The Delaware ledger., 1883-09-01

cousin, Maud Myrtle, to themp
Obviously only to please her.
She was good dancer, she had heard
and Hal, who was very fastidious, pro-
nounced her pretty.
Truth pushed away her meringue un-
tasted.
The color did not come back into the
rounded cheek.
She went upstairs and tried to think
what she would wear to Mrs. st. Roses.
Whatever it might be she was sure
Maud Myrtle's would be prettier.
She was very fashionable, and Neil
had an eye for dainty costumes.
No sign of Neil that evening, nor all
the next long, bright day, though the
st. Rose carriage had gone by, Neil
driving with his beautiful cousin.
Miss Myrtle was beautiful
Truth saw that she was charming
brunette, with cherry y-red mouth, and
curling black lashes,
She was talking to Neil with the most
delightful animation, and he was listen
ing with an enjoyable smile.
If she had been crying again, when
she came down dressed for the party,
cologne and dash of pearl powder had
concealed all results about the pretty
eyelids.
She wore white and knots of cherry
blossoms, and looked gentle and sweet
enough for nun or bride, Neil Gay
nor thought, when he saw her.
He bowed pleasantly.
He had Maud on his arm he seemed
devoted to her, Truth thought.
''IIe finds her kinder than l, and she
is far, far prettier p' she murmured.
She felt as if she we're. choking but
she must not lie ably there.
She forced herself to chat, and sing,
and eat ices, keeping for the most part
with Hal, though he was strangely pre-
occupied, and spilled cream and blum
dered over ladies' dresses in most un-
usual way for him.
Truth asked him to take her into the
garden at last, and he did so.
Part was Illuminated with Chinese
lanterns, and part in lovely moonlighted
shadow but the moonlight, and the fra
GRANGE, and music, made Truth want to
cry worse than before--that strange,
lonely pain at her heart was so very hard
to bear.
Hal threw himself down on the seat
of a little rose-covered arbor, with a long
sigh, which Truth observed, and asked
him if his new boots hurt him.
He replied gravely that they did not
although they were very snug fit.
"You had better run in and sing that
duet with Mrs. st. Rose, which you de-
clined to do awhile ago, while l smoke
cigar" he said. 81 will be here when
you come back"
Perhaps she hadn't been nice to de.
cline it wouldn't do to NOPE there any
way, Truth knew she certainly should
be crying-the music of the band bidder
among the acacias was SO sad so, never
suspecting that Hal wanted to be rid Of
her, she turned away and fitted bach
to the parlors.
Again Mrs. st. Rose urges her to sinl
: with her, and this time she consented.
But the words blurred and the light
lazzled, for Nei', with Maud upon hi
arm, went out as she came in.
After the song she flirted desperatel.
= with Bert st. Rose Tor twenty minutes
Il and then slipped away to rejoin Hal.
9 She ran down the piazza steps, turne'
= around a clump of shrubbery, and there
" in the shadow of locust tree, stood
pair of lovers.
e She could only see the outline of tn
gentle mans form in the gloom, but @
Ie course it was Neil Gaynor, for th
glow of Chinese lantern struck Mau
d Myrtle's face while it was lifted tel
lie derly to his, as, bending, he kissed thos
beautiful lips, and as Truth pauset
breathless, she saw ring slipped o
t. that snowy hand.
i'd With a sob she turned and fled nois,
lessly as zephyr.
,u She reached the rose arbor by anoth,
to path.
She rushed into the fragrant gloo
he and flung herself upon the half-incur
N bent figure on the rustic seat.
or "Oh, dear Hal, take me home !
ry want to gol cannot stay here M
ny GaynoI is engaged to his cousin, al
i it's all my fault. l refused him.
st. didn't dare tell you. But oh, Pm
miserable You don't need to scold n
,en Hal. AS soon as he had gone knew
ed loved him. He's so brave, good a
splendid. How could l help it 7 l "
VS. silly but 1 am unhappy enough no
,is- Oh, Hal, take me home my heart "
ace break l'
i've The arms which had closed so quicl
about her drew her closer.
his In all his life, Hal had hever fail
to be tender when she repented of
for follies.
un- "Don't scold me, Hal ? I'm punisf
! a enough, 1 love him 50, and have !
him ~
Iyr-i "Are you sure, little girl P"