The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1884-12-19

to each other Of this and that. quite ignor-
ing Margaret presence and she knew ere
long that Mr. Harold Weston was dead
in love with Miss ly''-Isabel' friend
and guest-''and would no doubt propose
soon!' Also that '1he was to call for them
that evening to attend the party; that he
was handsome and rich and splendid"
''When we are married, mean to travel
all over Europe" said Miss Berkly, while
Margaret knelt beside her and looped
her rich overskirt Of lace trife higher.
But" interrupted Isabel, you aren't
engaged yet, and may win him away from
you, you know
''There, Miss Arnold, You may go now;
thank you. You have very good taste
And Margaret gladly returned to her
schoolroom and books.
"Well, Isabel Granger exclaimed her
guest, jestingly, you may thank your
stars that your goyerness will not be on ex-
hibition tomorrow when Harold Weston
comes to dine. l tell you neither you nor
l would contrast favorably with her I
never saw such a perfect face; and those
eyes.'
THAT girl puts on airs enough to make
one sick of her. was Isabel's amiable re-
ply. Zone would think her born duch
ess, to see her manners at times. / do
wish that mamma would send her away
The door-bell put stop to further dis
cussion of poor Margaret. and Mr.. West
OIL was presently announced.
1t was late that night ere the party-goers
returned, and Margaret was dreaming Of
her mother. and the old days of happiness
before she learned that a man may seem to
be all that is noble, and yet be a william.
She was dreaming of Howard Winthrop.
and that his arms were about her. when
the sound of voices in the lower hall
aroused her. She heard Mr.. Weston's
"Good-nghtn as Isabel and her friend
parted from him at the door; and some
thing in his voice mingled with the dream
she had awakened from. and thrilled her
long after the rattle Of the wheels of the
carriage had died away.
II hope Miss Berkly's experience with
love and trust may differ from mine, IIeay-
en- knows" She thought and turned to
her slumber again.
But this time she dreamed only of tie
cruel letter and when morning dawned she
awoke with tears in her eyes.
The grand Christmas dinner was over at
last. Isabel had enjoyed it because Mar
garrett shy of meeting so many strangers,
had declined to dine down stairs, and She,
with Harry and Elsie, had eaten their own
good dinner in the nursery-all the pleas
anter because minus the wearisome
etiquette of the large table. Harold
Weston had enjoyed it. because the two
young ladies made the fuss over him which
it is perfectly natural any man should
like.
But, truth to tell, his heart was in no
danger; neither of the ladies, notwithstand
ing Miss Berkly's confidential confession
to Isabel, reaching his private standard as
| to true womanhood, and because long ago
he had decided all women unworthy a
mans trust and love. But he talked and
laughed and played the agreeable, and at
the proper time the ladies retired, leaving
the gentlemen to their coffee and cigars.
And presently little Harry ran from the
conservatory, with beautiful white rose
in his hand.
1T is for Miss Arnold, he explained,
when Harold playfully caught the little
hand and asked for the rose.
''And who is Miss Arnold asked Har-
old, more seriously.
"Oh, she's beautiful lady who teaches
us lessons, and is awfully sweet
"Only the children's governess, ex-
planned Mr.. Granger, and the conversation
turned on other subjects.
But a little later, as Margaret who had
gone down to the dining room for some
thing. paused moment before the fire and
listened to the sound of music from the
parlors. Harold Weston entered, and. with
out seeing Margaret; advanced to the seat
he had occupied at dinner, and looked for
something beneath the table.
''Are you in search of something, sir?'
asked Margaret, who had not seen the gem
tlemau's face.
At the sound OF her voice he started and
turned around.
Il dropped a small seal from my chain at
dinner time, think, and have just mis-
sed it. didn't wish to disturb the family
thinking could easily find it here
Then, as Margaret raised the light, he
stood transfxed, and she, with sudden
weakness, sat down in the nearest chair.
pardon me, did not know you
Nere--''
Il do not understand, she replied con-
fusedly, passing her hand across her eyes
and then looking up at him timidly Are
you not Mr. Weston9 thought at first
so wonderful is the resemblance, that you
were an--an--old friend of mine, whom |
had not seen for-for many long months
and years.
For three years, Margaret Arnold he
replied. 1T is three years since you-sinee
oh, Margaret since you sent me
cruel and unjust note; and now | find you