The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1884-10-08
THE QUARREL.


The brief March day was drawing
to close, and the twilight, which
would probably light up country
hillsides for sometime with purple
softness, was already eclipsed in the
city with faring gas-lights, and Lii
ian Graham hung closer to her
friends side with almost a sensation
of terror.
81 had no idea it was so late, Et-
fie," she said to Mrs. Wallis, her
companion. "Oh, do let us hurry
home"
Don't be nervous" laughed mer-
ry little Mrs. Wallis. We're only
half dozen blocks away from home
at the furthest. | like to be out in
the twilight once in a while, myself.
1t gives one spicy sense OF adven-
ture."
But Lillian was made of different
stuff. There was something clinglng
and dependent in her nature, and
the growing darkness appalled, her.
"Oh, l am so glad " she exclaim-
ed, with sudden, joyous intonation
of her voice. Meredith Allston is
coming. He will see US safe home" F."
AS she spoke tall figure APP
proached-the figure of gentleman
walking rapidly down the street.
with the lamp-light shining full up
on his dark eyes and regular features.
Mr.. Allston Meredith J"
But, to Lilian's surprise, the gen.
tleman took no notice of her hesitat-
ing summons, but passed her, look
ing into her eager, flushed face with
the careless glance of unrecognition.
She drew herself haughtily up and
bit her lip.
g 1 might have spared myself the
trouble of speaking" she said, IF l
had only known that Mr.. Allston
does not know his acquaintance in
the street! !"
Il dare say he was thinking OF
something else" said Effie Wells,
apologetically.
=" But l called his name" persisted
Lillian, and he looked me full in
the facep
well you shall call him to an
account for it when he comes to-
night"
4 have half mind not to see
him !"
"That would be nonsense" said
sensible Mrs. Wallis. Come along;
we shall be at home in two min
utes."
Lillian Graham looked very pretty
as she sat in her fathers drawing
room that night, with the soft light
from the chandelier streaming round
her slender figure. She was a
blonde, of that rare type of beauty
which boasts complexion like
damask roses and hair Of shining
gold in contrast to eyes of the dark
est hazel, and the somewhat plain
face of Mrs. Wallis served as an un-
conscious foil to set off her own
fresh young loveliness.
Mr.. Allston's face frightened as
he entered the room a few minutes
after the little ormolu timepiece on
the mantel had struck s.
You are looking well, Lillian, "he
said, with something of the conscious
pride of proprietorship.
Lillian bit her lip.
"You did not stop to think about
nv looks when | really needed your
escort this evening"" she said, lit
tie coldly.
He looked at her in astonishment.
81 don't know what you mean,
Lilian?"
Were you not on Sixth avenue
this evening between 6 and n"
No; | was not"
Miss Graham's cheeks flushed.
Mr.. Alls.on, | can hardly dis.
credit the evidence of my own sens
es / certainly saw you, and so did
Mrs. Wallis
He looked panied, but offered no
further explanation of the mystery.
Are you ready for the concert? !"
he asked.
Il have changed my mind" she
said, briefly. Il don't want to go! !"
Lillian y
The truth is" she said. raising
to her feet, and playing with the gold
chain which was looped around her
neck, Il do not care to go out with
gentleman who sees fit to repose
so little confidence in mel"
Mr.. Allston bowed his submission
to her fiat.
Very we'll" he said, quietly Il
cannot, of course, dispute your deci-
sion. I wish you a very good even-
ing"
But little Lillian found the hours
by the domestic fireside little dull
after the departure Of her offended
prenx chevalier.
81 wish l hadn't been so cross
with him." she said, struggling her
pretty shoulders remorsefully. "Ef-
fie, let's ask papa to take us to the
opera we shall be in time for the
last two acts"
Just as you choose" said Effie
Wallis, who was not unaccustomed
to the sudden caprices of her pretty