The Wilmingtonian., 1886-10-09
Miss NTartLneau,k Ten.


sort of open air annex to the sitting room,
which was located in the second story. The
place was perfect, with its lace worked drap.
cry of yines-purple wistaria, oses and Gle
matis-and there was festive awning OF
Roman stripe unfurled to the south, subdue-
ing the sunshine to hazy meIlowness.
''This is just the place to do the ideal in"
said Amy Laying, who reveled in the splen-
dor of her friends newly acquired fortune.
''Iu the midst of such enchanting circum-
stances you never ought to lose your temper,
Helene"
Miss Martineau was swinging herself lazily
ia pretty hammock, with a look on het
face that expressed the most profound indff-
erence. Could 1t be that she was already
bored by the excessive elegance of her posi-
tion
''If people would only let me alone," she
said with shrug, 81 could behave like an
angel. You never annoy me, Amy, but,
she added with comical sigh. 81 feel as
though it would take lifetime to recover
from these tetes with the dear count,as Mrs.
Stuvyesant calls him."
tWel, don't wonder at that said Amy,
laughing. "He is not coming to tea, sup
pose 2"
"He is not asked Helene replied, with a
languid motion of a delicate feather fan
which she held.
"Poor fellow l will tell Oscar he must do
his best to replace him."
A dash of uuaccountable color appeared in
Helene's face, but paroquet feather SCREEN
ed it,
"Is Oscar comiug?" she asked languidly.
~ believe SO. 1t is tremendous conoes-
sion to you dear. He hates society,yeu know,
and don't think he took very kindly to your
engagement to Count Werlawky."
'DoR't he know that this is all broken
off ?'' said Helene, hurriedly.
A'Yes," said Amy, "but Oscar is an eccen-
t'dc, you know, though he is one of the deaf
,est fellows in the world. He was very fond
,of you, Helene, and think he is rather afraid
to meet you for fear he will find you chang
ssd."
s'What makes you think that?"
"He asked me whether you were just the
Greek with him, and copy his chemistry
notes. know he thinks society and wealth
have spoiled you, though l told him the con-
trary. He says--"
"What?" said Helene, imperiuusly, as
Amy paused and went on her sorting en-
broidery silks in silence.
He says" she continued, with a furtive
Ylance at her friend, ''lf you had never got
ten rich he would have been quite sure OF
you; but that now he could hardly say how
yon would turn OUT
ftIndeed cried Helene with little rail.
ing laugh, giving her fan such a savage flirt
that the ivory handle snapped in twain. II
am indebted to Mr.. Dwight for his opinion
When man takes up preconcelyed ideas
:abeat me- | never think it worth while to
combat them"
She got out OF the hammock slowly, aud
trailed her blue cashmere morning gowr
over the veranda.
81 am going to order bisque and carame
ice" she said, suddenly. rs it the proper
thing to have it served in coffee cups, Amy
Shall bring out my Beluk service?"
Amy adored planning, and the arrange
ments for Miss Martineau's tea proved alb
sorbing. When Saturday came the verand;
locked like an enchanted garden. The foo
was patched with oriental rouge, and plantt
were blooming in every corner, while iuxur
ious chairs and dvans were scattered abou
alongside of oddly shaped tables spreat
with embroidered cloths aud laden witt
dainty china.
AS Oscar Dwight stepped through the cur
tained window on the veranda in the wax
of butler who conveyed his card to Helene
HE realized that he must be very late, for hi
fine head and gray eyes overtopped a crow
of gossiping tea-drinkers already assemb ed
Helene was sitting at the far end of tn
verands. He singled her out at once, fo
she was taller than most women, and he
small head had a proud pose which he coul
not fail to recognize. She was at her bef
that afternoon in rich gown of crimso
plush that vas set off with ivory satin an
trimming of dlehesse lace.
"How beautiful she has grown! !" Osca
murmured, with sharp pang "and ye
II she nau not come lnto ner loTbuue 81
would probably have married that rascal
Russian"
The thought was uppermost in his min
when he met Helene, and she held out to hi
hand of faultless shape and fairness.
s'Ah, Oscarp' she said with langu
smile-"or ought to say Mr.. Dwight | a
glad to see you-prGiement. But how horn
bly, old it makes one Ieel to find you so graz
and mature! You are an inch taller, l {
believe. You look like-who was tn
heathenish Greek you used to dote on?"
"Really now, Miss Helene" said osc
with drawl, 'you mustn't corner fello
in that way"
Helene leveled her eyes at him in bri
stare, which gave no response to the amus'
twinkle in his.
alt is just as feared" thought Osca
with sinking heart. "They have spoil
her among them.
Helene cast a furtive glance at his face al
thought how well it had fulfilled its ear
promise. He was making proper speech
to her now. She listened with conventiu
allied smile, and then said sweetly
'Yun must take cup Of tea with me.
here, If you please. You will find this
cozy corner, and think you will like I
tea"