Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-05-16

with sweet, clear voice, song after song
always saying "Here is one of your favo
rites" or "Shall I give you this?" appar
emily expressly to let me understand tina
it was for him and not myself that sh'
was singing.
watched her as she sang, and observed
the delicate outline of her profile and thu
fine contour of her head and bust.
Decidedly she was very pretty. After 6
while 1 moved to seat nearer the piano,
and when she concluded, ventured re-
quost for particular piece.
"You must really excuse me-" she an
swered, rising. ''My voice is not very
strong, and I rarely sing more than one OF
two pieces at time"
Tom was doing. I was glad of it, for
I felt desire to talk to this girl and find
out what manner of woman she was. She
disappointed me by gathering up one OF
two papers and leaving the room.
Next day there was grand dinner
party consisting of the chief of our coun-
try neighbours. Among them observed
that young Squire Grantly-a fine-l looking
young fellow fresh from European travel,
appeared on very good terms with Miss
Dorothy And how different she was to-
day from what had seen her Yesterday
What pleasant light was in her blue
eyesl what sweet smile was on her lips
How attentive she was to the old folks
and to the children-and indeed, to every
one but myself
often caught myself looking at her and
wondering what it could mean. Then
began to wonder also if she could be en-.
gagged to this young GRAVITY.
Before the close of the evening I came
to the conclusion that had been very
great donkey in taking it for granted
that Miss Dorothy would second her sis.
ter's designs upon me. Indeed so fal
every attempt of Caroline to throw US to-
gether or to attract my attention to her
young sister, had been promptly and eff.
fectually baffled by the latter.
She evidently regarded me with a sort
of contempuous Indifference. The exper-
fence was intirely new to me, and con-
fess that I felt somewhat piqued.
After supper danced the first set with
Miss Gregg, "the country BELLE" as she
was called, and then as the second began
to form, I found myself near Dorothy
just as Caroline came up.
arthur, how is it that you have not Sc
n nd ic nnrrio oil
unengaged-"
Dorothy interrupted, with quick light
in her eyes and color in her cheeks:
II shall not dance this SET"
"The next''-I commenced.
"For the next 1 have chosen partner
she answered, coldly. "You must remem-
Der this is leap-year, and ladies are priv.
legged to choose.''
1 felt that this was but clever device
to get rid of me without direct rudeness.
But was conscious of queer little feel.
ing resembling envy as saw her the next
set dancing with GRAVITY.
Carrie" I said next day, "do you
know, fancy your sister has taken dis
like to me? What have you been saying
to prejudice her against mel"
'Indeed I can't imagine why Dorothy
should behave so," she replied, with an
air of vexation. SIT must be one of her
freaks. She is the cleverest of all my
sisters, and is the best hearted creature in
the world; but she is very independent.
and will sometimes do and say things to
surprise you"
Next morning Miss Dorothy did do
something to surprise me. She went out,
after heavy fall of snow, and helped the
children to make snowman, joining in
1t with glrlish glee almost equal to that
of the little ones. From the window l
looked on with an air of dlsapproval, but
they took no notice of me. After while !
concluded to join them; but as soon as /
appeared Dorothy declared she was half
frozen, and ran in to warm herself. l
presently followed, and finding her in the
parIor with Carrie. in fit of desperation
I challenged her to game of chess. Car
RE, after looking on for few moments,
made some remark about the children and
left the room.
Dorothy played at first carefully and de.
liberately. She was a good player, and,
saw, had set herself with some confidence
to vanquish me- I at first acted on the
defensive, then attacked her, and kept
in check, wishing to prolong the game as
much as possible. By and by she appear
ed to perceive my drift, and became a lit
tie excited.
''Check !" she said, suddenly.
''Check - retorted, coolly.
CHECK, again ~ she said, defantly and
the color began to mount in her cheek. I
slowly and deliberately examined the sit
uation, and placidly made my move. She
followed with hasty move, and threw
herself back in the chair as though the
game was ended. AS coolly as before l ad.
vanced piece.
"Why don't you checkmate 7" said she
sharply.
because you purposely placed your
king in my power. You wish the game
to end, even though with your own de-
feat"
She looked at me curiously. suppose 1
do 2'' she said.
"That is consideration, confess.''
T replaced the piece last moved, and
brought forward knight.
"Checkmate your king is a prisoner,
but you are Free"
Something like smile fitted across her
lips.
II must thank you for your courtesy.
Some time may play fair and square
game with you; but at present am going
to drive"
ITO driveI in this snow ?"
stTn the single SLEIGH The doctor has