The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-07-14

character was unimpeachable, and, to crow
all, as the days went by he was seen to b
growing more and more in love with Efie
who certainly began to show symptoms o
considerably partiality for him in return.
The young ladies of Edinburg in privat
conclave rather resented the fact of Mis-
Effie Maegregor's conquest. She was ;
stranger who swooped down into thei
midst, and, after outshining them all
picked out the most desirable parti of tn,
season. However, everything was not set
tied yet, one or two of the more elderly
young ladies remarked with an ominou'
shake of the head; the Dragons ball haG
still to take place.
Whether any forebodings as to that even
oppressed the ardent Mr.. Duff no one knew
but he had evidently made up his mind tt
secure Efie's promise beforehand.
Accordingly one afternoon he called a
Lady Macgregor's, s, when, by ahappy chance
her ladyship and Mrs. Macgregor and Hes
ter were out driving.
Efie, looking unwontedly sweet, receiv
ed him; and, plucking up courage, he there
and then proposed to her, and was accept
ed Effie believed that she was very hap
py; she was quite certain of it when she
told her delighted relatives of her engage
ment, with which even Hester, who had
been hardest of all to please, was charmed
for Mr.. Duff had won all their hearts by
his frank kindliness and honest admiration
of Efie.
The wedding was to take place in June
it was March then-and Effie was to set
about choosing her trousseau as speedily as
possible. There were to be no tiresome
delays, no weary, indefinite proceedings.
Mr. Duff would fain have had the ceremo-
ny celebrated in May, but Efie had all the
Scotch superstition regarding the unlucki-
ness of the month so far as marriage was
concerned. June, she declared, would be
soon enough
Mr.. Duff had one characteristic which
his fancee had still to discover-he was of
jealous disposition. Now that Fife was
his promised wife, he did not care for the
idea of her going to balls in the way that
she had hitherto done. If she must go, he
decided that she ought to dance almost ex-
clusively with himself And to a certain
extent he conveyed his ideas to Ehie, who
listened patiently enough, but did not ap-
pear quite to see her way to make any
promise on the subject.
Il can't refuse everybody she said i
''it would seem so stupid-and | am very
fond of dancing"
''Then dance with me, Fife" urged Mr..
Duff. Am | not enough for you now
'Of course" she agreed in an uncon
vinced, hesitating tone that was not lost
upon the sharp ears of her intended.
Mr. Duff carried his point, as far as
waltzing went, at the first two or three
dances they went to directly after their en-
gagement; and Eflie, though slightly res
tive at having to refuse number Of sup
plants, behaved altogether very well, es
pecially as Mr.. Duff did not excel in the
Terpschorean art-in fact, danced very
badly.
But Effie was not going to dance through
life with him; better fate was in store for
her, it was to be hoped. He would make
her tender, true, loving husband. What
did it matter that he could only stumble
through fast dances?
Nevertheless his shortcomings in that
line were source of considerable annoy
ance to his pretty bethrothed, who foated
to perfection round the room when she had
a fairly good partner; and she had an in
ward conviction that, when she and Mr..
Duff attempted waltz everyone was watch
ing their erratic career and laughing at
them
This idea rather damped the prospect of
the Dragons ball to Effie. But her spir-
its rose when, on the morning of the event
ful day, Mr. Duff presented her with an
exquisite crystal heart-shaped locket, set
round with diamonds of great beauty, and
surmounted by lovers knot, also in dia-
monds. This ornament, worn on broad
black velvet, with splendid bouquet and
a simple white tulle dress trimmed with
punches ofsnowdrops, completed Miss Etfie
Macgregor' costume for the military ball
Never had she looked prettier than when,
closely guarded by Mr.. Duff, she entered
the brilliantly lighted assembly rooms; and
never had she dreamed of such a fairylike
scene as the rooms themselves presented.
The magnificent decorations, the blaze of
light, the glitter of military trophies, flags,
arms of all kinds-soldiers like sentinels
here, there and everywhere-all struck her
with wonder Mirrors, couches, fountains
what had been forgotten?
Mr.. Duff escorted her round the rooms,
and then they joined the dancers, taking
one turn. After that Effie was besieged
with requests for dances, many Of which
she declined reluctantly enough. But
presently Lady Macgregor came up to her
and introduced one of their hosts-Captain
Verschoyle-he wished it so very much,
her aunt whispered and Effie, with charm
ingly shy glance upwards, met pair OF
handsome, bold, dark eyes fixed admiring-
ly upon her.
''May have dance p he asked.
oEfie hesitated for an instant. George
Duff's heart stood still.
''No. s." said Effie. '"That is the Ian
GERS.
'sThank you," answered Captain Yer
schoyle, rapidly inscribing his initials on hel
programme, and then departing.
For few seconds there was an omlnous
silence between Mr. Duff and his .fancee;
and then Ef1ie said timidl y
II hope you don't mind, George; [ gave
him only square dance. 1t really seems
so foolish to refuse everybody"
"When we are married, Ehie," he re
joined gloomily, 81 shan't allow you to dance
at all.
"Poor me !" said Effie to herself; but sh'
remembered the crystal heart, and refraineo
from expressing disapprobation openly,
Presently George desired another turn
and Effie found herself struggling along IL
trying circumstances, which were not i'm
proved by the sudden consciousness that sh
was being keenly watched by the dark eye
of Captain Verschoyle.
Efie read both amusement and pity il
them; and almost sharply she told Mr.. Du1