The true northerner., 1885-11-19
HAROLD'S MISTAKE.
BY LIZZIE VAN DERvoRT.

n
Peals of laughter in all keys float through
the keen frosty air as sleigh-load after
sleigh-load drive away from. a brightly lit
mansion, until the street seems filled with
the dashing sleighing party.
One, small shell-like creation drawn by
q single black horse, leads the party. Its
occupants are Mr. Harold Greystone and
his sister, Miss Nellie. Mr.. Greystone, af-
ter wrapping his sister in the fur robes,
devotes himself to putting his horse at
speed that promises to leave the remainder
of the party in the distance. For some rea-
son, Mr. Greystone does not seem to share
the exuberant spirits of the rest of the
party. On the contrary he seems good
deal put out, to say the least, and his usu-
ally good -humored countenance is overcast.
His heavy black brows are drawn together,
and in spite of the sweeping mustache one
can note the firm expression that turks
around the mouth.
Altogether he looks very grim, Miss Nell
lie thinks as she turns herself and surveys
him.
She is very small herself, and being
buried to the chin in wraps, it is a work of
time to turn herself sufficiently to see his
face. Noting its expression, she began
cautiously:
"Harold, amt you driving the horses too
fast2 See, the others are away behind"
"We will arrive all the sooner for sup
per, sis, was the reply.
40, we'll but the oysters are not put on
to cook yet, so we needn't hurry on that
score"
Harold reluctantly pulled up his horse
little, and, looking back, he growled:
"That fool, Douglass, will dawdle enough
for the whole party. It's grand wonder
he would consent to drive load How
II n 4 ii -
a load he would not object. It's n mystery
to me how as sensible a gal as Blanche
Leslie can tolerate such an idiot in her
presence. But, pshaw, there is no mys-
terry about it, If n fellow has n full purse
it makes no difference whether he possesses
any brains or not. Glang jim, slapping
the horse savagely with the reins.
Harold, did you ask Blanche to go with
you?"
"No, by Jove, didn't. / am not quite
such fool as that. My Lady Blanche will
find that she cannot twist every one around
her finger like Douglass"
81 don't think you need be so hard on
Blanche. She isn't crazy after rich people
at all. We are not rich, and l am sure she
is always goodness itself, though you do
put on awful airs and treat her like she was
the veriest stranger. AS for Mr.. Douglass,
almost everyone likes him, if he is little
soft. But Blanche isn't the least bit in love
with him."
"No, not in love with him, but his pock-
et-book. never supposed she was in love
with him."
Harold Greystone, / am ashamed of
you. You know there isn't word of truth
In what you say. There, / am glad We have
got there at last. feel chilly in spite of
wraps"
Harold lifted his charge from his sleigh
and placed her on the steps of the hotel,
where the party have planned a dance, to be
followed by an oyster supper. The other
sleighs drive up, and directly the hotel is
alive with the merry party. The evening is
heartily enjoyed by all, with the exception,
perhaps, of Harold Greystone. The sight
of Miss Leslie smilingly accepting the at
tentions offered her by young Douglas rem
dered the evening anything but pleasant to
him. 1t is true he had no right to complain.
Nellie was right when she said his own
pride had erected the barrier between them.
The fact that while Miss Leslies parents
are grown wealthier within late years, his
own had grown poorer, was obstacle enough
to Harold He did not fancy the name of
fortune hunter. He told himself she had
totally forgotten the old days when they
were on an equal footing, and, no doubt,
she was ashamed to remember her prefer
ence for himself. But he would not pre-
sumo on that now. Douglass might win
her. and he would not lay straw in his
way.
All this and q great deal more ran through
his head as he gaily talked and danced with
particular rival of Blanches, who seemed
determined to bring him to her feet.
When at last the party concluded to turn
their steps homeward, Harold seized his
own particular charge from crowd of
hooded and mufficd figures and speedily
had her in the sleigh, completely enyeloped
in the robes.
"Now, sis, remember YOU are not to move
or hardly speak on the way home, else you
will be laid up with an awful cold and have
red nose, and then you can not see your
dear Fred when he arrives tomorrow
After dancing so much and eating warm
supper you must be doubly careful. and if
/ hear sneeze, home you go for the rest
of the winter, my child" which cheerful
remarks he emphasized by gentle
shaking.
"You need not be absolutely dumb. Just
nod your head to signify your approval of
my remarks. Did you have good timer"
perceptible moving back and forth was
his answer.
ayes, every one had splendid time, my
self in particular. / entertained myself
watching Douglas play the clown for Miss
Leslie's amusement. He did il to perfec-
ton BY George, / should have thought
so many sweet smiles would have made hei
sick. Shows how much woman can stand
when she makes up her mind to it, and
suppose her mind is made up, don't you2'
A decided negative is indicated by his
companions movements.
"1umphl / firmly believe she intends tc
marry Softhead this own name for young
Douglass) sooner or later, probably sooner
Why don't You think she does. sisg Yor
can unloosen that shawl or scarf. or what.
ever il is. enough tc let me hear the sound