The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1884-10-25

other in fact than misChievous little
Billy Arlington, come up in search of
stray prizes for the famous grab bag
which had been temporarily delivered
INTO his hands. Cornucopias, PIN
cushions, scent-bags, needle books he
pounced on alike, and, perceiving a
sheet Of pink paper, written on, he
crumplcd it into an old envelope, di-
eected "NIiss Orinthia A. Brown"
which lay beyond.
"What larks it will be-" thought the
incorrlgible Billy. Some of the girls'll
think they've got love-letter, and oh,
how mad they'll be when they find it
ain nothing but one of Rintley's re-
celpts or crochet patterns"
And away rushed Master Billy, little
rocking of the mischief he was unwit-
tingly working to the cause of true
love
The evening of the fair came-and
the pretty rooms, made still prettier by
paper roses and evergreen garlands,
were crowded with the brave, the fair,
and some that were neither one or nor
the other. Georgia Arlington, presid-
ing at one of the tables, looked lovely
enough to drive half a dozen young
men distracted, instead of one, and
Miss Orinthia, in rustling slate-col-
ored silk dress, went about like an au-
tumn leaf in high wind. The grab
bag circulated from hand to hand, car
rying, as is the wont of these institu-
tons, little current of merriment and
laughter in its wake. Georgia drew
cigar case-Mr. Mott became the pro-
prietor of 4 rag doll and Miss OEinthia
Brown drew-a letter addressed to her
self
Gilbert Mott, leaning against the
doorway, saw Miss Brown hurrying up
to Georgia and displaying her prize
with malicious glee; while Georgia
colored and bit her lip, and looked
ready to cry, and feigned merry little
ripple of LAUGHTER. all in one and the
same breath.
"Why don't that horrid old maid
keep away from Georgia Arlington"
thought our Discontinued hero. 'She
looks like dried up bunch of raisins
beside cluster of blooming Isabella
grapes"
And watching his opportunity he
slipped through the crowd and edged
up to the table where Georgia was SELL
ing pin cushions and tape trimmings at
an exorbitant price.
Georgia '' he whispered softly,
Georgia r'
But she turned her head haughtily
away.
please to excuse me, Mr.. Mott, :"
she said coolly.
While Gilbert was staring at her in
amazement a hand was slipped through
his arm, and Miss Orinthia Brown
drew him gently away.
"Where are you going?" he deman-
ded, rather unwillingly.
"Just outside the door one minute, F"
whispered Miss Orinthia, falteringly.
at is not in the tumult Of a common
crowd that such words should be
spoken =
"What words? | haven't an idea
what you mean - cried the young
man.
Yes" she faltered, Eyes" How
could you for a moment doubt it p
doubt what? Excuse me, Mis-
Brown, but think your wits are for
saking you," said Gilbert Mott, striving
to extricate himself from the damsep
grasp.
Colbert, would you, then, be false
to me?" sobbed Orinthia, with thu
dawning symptoms of Mysteries.
81 False to you?" echoed on
hero. ''NIiss Brown, will you be ST
good as to tell me at once, and plainly
what you are speaking about?'
Orinthia Browns sallow cheeks red
dened, her eyes sparkled ominously, a
she drew from her pocket the preclou
missive.
"Do you mean to say, sir, that yo1
didn't write this letter." she demanded
Gilbert took the letter and scrutin
lied it closely.
eyes, of course, l wrote the letter.
"Then, dearest"
''Stop, though" he interrupted, fran
tically. at wasn't to YOU
"Not to me !"
"No! DO you suppose l want Il
marry you?"
Miss Orinthia uttered shill shire
{ but the next moment she was alone
Gilbert Mott had vanished.
For the matter was growing seriou
now. If Georgia were to be won, sh
must be won at once, before Fate cor
spired with any other old maid to de
priye him of her coveted love.
Georgia" he said, planting himse
resolutely beside her. II have g
something l want to say to YOU"
you had great deal better say
to your beloved Miss Orinthia," sal
G Georgia, tossing her aaxen curls.
"But she isn't my beloved Mi
: Orinthia," cried Gilbert.
S 81 suppose you will be denying 20,
it own handwriting next" said Georgi;
d Indignantly. "But it's of no use