The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1884-03-08

disappoint the fresh and expectant
Grace, whose appetite for dances and
festivities of every description was still
on the increase, and, as Philip saw, still
very far from being surfeited. when
he was ready they went out, found
cab at the corner of the street, and
drove to Carlton Grove
The so-called carpet-dances, or
Saturday Dances" at that house were
very pleasant affairs, and justly cele-
brated throughout the whole circle of
the Berghauses' friends and acquaint-
ance. Carpet-dance" was mis-
homer; no invitations were sent out, but
it was a generally understood thing that
on Saturday evenings throughout the
year the house was open to all friends
who chose to come TO it; and II sutil-
Gent guests arrived there was dancing,
not on a carpet. but in q large room
built as a billiard-room, but which the
Berohaus family had from time imme-
mortal given up to the more social en-
tertainment. Thekla Berghaus held
strong views on the subject OF billiards,
which she considered very appropriate
in bachelor establishment, or in one
where there were many men; but where
the womankind predominated, to be
eschewed, as unfair and tyrannical to
them and their interests.
"It makes brothers horribly selfish,
she was wont to say. "They 60 shut
ting themselves up with their claret and
! cigars, and are always asking what
they call "a fellow or two to spend the
evening; but it is to spend it with them
behind the billiard-room doors. while
we languish in the drawing-room with
novels and fancy work"
Hermann, being of peaceful dispo-
sition, had never quarreled with this
arrangement, and assuredly the friends
who came to those Saturday evenings
were not disposed to do so.
Some twelve or fourteen guests were
already assembled when Philip and his
sister arrived, and the dancing had be-
gun. Grace was quickly engaged, and
was soon blssfully lost in the mazes OF
waltz; while Philip stood by the door.
seeing no other lady disengaged, and
feeling, for some reason, averse to
! dancing.
Thekla Berghaus came up to him,
looking ''as fresh as morn, as fair as
May, in her clear white dress, blue
ribbons and shining hair.
''Miss Berghaus! thought you were
dancing"
mo, have been settling the elders
and some friends of their own age to a
rubber. Besides" added Thekla, mag
unanimously, - make it a rule. as the
eldest girl, never to begin dancing the
first thing. 1 think IL is due to my
guests to see them fairly started"
"Most laudable! But, as every lady
but yourself is dancing already, don't
you think you could give me just the
end of this Waltz"
"No, Mr.. Massey, / 10 not saiC
Thekla, composedly, asYshe sat dowr
and pointed to a chair at her side
You don't usually colldescend, to act
part, but you are doihg so when yor
ask me to dance with you now. Yor
don't want to dance in the least"
"Ah, my dear Miss Berghaus, dom
you think it would be rather terrible i
every one at a dance"
"Were to come forward with sucl
quibbling objections as those / have
just raisedp" OF cours, it would b,
dreadful! But / always iancied that t.
you / could speak more plainly.
thought you did not like shams.'
II do not" said Philip, earnestly
land l was only testing when l spok,
so. You have been such a good frienC
to me, Miss Berghaus, and you are Sc
good to Grace"
sob, nonsense! l like Grace S,
much; and as for being good to her i
is not the right expression; she hardl,
requires people to be good to her
, How handsome she looks to-nightp'
; The dance was over. Philip Offered
, Thekla his arm, and suggested the,
should take a turn in the garden.
"Oh, with pleasure" said she, a
they came out into the square hall
''By the way, Mr.. Massey. two friend
of mine are coming tonight with whom
| want to make Grace acquainted, TO
they live next door to you, and they ar
: oh, there they are!"
She withdrew her hand from his arm
and went to meet two figures descend
ing the staircase. Philip stood beloN
in the hall and watched. The figure
one fair. AS they came down-stair
and stood speaking to Thekla, tn
. young man almost rubbed his eyes i
: astonishment and doubt. Could it
!, was it-yes, that was most certainly tn
bright hair and sweet face of Mabel
!, Fairfax, and that other-his eyes fle,
= quickly toward her-yes, he Instant
recognized the strange and beautifl
, face; the pale, creamy-white complies
ion; the long, velvet soft, ALMOND
shaped eyes, with their fringe of curve
lashes; the Low, white forehead, wit
d the dusky hairrippling in natural wave
across it. How beautiful she was! II
stead of moving, he stood rooted in h
e place, watching them with gray,
n earnest intentness. They did not al
d pear to see him; Thekla was talkin
= rapidly.
n $50 glad you have come! bega
Z to think Won Mnrn going 10 fail rs an