Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1884-02-22
CHAPTER III.

There was to be Calico Party IN
the little town near which Alice s
home 'Beechwood" was situated. Now,
fashionable people in some parts of the
world, would seem quite disgusted with
such countryfied festivity
Not so our little circle Of merry
girls and fun-loving b"ys. The very
best party Of the whole year was u
calico party.
Every store in the vicinity was
visited in search of pretty prints.
Clerks. who sad to record-would
have been sggrieved if obliged to take
from the shelf, three pieces of goods
ut The request Of Aunt Polly, or Uncle
Marse-or any good old soul who
wished to purchase gown or quilt
lnin.' now flew around like lamp
| lhghters-pulled down piece after
piece, for the Inspection OF the fair
ones, until the counters, and even the
ioor, were so strewn with bright fab
ries. the marvel was, their ever being
folded again. fear they would not
have been, at any time, but with the
prospect o. invitations, and necktles,
the clerks were too happy 10 be an.
moved by tritles.
A bevy OF girls were to meet at the
house of Alice's Aunt Mary, take tea
and discuss the plans for the success
ct the party. Mrs. Egbert having
died some years before the time OF
VII ich We write. and Mr. Egbert being
bmacsi occu pIed VITA 6urrr~rss-~rSrscr
and her sisters depended upon Aunt
Mary for advice and help, IN their
duties. and amusemenis. we must
exer, ourselves said Fan Percy, the
pet Of our circle. for you know that
fascinating Belle Lands, is coming
this was to her next neighbor, for she
would not have mentioned Belle :
name to Alice. Wha, a merry evening
they spent. the gentlemen were not al,
mitted until after lea, but managed to
ca, prodigious amount of good things,
even then. When young mans ap-
petite fails him. lose no time in effect
ing a reconciliation for his case i des-
pcrstr.
The eventful evening arrived, Belle
I.andis had been in town two days,
visiting Aunt Maryland invited her
self. in truth. Alice and her sisters
had called, but there WAS no alluslon
to the absent lover, who was. however,
to come in time for the party.
| Alice at first determined upon re-
naming at home; but the old spell
was upon her, and she went arriving
a little late, on Jennie's account.
That Young lady being anxious, At the
last moment, 10 attend the entertain
ment, and having no tie TO match her
dress, one had to be sought for. When
they arrived no time was lost IN greet
ing for all had assembled in the ball
room, and only waited for the Egber'
party before distributing the necktles
that ceremony is not always salts
factory one; for instance-upon thi:
occaaion, old Mr.. Bean drew Mis-,
Stout's necktie and little jim Fits
looked ruefully at his prize, which
matched Jennie f bert's dress, Jenni,
being but twelve, Jim naturally want
ed an older partner Tact and gooo
humor on the part Of the managers
soon dispelled any little cloud-part
ners were sought for and the dancing
began.
Belle Landis was present, very
bright and handsome in blue.
Alice looked in vain for Julian
How she longed to ask for him, bu
pride forbade it.
After the first dance, there was ;
little flutter among those nearest th'
door a whisper Of Here he is" theI
louder spoken welcomes and greatlng
Julian had come. Poor Alice .-th'
blood seemed to rush to cheek anC
brow, then surged back, leaving be-
pale as death
Il am not strong enough to NEE
him! ~
'Oh traitorous heat. be stilln He i
coming toward There is no re
treat Their hands touch for an in
stant, a-fcw ordinary words of greetin:
are exchanged aud he passes on t'
where Belle Lands stands. Alic,
drew back, and being screened by
, flower stand, watched the meeting
, She could no more have spared he
: heart that trial, than can the serpen
charmed bird withdraw its gaze from
the fascication which por'ends 1T
doom.
ITO BE CONTINUED