Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-10-17
THE COVERINGS.

ly Miss This, the fascinating Mrs.
That the distinguished SO-and so,
like a bunch Of tulips, with not SO
much as a leaf TO tone them down )
and then, when tue lions all get by
the ears because they can't and won I
admire each other-the lovely Miss
This is pouting, and the distinguished
So-and So in sulks-the poor little
disappointed hostess doesn't know
what in the least to do. She has asked
all the incest people she knew, and
she cant see why it is not pleasant.
Now | ask my nobodes first, just rs |
line this shell with leaves, that
against their dark background the
glories of the roses may shine forth
more royalty. First my substantials
my wealthy papas, my useful and
domestic young ladies', my quiet peo-
pie, that fill up the blanks, AID don't
expect any extraordinary attention,
and do the admiration for two or
three lions, VINO are sure TO be grac-
ious and do their best, because
they have plenty of room and ad
mirers."
"Goodw laughed |. Now, |
know where 1 DGIObS aiming lhC
quiet people who fill up the blanks
and do the admiration.
my dear Miss Maxwell, how could
you think such a thingl / had hoped
you would do me the justice to remem-
Der that some | asked out of pure
selflshness, simply because they we're
my most valued friends"
had learned too long ago the est
nation in which the world holds poor
and plain old MAIDS to be RULED. If
Mrs. Granger invited me because she
wished her son to marry the beauty
and heiress, Belle TarletOn, and Belle
would 90 nowhere without me, whom
she had dubbed hcrhttle Mentor, that
was Mrs Changers affair, not mine.
| was there for pleasure. ! liked the
old stone house, with ITS wide halls,
and grove Of pines; and though it was
so far from the beach you could hear,
not see, the seal who had no beluX,
and was consequently not afraid of
thick shoes, or an unbccOmlnE Lush
could at any time wander oil and
feast my eyes on something as gray
and restless rs myself
Then, too, loved Belle Our friend
ship had existed ever since our school
days, when !, Il member and an oracle
of senior class, had taken under ray
protection the shy, sallow, awkward
chIld who had ripcncd into that full,
fair, stately brunette miracle of beauty
smooth browed, large-cyed. insol-
emily GaultlesSly lovely. as she sat
twisting the heavy tassels of her
wrapper, with look that | know
meant seccet wrath ana discomfort.
And no wonder, for Arthur Gran
gers conduct was really unbearable.
He had been her shadow all winter
his mother wished him to marry her
| was sure and So he might have
been if he was not intolerably stupid
that Belle would not say nag. Belle
loved, and rs Arthur Granger was
rather better than most men, | saw
no reason why she should not have her
toy.
And | won't endure it, " declared
Belle, passlonately, to me. Eyery
one knows how matters stand, and |
actually appear to be waiting here till
his lordshlp delgns to throw me the
handkerchief You needn't say a
word, Betsy. | shall leave next Mon
day"
Mrs. Granger bit her lips aud drank
a cup of coffee; that done, she propos-
ed our famous beach party. We were
to take tents and spend the day.
you ard Miss Maxwell will ride
with me- of course, SAID Arthur, who
had been talking with much ANNA
ton. My mother and the dowagers
will take the barouchc. Mr.. Calves
ton | understand, takes the RESPONSE
blhtv of the Misses Leigh; Mr. Hun
ter, Miss Many, the Mes>rs. Herbert.
Mdlle Lloyd and Elliot, and"
That's all, SAID Mrs. Granger
Arthur'S eyes wandered over 10 the
bow window where the hem of a black
skirt was just visible.
There Is Miss Wood"
"There will be no room"
Why nos My wagon holds four.
and have only Miss Tarleton and
Miss Maxwell Why not let her go
and take Nalerie2 You keep that child
too closely at her studies. A dip in
the salt water would do her no harm. "
We'll, she might sit with John on
the barsuche, and | can hold Valerie,
| suppose hesltated Mrs. Granger,
evidently surprised
There is no need of that We
have more than enough room in my
wagon, persisted Arthur.
AS turned away caught sight of
Miss Woods pale face looking out
from the curtains, and was absolutely
electrified by its expression such
powerful emotion blazed in her eyes
and transfgured her face. Arthur
saw it, too, and went hastily up to her.
You will gol' he asked, with
look that Relic would have given her
diamonds to receive
| could not catch her reply, but |
saw vehement. almost angry DENIAL
written on her face. lie bent his
handsome head till his curls almost
touched her forehead.
For my sake | heard him urge.
Bessie" called Belle at that mo
ment, do come up stairs"
was weed enough. Miss Wood,
before whom Arther Granger bent
his proud head So humbly, was pale
little governesS.
Why lid Arthur wish her II gol
Would she go2 An hour settled all
my doubts. WheA we went down to
the palza, there was Miss Wood with
Valerie "a shy child of 10 or III,
shawled and hooded likewise, to my
intense chagrin, confess; for l had
already began to fear and dislike her.
Before, had scarcely locked at her;
but l studied her face line for line
the broad brow; the large, pnzzling,
brown eyes; and somewhat irregular
features; and pale, though not sickly
complexion; only to find myself
bsllled and repulsed by something
looking out OF her calm eyes that was
past my reading. She was aud she
was not beautiful
saw that, though Arthur talked to
Belle, he looked to Miss Wood. who
received his glance with a composure
that made me want to box his ears.
He was all ears and tongue for Belle
and soul for the governssS. But,
to return TO the rendezvous of our
company; an airy villa, with light
balconies, and long windows from
whence you looked out full on the
ocean-the country house, in fine, OF
Arthur Granger, bachelor. / have
always argued with that profound
y L