The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-03-01

over whose nOOr. SnauOWS OF rose vines
came and went like the waves of some
fairy sea, and where the air was per-
fumed with the heliotrope's purple and
the mignonette's bronzy-green blossoms
that overhung the rustic stand on the
porch outside the windows.
isis wanted to give me bookcase"
continued ALICE Royal, surveying her
precious volumes fondly. ''but VIII and
his brother Courtland together put up
these shelves, and like them ever SO
much. Then they two built this frame
with its compartments over the mantel,
and set these squares of looking-glass at
the back, making divided mirror. l
think it's one of the prettiest novelties /
ever laid eyes on"
Certainly it was, ALICE Royal, even
without the reflection of that sweet face
of yours with its wild-rose bloom and
glints o. gold hair. With these it was
assuredly marvel of beauty. es.
''Then, in spite of irnunlerable direc-
tions in how-I-furnished-m arti-
cles, found we couldn't make COM
Portable sofa without springs and con-
siderable upholstery. so we bought this
rattan lounge. In cold weather my silk
quilt will do nicely for both under and
upper cover"
All this was very well to listen to, es-
pecially as Mrs. Royal was continually
making pictures of herself in her pink
dress and bit of an apron, and with her
bright eyes, red lips, and CLINT o gold
hair. Now she stood near the Indian
red curtains, now under the mirrors
flash, and again where leaf-colors blazed
in the open CRATE, but Araminta Dykan-
dyke was not satisfied with these dis
solving views. fascinating though they
were.
She was exceedingly curious to know
how her friend, who had always moved
in brilliant circles, and who was married
to man whom she supposed was in
easy circumstances, came to be reduced
to so pitiful strait as this in which she
found her. H5 -s
Pressing the question, she learned
that the year previous Will Royal had
honorably failed in business and now
occupied position as clerk in whole
sale dry goods store. The young couple,
who had been looking forward to far
different future, and whose wedding-day
was appointed before ''aH was lost but
honor" concluding they could better
wait for wealth than happiness, were
married at the hour named, just as
though nothing had occurred to mar
their plans. a EIHs -ls@ 11
stAunt Alec, for whom was named,"
continued Mrs. Royal. ''gave me this
beautiful cottage, but vowed she'd do
no more. Having no rent to make up,
we can live snugly, pay as we go, and
put by a ittle-sometimes it's very
little--for rainy day
"But after all, now confess, ALICE,
doesn't it take vast amount of courage
to live this wayP" inquired Mrs. Dykan-
dyke, with a singularly eager look in
her dark eyes. a
Nothing like the amount of courage
it takes to run into debt and meet greedy
creditors on every hand" replied Mrs.
ROYAL, emphatically. +@
Her friend was positive ssthe bow was
drawn at venture Nevertheless,
she turned her face square toward the
window to hide the flame blazing out
on her cheeks-the arrow had struck
home. Although she hurried her de-
parture the tell-tale color still burned
as she passed through the vine-entang-
led gate and out upon the street.
Seated in passenger-car and riding
homeward she felt herself ssa captive,
bound and double-ironed." Then, con-
cluding it couldn't be helped, threw off
the impression, and began wondering
how she would have her silk dress made,
and whether or not to have old gold
color in the new carpets. She rather
thought old gold was going down.
Meanwhile, ALICE Royal sat in her
cozy sewing-room, arranging rustic
Christmas ornament, with a real birds
nest swinging in the centre.
Il can't imagine what ails Ara she
remarked to her husband, on his return
that night. Judging from all / ever
heard or saw, she has everything heart
can wish, yet she looks SO discontented
and unhappy. There's even wrinkle
or two around her eyes and she's only
twenty y-one-a year and six months older
than l. I'll get her to come here often
and see if she won't fall in love with our
home and home-ways.
s'This wife of mines jewel" replied
handsome Will Royal, slipping off Alce's
golden net and letting her hair sweep
like sun-burnished cloud over her girl
ish shoulders. .sShe could make a body
fall in love with a charcoal burners
hut. =
ga lonely household fairy she,
That 'witcheth all for good."''
--MGdge Carol IN Arthat7''S Home Mag.
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