Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1885-11-19
HAROLD'S MISTAKE.
BY LIZZIE VAN DERvoRT.

"A
Peals of laughter in all keys float through
the keen frosty air as sleigh-load after
sleigh load drive away from brightly lit
mansion, until the street seems filled with
the dashing sleighing party.
One, n small shell-like creation drawn by
a 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 a
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 Mel
lie thinks as she turns herself and surveys
him. At
She is very small herself, and being
buried to the chin in wraps, 1t is work OF
time to turn herself sufficiently to see his
face. Noting its expression, she began
cautiously:
Harold, amt you driving the horses too
"We will arrive all the sooner for sup
per, sis, was the reply.
90, well, but the oysters are not put on
to cook vet, so we needn't hurry ON that
score"
Harold reluctantly pulled up his horse a
little, and, looking back, he growled;
"That fool, Douglass, will dawdle enough
| for the whole party. ICs ~ grand wondei
he would consent to drive a load, How
| ever, if my Lady Blanche wanted to go IN
a load he would not object, It's a mystery
| to me how as sensible gal as Blanche
Leslie can tolerate such an idiot IN her
presence. But pshaw, there is no mys-
tery about it. If fellow has full purse
it makes no difference whether he possesses
any brains or not. G'lang, jim" slapping
the horse savagely with the reins.
Harold, did you ask Blanche to go with
you?"
such n fool as that. NY Lady Blanche will
find that she cannot twist every one around
her finger like Douglass"
"I don't think you need be so hard on
Blanche. She isn't crazy after rich people
at all. We are not rich, and 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,
/
soft. But Blanche isn't the least bit in love
with him."
"No, not in love with him, but his pock-
t-hook / never supposed she was in love
with him."
"Harold Greystone, am ashamed OF
Won. 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 dance, to be
followed by an oyster supper. The Other
sleiohs drive up. and directly Che hotel il
alive with the merry party, The evening II
heartily. enjoyed by all, with the exception
perhaps, of Harold Greystone. The sigh
of Miss Leslie smilingly accepting the at
tentions offered her by young Douglas rem
dered the evening anything but pleasant t.
him. 1t is true he had no right to complain
Nellie was right when she said his Owl
pride had erected the barrier between them
trhe.fact that while Miss Leslie's parents
are grown wealthier within late years, hi
own had grown poorer, was obstacle enough
to Harold. He did not fancy the name o.
fortune hunter. He told himself she hat
totally forgotten the old days when the.
were on an equal footing, and, no doubt
ence for himself But he would not pre-
sumo on that now. Douglass might VIII
her. and he would not lay straw in hi
way. ~-e-re.
All this and great deal more ran through
his head as he gaily talked and danced will
| n particular rival of Blanches, who seeme'
determined to bring him to her feet.
When at last the party concluded to turl
their steps homeward. Harold seized hi
own particular charge from crowd o
hooded and muffied figures and speedily
had her in the sleigh, completely envelopes
in the robes.
@Now, sis, remember you are not to nov
on hardly speak on the way home, else yo'
will be laid up with an awful cold and hay
a red nose, and then you can not'see you
dear Fred when he arrives tomorrow
After dancing so muclr and eating war1
sumner YOU must be doubly careful, and
/ hear q sneeze, hcffe you go for the res
Of tbe winter, my child" which Cheerful
. remarks be emphasized ~ gent
aYou need not be absolutely dumb, jas
nod your head 10 signify your approval Q
4, nv remarks. Did you have good timef
A perceptible moving back and forth wa
his answer. ~.
@Yes. every one had splendid time, my
self in particular. / entertained mysel
watching pouglas play the clown for Mis-
Lesiles amusement. He did it to perfec.
ton By George, / should have thougf
4 so many sweet smiles would have made ne
sick. Shows how much a woman can stan
when she makes up ber mind to it, and
suppose her mind fs made up, don't YOU
A decided negative is inaicated by n
companions movements.
HHumphi Il firmly believe she intends
marry Softhead this own name Tor youn
DouoIaes) sooner or later, probably soone
y why don't You think she does, eisp 40
r can unloosen that shawl OF scarf. or wha
is ever IL is, enough to let'me bear the soar