The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-04-18

i
have you? No? Then Of course you'll
accept. 1t will be good chance for
you. Almost dozen girls, Esther
says, and every one either beauty or
an heiress."
"What, are you married?" Elmer in
quires.
"No, but engaged, and that amounts
to about the same thing" Jerry replies.
Bessie Townsend don't you remem-
Der her2 Well, she's there too. But
say, you haven't told me whether you
are coming or not"
Eyes, will come"
"Soon as possible, mind" says Jerry.
"Esther will befooking for you. Au
revoirr'
He goes out, and few moments later
Elmer, looking out of the window, sees
his tall form striding up the street with
the same careless, swinging gait he re-
members of old.
A few days later Elmer Richards
enters the train en- route for the Trows
country residence. That evening he
makes a faultless toilet and descends to
the lighted rooms.
Esther presents him to the other
guests, and soon he is engaged in live
ly conversation with Jerrys betrothed,
Bessie Townsend. Then Esther comes
and carries him off to the conservatory.
AS they enter recumbent figure rises,
and in the dim light Elmer sees the
yellow flash of jewels.
"Are you here?" cries Esther. Then,
Miss Irving, Mr.. Richards
The figure takes step forward, and
, ray of light, streaming through the
half-open door, falls upon her face. the
brilliant face and lustrous black orbs
of Beatrice Irving.
She bows, and her face dimples in a
smile of recognition; she has not for
gotten that evening at the charity fair.
Elmer gives an amused smile; he is
o thinking of the little bouquet, the roses
and myrtle, and wondering what she
;. would say if she knew of its fate
Then Esther slips away, and they are
:, left alone together.
. Beatrice is charming conversation
q alist, and Elmer thinks it is infinitely
- more agreeable to pass the time will
her in the dimly lit conservatory thar
;, to chatter with this one and that in the
" illuminated room beyond.
! At last they rise and join the CONF
. pany. AS they emerge into the light
Elmer glances at his companion; sh'
), looks wonderfully fascinating tonight
Early one morning, few days later
= Elmer, while strolling through the gar
den, sees Beatrice standing by rose
ii bush, endeavoring to disentangle he
in scarf from the thorns upon which it i
v. caught.
h Il am a prisoner, you see,' she says
with smile, "and, like most prisoners
he much against my will"
ID "Shall l release you?" asks Elmer
n and coming forward, he deftly diser
r. cages the delicate thing.
Va, ch no q
,c- for your handiness," Beatrice says, an
y. plucks white rosebud with spray {
dark green leaves for background.
bo AS she bends forward to fasten it
,r- his button-hole, their eyes meet, an
something in his causes the girl
IN blush slightly; and, making hast
movement, a stray thorn pierces h,
~ finger. A tiny red drop falls on one
ma the petals and mars its whiteness.
zoo "There!' Beatrice exclaims, in
Is vexed tone. Il have spoilt your howe
Let me get you another
,rv "Never mind" Elmer replies.
is does not show; and, besides, you mi
ses cratca your hand again"
md "No; l hope l should not be so fo'
ish another time," says Beatrice.
h;s Then they stroll down the sha
ice path together. and enjoy a pleasa
Tho chat. until the bell calls them in
md breakfast.
,,s The summer days pass quickly
tb,. and some of Esther's guests take th'
departure. Beatrice Irving and Elm
an. Richards are among the last that ling
ORC it has been blissful summer for him
and one he will never forget
Ali, One morning Beatrice announces
,e.s intention of returning to her home
-kle the morrow, and that day Elmer Diet
end mined to know his fate. That event
Beatrice comes down stairs, arrayed
~, the amber dress that is so becomi
ba and for ornament she wears her fay
an ite topaz. Her oval cheeks are glow
,.do with a warm rose hue, and her e
, scintillate like stars As Elmer watc
her. he thinks he has never seen her
beautiful, so fascinating.
q to During the evening he requests
; to walk with him in the garden,
ex- she complies; perhaps she has an
not tuition of what is coming. A few c.
ond monplace remarks passed betw