The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1884-08-30
MADELAIN E.

Madelaine Rogers was just 16, beau
tiful, sunny creature. Pretty. too, and
as good as she was pretty; yet withal as
full of fun as nut is full of meat"
Wiseacres were wont to shake their
heads at her meny escapades. Mothers
with grown daughters did not wish them
them to be too intimate with her, and
would have liked 10 "cut" her; but as
this was impossible they lectured their
progeny continually,
She was the grandchild Of Mr.. Albion
Rogers. a gentleman genial aud courtly,
but with not too much of this worlds
goods. Madelaine never felt comfortA BILE
under the eye of those matrous who are
always ready and willing to give advice
without being asked for it.
So she generally could be found down
in the orchard reading, or padding with
bare feet in the brook.
Thus we find her one warm day. She
had improvised a tune for some verses
in the book lying in her lap. and was
leaning back against the tree, singing in
a sweet, clear voice:
Madame, farewell, I'll none of your wealth;
Youth is mine, and freedom. and healthi
Ill wander Ger mountain aud dale
Chirp In your cage with its gilded door;
Maid once m Irried comes forth never more
You arc welcome to jaller and jail!
That's lust the way feel, but people
never let body alone. Now. ii / could
only go off rs tbesc girls did and be
alone for while think / shoul feel
inst about right. I'm born bohemi
enne, do believe. don't seem TO care
what folks think about me. II could
only get -. Oh, my! what was that!
I'm sure heard a branch break; gracious
mel and my feet bare, tco. declare it's
man. and stranger. too. Oh, dearl
I'm always in trouble. What shall /
do?''
"Beg a thousand pardons, miss; my
intrusion was absolutely unavoidable,
! assure you. was not aware of your
presence until too late to turn back. l
am Leslie Lorraine. Rt your service.
Here is my card. Pray excuse me.
Good day." aud he was gone.
Poor little MAdelaiue stood there, look.
ing after him, utterly discounted, her
face flushed and tears of modification in
her eyes.
Sue knew that he was Mrs. Dale's
brother, who had been expected for a
week past; and that he should catch hel
in such plight!
What would his naughty sister say il
she knew2 Would she invite her 90 the
ball she was to give in honor Of his re-
turn7 She knew Mrs. Dale was very
proud of her family and her position
She was the leader Of Daleville's best
society, and lived al the Daleyille man
sion.
That evening her grandfather received
invitations for the ball, and Madelain'
almost decided not to 60, but her psren
insisted. Leslie Lorraine's father anC
he had been friends in their youth. ant
he wanted to know his old friends boy.
Mrs. Dale took her brother to call oil
several of the families; but on the occas
ion of her visit to the Rogers she wa
alone, for which MadelAine was yer,
thankful.
The evening the ball was given Made
{ laine and ber grandfather did not arriy
: until late. The rooms were thronget
: with the elite of Daleville society. Les
J lie was at the door helping his sister t
I receive their guests when they we're al
+. nounced. When his eyes fell upo
Madelaine hs started forward, and, a
s soon as his sister had introduced them
put her arm through his and led her t
q a seat.
n Everybody seemed surprised, but III
t most surprised person was Ceeily Dale.
MAdslains blushed rosy red Gt thi