Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-09-27

conceal her feelings.
Later in the evening Fred Ashleigh quite
by accident, passed Miss Lester. On hear
ing his name mentioned he turned to meet
her merry face, over which she had drawn
a haifserious look.
" Mr. Ashleigh, you have treated me
shamefully this evening. l am sure you
did not mean it when you said that |
waltzed we'll" As she spoke her aughing
ewes were turned full upon him
Pardon me" he replied rather hesitat-
ingly, for he remembered Helen's exaction
" but it seemed impossible to approach you
But if you have waltz left for me shall
certainly be fortunate"
They would all have been taken long
ago, but | saved one for you.
"a victim of circumstances thought
Fred, 'for it would have been downright
rudeness not to lave asked her. All the
excuses can make will not appease
Helen; AID 1 will not tell her the truth, as
it will only increase her dislike. How I'M
reasonable for her to expect Little country
girl to be as cold and proper as one of
those pale, large-eyed society girls, too
well bred to have brains
Mr. Ashlligh," asked Miss Carlton in
naughty tones, hen he returned after his
waltz with Miss Lester, may | trouble you
TO order the carriage? | wish to so home"
As they drove homeward a rather en-
barrassing silence was broken by Fred,
who stammcred forth some unintelliaiblc
words OF explanation.
" will excuse Won from recital of the
pleasure you must have experienced.
suppose you had forgotten my request :"
Wcman-like Helen regretted the cool
parting as soon as she was alone, but pride,
that chief of heart-breakers, had kept her
silent.
Il can hardly blame her thought
Fred, " for it certainly looks as though
had paid but little attention to her wishes.
Miss Lester has asked me to call, but | do
not think | shall, if Helen is So opposed
ID her vet she is decidedly interesting in
her ways, not really brilliant but her face
is q study one does not tire Of. I think
VIII 90, or second thought, and indirectly
make known lay engagement, rs it has
ceased TO be a secret, for there is no ac-
counting for the tastes of that very original
young lady
With this highly satisfactory soliloquy
he dismissed the subject. In a couple OF
days he called at Mrs Wyndham's for Miss
Lester. Charming as she appeared in the
ballroom, she was far more attractive in
her pretty house dress Of soft. cardinal
cashmere, which was very becoming to her
brown complexion and brOWner har.
Mr.. Ashleigh, ny name is Eta and no
one at home thinks Of calling me Miss
Lester. | am only Is, but when You adj
dress me witt that digni.ed Miss. mag
Inc myself at least % OF course she
continued with little blush, Il should
not allow every one that privilege. But ]
should prefer that you cali me 10y ny first
name"
Really-Miss-I mean Eta. it seems
delightful to have your confidence to such
an extent. | should like to have You call
me Fred thai is, till after my marriage,
and do not know that | should object
even then He watched her rs he spoke,
as Ia had some misgivings as to The effect
it would have upon her.
Her face frightened as she replied. Yes,
Mrs Wyndham told he, when | had
been here but short time | should never
have dared otherwise to drop the prciiXes
to our names. But | always thought il
would be SO nice to have an older brother
Fred was not rs highly delighted as
might be supposed to lind that She enter
lIined only a sisterly affection for him.
"Of course you will come and see me
real often now, for a brother should not
neglect lis sister she said, laughingly, as
he rose TO 20.
What a trusting frank nature she has,
thought Fred, as ne walked homeward.
Sc 1t would really seem unkind for me to
remain away now. l think | will 90 and
see Helen this evening, as she gave me
pleasant bow TINS afternoon, which | think
meant amity.' Miss Carlton that evening
seemed To have forgotten their cool parting,
and evidently intended being very agree
able.
Helen, said Fred during slight pause,
" saw Miss Lester this afternoon, who. III
her Ingenious way. asked me to call her by
her name Eta, and also asked the same
with mine. VIII you allow me 10 con
tinue? ne said as with cl0udcd brow she
him. You will overlook her
little oddities when you understand how
artless she IS She knew Of our engage
mcnt, 50 vOI can see she had no designs
but though she has many acquaintance.
she feels rather lonely at times. She has
admired YOU often, but feels your apparent
dislike. l wish you could call on her, as
your Friendship would help her"
never knew y0u To- excuse such vul-
garity before. and though YOU prove SO
Ieultut, YOU a>lton much 81 Inc. ] cannot
meet her
For once Frcd's good nature seemed to
have departed uHt checking his first I'M
pulse. he replied, oIictIy. OF course, You
viii do rs You please; and, after all. it does
not make InUctF difference | viii not an
uuv yuu with the unpleasant topic again"
With woman S ParvcrsenoSS, Helen
concluded the mex. morning hat she would
cali on Miss Lester that afternoon. Il
Nigh, have known, she thought as She
stepped into her carriage " that she wolld
not display her charming absurdities, Is
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