The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-04-30
CHAPTER III.
Come to my arms. my dear one!
Earth will be Eden with thee.

| thAfIEh IL.
Come to my arms. my dear one!
Earth will be Eden with thee
Better come to the party, Frank,
old boy! All the elite of the land will
be there; you will forever more re-
greet it il you don't. Whew! say
Frank, is it because some fair damsel
has not taken pity upon you to invite
you? II so, go ask some one of the
bashful maidens to accompany you.
Go, by all means"
Don't bother your Uranium about
me?" he said, with merry twinkle in
his eye. "My fair companion for the
bal masque is decided upon; and, be-
sides, 1 have q pressing engagement
attending me there. So, all right, old
fellow"
The rooms for the scene of dissi-
patton presented an earthly Eden of
beauty and grandeur. The perfume
exhaled from numerous tropical plants
to the senses was intoxicating in the
extreme.
Enhancing music proceeded from a
curtained alcove, where skillful must
clans were stationed.
Deliciously cool, softly lighted re-
treats surprised the explorer upon
every hand, ornamented by splashing
fountain, bouquets of choice odor and
color were placed here and there. while
tasty wreaths of the same adorned the
paintings suspended from the wall.
At the entrance of the masqueraders
the band struck up lively march,
which continued until the last one had
arrived.
Then all was lively chatter and gen.
eral curiosity, each one striving to
pierce the others disguise.
The dancing was at its height. The
Beautiful Blue Danube" and other
waltzes from Strauss were being credit
ably rendered, and foated in all their
melodious strength of enticing rapture
out upon the still night air.
In a small alcove, resting from the
fatigues of the last dance, couple were
seated on coy tete-a-tete, painfully
silent.
The lady, in her disguise as flower
girl, appeared graceful and charmingly
petite In the costume which she had
chosen. The gentleman, as n French
courtier, appeared to advantage, his
tall, commanding figure singularly
adapted to the representation. Screened
from view by the folds of the heavy
damask curtains, which effectually shut
out the window with its deep embrazure
from the interior, were huddled three
feminine forms bent on eavesdropping
SIS not that music enhancing, ma
petite?" was the courteous query which
broke the frightening silence.
ayes, it is beautiful was the re-
| spouse, in a low, sweet tone. "Shall
we join the walters, sir?"
"Not without you particularly wish
it., he replied, politely.
when should she have fitting OPP
portunity to keep her promise to those
teasing girls, and relieve her mind of
that which would persist in continuing
uppermost in her thoughts, whatever
she might do?" This was the question
which ALA Caswell asked herself as
she sat twirling q small circle upon her
finger, while listening apparently to
the charming Strauss air.
II will soon have it done with, and
then run away somewhere where no
one may find me-" she soliloquized.
"a penny for your thoughts, fair
ladyl" come the deep, manly voice just
beside her.
Forgetful for the time of the dis
guise which concealed her features, and
lacking somewhat in the very neces-
sary requirement, self-confidence ALA
buried her face in her hands to hide its
crimson bushes, and burst into tears.
Whatever is the matter, Alla-Miss
Caswell?" asked the concerned cava-
lier, oblivious of prudence for the mo-
ment.
"I-that is-how did you know my
name is Miss Caswell?" queried poor
ALA, striving in vain to appear digni-
fed and angry.
Hush do not draw needless atten-
ton. Let us come to an understand
ing. is there not some question which
you desired my answer to, tonight !?
Nay, do not deny that there is, for 1
know all about it.
"You-you know impossible" ejacu-
lated ALA, through pale lips.
"No Now sit down here, dear Miss
Caswell-Alla. if may call you by
that dear title-and let me suggest to
you q mode of silencing forever the
teazing of those meddling girls in re-
gard to this evening""
And he popped the question, then
and there.
An ominous silence ensued. A slight
movement of the heavy damask cur
tains which shaded the window failed
to attract their attention, while silence
for time reigned supreme.
Il do not know Indeed, 1 cannot
think now. Please, oh, please, Mr..
Greedy, take me home," she pleaded.
Her head whirleG and she felt dizzy
and ill.
The next day Frank Greedy was
seen by Mrs. Grundy departing from
the Caswell mansion with a look of
triumphant happiness clarifying his
fine features, while, strange to say. his
extreme bashfulness had in great
measure fled.
Wedding cards in few months were
circulating, sure harbingers of very
happy future.
Soon after the wedding the three
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