
Cecil exclaimed, rs he walked, with Es-
telle by his side, among the gilt-barred
cages, admiring in turn the plumage and
the melody of their occupants.
You wonder to see such luxuries in
the house of poor singer like me-is it
not SO ?" inquired Estelle, archly.
'1f You were poor singer, madem-
oiselle, one might be permitted to feel
surprised ; but you are great prima
donna - Cecil replied, CALAMITY.
All the same, he did wonder.
"Ah, it is true Paris has been fairy
god-mother to me |" said the artistic, soft
ly. Nevertheless, she did not give me
these. They were gift-the gift of Of
enbach. OF all my friends he is the most
lavish and highest esteemed"
SIN possessing your friendship Mon
sicur Offenbach no doubt feels himself
amply repaid. 1t is privilege 30 many
younger men sigh for in vain" whisper
ed our hero, venturing to press the dain-
ty jeweled hand resting on his arm ever
SO tightly to his side.
He was encouraged by one Of his
Circe's most soul-subduing smiles.
"Bonnc maman dozes always" she
said, glancing over her shoulder. "Shall
! show you my tiowers?'
''By all means, mademoiselle y
Cecil would have consented to anything
that kept her by his side, and permitted
him TO retain possession OF her hand.
The conservatory was on a smaller
scale than the aviary, and n few Of the
flowers and shrubs were 80 costly as to
suggest the idea that they could not be
purchased with the owners own purse.
But there was ono conspicuous e1cep
ton to which the young mans eyes were
soon directed.
"a Columbo palm, l declare y he cried
pausing in amaze before a beautifully
grown specimen of the rare and exquis
lite tree. at is the first l have seen in
Europe, and even in Ceylon l only once
saw one to equal this y
"Where was that ?" inquired Estelle
composedly.
Sat the house of n native Singhalest
gentleman, called Bahuran."
"Oh, the droll name y laughed the
lady. "But the gentleman who sent IN,
this had still droller one. l wish
could tell you, but do not now remem
Der it. He sent me the beautiful palm
one morning because he had no bouquet
to throw me on the stage the night be
FORE"
"What was he like ?" inquired Cecil
with evident eagerness.
Estelle gavo her pretty shoulders I
nOnchalant shrug
"The droll How should be able t.
distinguish him p she said. "Thes'
black people resemble each other lik'
rows of mourning pins They come t.
Paris by dozens"
Cecil heaved sigh of relief, aud smiled
at the foolish fear which had leaped VI
like a forkcd flame in his heart.
But" added Estelle, leaning forward
to pluck away faded leaf, Though the
Indians are not worth looking at, thu
jewels they wear are-my faith, villa
Jewels fit for a kings ransom I"
Cecil hearing this, turned suddenl,
pale.
The opportunity he had been waiting
for was come. Could he-dared he us'
it
The reader. may have forgotten, bu
Chesterton remembered, the vow he ha'
made to Sakra MUM and, amidst all tn
excitement of hope and passion, he main
tanned steady purpose to fulfil it.
At the first favorable opening he mean