The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1885-04-01

ou are very early, she returned
sacrificing politeness to vexation. III
can't be nine O'Clock yet
Eight. / said. am sorry If I have
arrived too early with great stiffness.
-Oh no; it is only that they have not
left the dininc-room yet. expect Su-
sanna ought 70 have done so. but she is
| listening 10 some political discussion,
no doubt. and ! am only here 10 enter
tain you"
You are the only one l want he
said with intent gaze.
She pretended not to hear that re-
mark.
She put up her hand to a bracket
near, and took down painted terra
Gotta plate.
This is what did this afternoon
smiled she. is not it beautiful
~ExQuisitely done" he said, rising
| and leaning over her shoulder on pre-
! tence of admiring il more CLOSELY.
Ere she could free herself from the
embarrassing position the room door
| opened and they all came in. Miss Ayre
| followed by the two gentlemen; and
Madeline, by coloring scarlet at the
look upon her sisters face. made mat
| ters worse.
Captain Gorden did not see the poor
little plate at all; he only saw CharsIey'S
hair, his hand almost resting on her
shoulders; and seeing those things, and
putting his own Interpretation upon
them, his face changed for one brief in
stant, then he went on calmly discuss
ing with his host the topic broken off
in the dining-room.
Madeline rose veXedly.
I never saw people So long at dinner.
thought you never were coming"
FtSh
pered Charsley in her ear.
IF they had been, | should have ex-
pired OF eBnui,' said she pettishlv.
Now, what are we going to do-play a
rubber"
Chess. 1 think. Mr.. Ayre and Ihave
return match to play said Gorden,
quietly moving the chess-board.
You are very selfish" said Madeline
with bewitching smile. Chess is so
stupid for the lookers-on."
Don't look on, you will make MS nerv-
Gus said he, in as light tone as her
own.
But what are we to do? You know
you Will look daggerS at us If we at
tempt the least conversation
Won t YOU and Mr.. Charsley"-with
a quick smiles and glance-"play some
game to yourselyesp"
Perhaps, kind Mr.. Master-of Cere-
monies, you will suggest what that
game shall be, then:n
NAY, | leave that to your own taste.-
he said grayely, setting his pieces. Mr..
Ayre. viii you move firSt?"
Tears of VcXatlon were in the girls
eyes, but she turned proudly away and
opened the piano.
You are going to sing to me-" said
Mr.. Charsley, following her devotedly.
How kind of you,"
II am singing principally out of an
unkind desire to disturb the chess" she
laughed. What song doyou think will
do it most effectually?" turning over
her music carelessly
Sing this" he begged. picking up
Il cross the Far Blue Hills" and ar
ranging it before her.
Madeline sang eXquisitely. Her rich,
sweet, contralto voice had depthsof ex-
preston that were powers of appeal to
the most unmusical soul; it had been
perfectly cultivated. and its full. clear.
thrilling notes were trained To most
subtle modulation and flexibility.
She soon disturbed the chess. Gorden
lost his game, and. moving abruptly,
came up to the piano, whereupon Mr..
Ayre prepared for his evening doze, and
Miss Susanna pounced upon Mr.. Chars
ley.
"Will you come here a minute, pleasef
| have something very particular TO
show you she said.
Left alone with Gorden, Madeline
| finished her song, then looked up with
a mischieyous bewitching glance.
"IIave | charmed away the evil
| spirit?" she asked softly.
"Have you what?p lie met her glance
| and went a little nearer.
| I'm plain English, have you got over
| ha ho1 70
| ing i'll just nowt"
| 1t would have been an incorrigible
temper indeed that could have resisted
| those sweet smiling eyes. those pretty
parted lips, that bright gesture and win
| ming voice.
| Gorden's dark face softened wonder
! fully, and he leaned yet little closer
over the piano.
| Miss Susanna saw it. and redoubled
her attentions TO the refractory Chars
What makes you think l was in a
bad temper" Captain Gorden asked
| quietly.
1T was patent fact Your counte-
nance was black as thunder, your eyes
were shooting lurid flashes, your voice
| nearly frightened me into-despair.
She paused before she uttered the last
| word, and ran her fingers softly over the
hcyS' pohlIS uo"h uPoh SANi '
| while.
And how did you account for my
temper. Miss Ayre?"
She shrugged her pretty shoulders,
smiling again.
How can anyone account for mans
temper? 1t is like himself-an erratic-
unreasonable mystery"
Had no reason for mine?" he ques-
| toned quickly.
Il suppose you imagined you had
quantities of good ones. L know OF
none"
! Come here minute; want to tel
you something" he said, drawing hei
hastily through the open conservatory
door; and thrilled by his voice and
glance. she followed obediently, blush
ing like the bashful loving girl she real
" was.
Miss Ayre. noticing the move, smiled
calmly to herself, and held poor Harold
Charsley in tighter chains than ever.
But when be had her in the conserva
tory, Gorden seemed in no hurry tC
speak.
lie stood looking at the sweet down
cast face anG graceful white hglre: a
the little fingers picking buds off Mis-
Susanna's best azalea, and gradual,
into his own face rose a passion OF adj
miration and love that she saw wheI
she looked UP and began;
Then she stopped dumb before hi
gaze, trembling and crimsoning, and h
. picked up her hand and the aZalea i
was breaking off.
IL want You. nv darling he said
then checking himself hurriedly: :"
i, want to know which of US you reall,
prefer-Charsley or myself, Madelinef
Il think" she said. as firmly as he
I l.
, hate Mr. Charsley."
, and you don't hate me?" gatherin
,, I'D both hands now, and pressing then
. to his heart. You sweet little darling.
Il don't think l hate you." she whiS
! pered. smiling. yet with downcast eyes
: why have you encouraged that brut
: that imbecile as you have doneY' h
q questioned, stern again for minute
"You are not flirt, Madeline. | hop
4 and trust-not a fiirt, with that pur
. face and innocent way in almost pa:
| sionate entreaty.
' What would be the consequence If
were q fiirty' she questioned, still Srni
Z ing softly and happily.
Il should have no respect for yOu.' i
replied grayely. Il could have none, fC
if there is one character ] despise it
u that of flirt, masculine or feminin
Madeline
!. AllO IL you ltdQ Ho pcSt- spAi hOtll
= have no-no love, ! suppose?' shyl
y and coioring again.
That would be about it."
Il am not fiirt, Lance. indeed ar
q indeed" she said. raising her eyes. no
y clear. and warm. and truthful, TO hi
Il would not be one for anythingi" v
g hemently Il am not saying this ju
to curry favor with you." dropping h
. glance again. for l don't care one b
u what your opinion of me is. of course
Not one little bit. Madeline?'
v well. very, very, very little," mi
Ie chievously.
And don't you care one little bit f