Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1885-01-31


over the clock. You'd better have IL to-
night; then. If / don't feel like sitting
up for YOU. / won't. You won't be likely
to get home before twelve"
BY twilight Miss Daisy's crimson had
softened into sea-shell pink. Aunt Abby
fiattered herself that she had never seen
the child handsomer than when, in filmy
draperics, she foated down the piazza
steps to Tom Raymond's waiting phae-
ton.
THE infatuated boy looks as if he
was beholding an angel from heaven, !"
muttered the pleased lady. who dearly
loved Tom. But she said, prosaically:
'sDo drive carefully, Tom. Daisy, did
you take the keys"
Eyes, Auntie: it's in my pocket
ssPocket2-can they put pockets in
sea-foam?" laughed Tom, tucking the
linen lap-robe about the young lady's
billowy fiounces. 81 feel myself quite
inadequate to the care of this fluffy ele-
gance, Mrs. Blunt, do assure you"
''But it's his; he has only to ask and
it's all his" thought Miss Daisy,
scornfully, as she babe her aunt gay
goodbye.
In the whole region roundabout there
was not lovelier drive than this five
miles between Oakland and Oakland
Falls. Taking it by moonlight. on
perfect July evening, with fascinating
young lady by his side, and a spirited
horse obedient to his will, Tom Ray
mond mentally acknowledged that the
conditions were favorable for enjoyment.
He had been planning this tetc a-tete for
days; indeed he had gone so far as to form
ulate certain momentous speeches to be de-
livered on this occasion, but with the
strongest desire to lead the conversation
into sentimental channels. he was con-
tinually baffied by an intangible some
thing in Miss Daisy's manner. He spoke
of lovely bird he was mounting espe-
cially for herself, and she discoursed of
the swallows in Aunt Abby's chimney;
he limited at mans craving for affection,
AID she deplored Abrams craving for
drink; he quoted Aurora Leigh, and she
cited Mother Goose. She sang nasally
like Deacon Shed, mimicked Squire
Eddy's late Fourth of-July Grafton, and,
in word, was as captivating, frivolous
and reckless as q heavy-hearted girl well
could be. As she passed Grace Raymond
in the hall, that young lady whispered
to Jack McKeen that Daisy Campbell
was the belle of the audience.
with one exception, of course"
amended gallant Jack.
Proud, sensitive little Daisy! She
pretended to listen to the music; but
from Lord Admiral to Little Buttercup
the entire company seemed to her to be
chanting, I've only to ask, to ask, to
ask-Tve only to ask for the little lady,"
Her very fan kept time to this refrain.
She was thankful when the opera ended.
For all that, on the homeward drive she
wished herself back in the hall 1t was
so hard to meet Toms lover-like gaze
with indifference, to school her warm,
hayward heart against his tenderness. so
precious but yesterday At first she
strove bravely to maintain her former
vivacity, but her liyeliest sallies fell un-
needed. The slogan was in the air.
Daisy knew Tom had something particu-
lar to say. All, well, for that matter, so
had she. Clasping her cold little hands
together resolutely, she waited in silence.
Daisy, I've been thinking"
Dangerous symptoms, my young
friend; let the doctor prescribe"
''Tm going back to the medical school
next week, Daisy"
$50 soong'-in a tone of cool regret.
"And want to ask you, Daisy
SI've only to ask, and the little lady's
mine, " prompted talInting memory, kind
ling In Daisy's eyes dangerous fire.
Notwithstanding his Wanted assur-
ance, Tom hesltated over the vital ques-
ton, fidgeting with the reins till the
horse rebelled and started off at canter.
Having soothed the animals RULED feel
ings, Tom began afresh.
''Daisy2n
"Well, Mr.. Raymonds'
s'Now, Daisy, you promised to call
me Tom"
ibid II 1t isn't half so pretty name
as Mr.. Raymond. y
s'I'm glad if you Like my name, Daisy.
/ wish you'd take it too keep"
''You're too generous, Tom. I'm not
a strong minded woman. Shouldn't want
to be called Mr.. Raymond.
Don't tease, Daisy. You know what
mean. I'm just dying to make you
Mrs. RAYMOND. my beloved little wife"
~ should have to die if you did, Tom.
Beloved wives are always under tomb
do be serious, Daisy. You must
know I've been in love with you from the
first day | saw you7
'.Ah," thought Daisy, with curling
lip, IF / hadn't played eavesdropper,
what happy little simpleton l might
bel" SERIOUS, Tom she said aloud
I'm literally serious as the grave.
You've made my stay at Oakland very