The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-10-30

sure sue COulu never w AuOtO3 anu Oliao oiAS
thought Willshared her sentiments, though
he had never said so. 1t was Helen who
had given VIII Iva's address, and urged
him to visit her friend frequently while in
p, for this lady had an object in view,
which she wished very much to accomplish.
If Will would only fern an attachment for
Iva, it would leave her free again-free to
what--her heart would answer, Glove Nat,
and be loved by him, =" for she had come to
the conclusion that he was little more to
her than ''dear, good brother.
Will was in the city, and it was for him
that Iva was watching at the window. Iva
knew that she loved him, and she felt that
she was loved in turn, though not a word
of love had escaped the lips of either.
| When he came in sight she left the window
and seated herself at the piano, running
lightly over the keys.
The meeting need not be described,
reader: it was only another of those pleas
ant calls he had been making for the last
five weeks, and when he left each was
more than ever deeply in love. 1t was his
last visit. He was going to Helen's party
the 31st of October, but he promised to
visit P. again about Christmas, and begged
to be remembered most kindly until then.
In letter received next day, Helen begg-
ed so eloquently for Iva to come to her
''frst real party and enclosed such cor
dial invitation from the Squire for herself
and brother to attend, that Mrs. Holland
agreed to let them CO. chiefly to give Nat
a little needed rest from study.
Once again 0ctober's chilly winds are
sighing mournfully their dying requiems,
but little thought is given the solemn dirges
by the brilliant throng who are assembled
in the 'Squires spacious parlors.
How different is this scene from that of
just one year previous. The frolicsome
girl of last year is scarcely recognized in
the dignifed beauty now standing by her
fathers side at the end of the room-nOt
that her face is changed, but she has grown
much, and the long satin train makes her
appear even taller than she really is. She
is altogether beautiful-at least so thinks
Nat, as he watches her greeting her guests
so gracefully. So also thinks Will Stanley,
but to his eyes the little woman by his
side is far more lovely, Iva, (for she it is)
looks bewitching in a light silvery blue silk
and creamy lace. Handsome men and
magnificent women are every where-par-
I lor, drawing room, conservatory, every apart
ment is as brilliant as the doting parent
could wish, The elite of Richmond and
the surrounding country are present, and
all offer alteration to the young heiress.
The lights are all extinguished, and the
occupants of the fine mansion are reposing,
no doubt, but there are two who are not
sleeping: in these we recognize Helen and
Iva. Together they are softly creeping
down the stairs, holding the candle high.
They are certainly not very brave, for they
imagine they hear voices in the library,
whittier they are destined, to get plate of
chestnuts with which to try their fortunes.
This is a new mode of which they have
Just learned: they turn suddenly pale OF
course it is all imagination, and they pro-
ceed. A pretty picture they make in their
loosely falling gowns. Iva wears pearly
white, trimmed with pink; Helen, soft
rose color, gathered at the waist with silken
cord and tassel A dark oaken stairway
forms the back ground, and the candle
sheds weird light upon the statues in the
inches. Finally they reach the door, aud
discussion as to who will enter first, they
90 in together and as they do so, two
shadows, apparently glide behind the da-
mask curtains.
"The boys have been here, Iva" cried
Nelli 81 smell cigar smoke, don't you?"
''Yes; but let us stay here and try our
fortunes by this bright fire. Have you got
the nuts?"
ayes, here they are Now, Iva, put
these two side by side, name one yourself,
the other your lover, and if they burn
steadily side. by side,. then he loves you,
and wedding will be the result; but if
either of you jump away, there will be no
marriage Are you ready?"
Iva, bending over, drops two chestnuts
into the blazing fire.
"They are named" she cried, "now
watchl'
silva, dear, l know for whom yo named
that chestnut It's Will don't care one
bit; 1 am not going to name him myself.
! / can't see why he does not love you any
way; but bless mel maybe he does. I'm
so engrossed in my own love affair 1 have
not noticed, though nothing would please
me better, unless, indeed, Nat would-Iva,
how lovely you two are burning. It's
Will, isn't it?'
eyes, Nellie, you have guessed my Sc
cret. There, we have peacefully expired
together. Now, Nellie, put yours in
quickly"
''That is l, and that IS
"Nat!"
''Hush! he might hear you
''Nell, you idiot, how can they?"
"Well, [ thought heard noise, gig
gle, or something of the sort
Screaming, she ran towards the door,
for the suppressed gigs:le had now turned to
a hearty roar, as two figures jumped from
behind the curtains One hastily closing
the door, catches Nell in his stong arms,
the other makes his way toward Iva, and
taking her hands, begs forgiveness for hav-
ing secreted himself to hear their confess
ion. She not only grants forgiveness but
consents to become his bride.
"a double wedding it shall be, cries
delighted Nat, 'for dear Nellie is mine. F"
Then Nellie, catching sight of Will and
Iva, looks rather chop-fallen, as she ex-
claims:
"I wonder what papa will sayl'
"We will go to him tomorrow and con-
fess all, says Will.
They did confess, and the reader may
well imagine he blesses them, as any good
father would: his child's happiness is more
to him than aught else on earth; he for
gives them, and burries with sigh his
cherished plan, and demands only that they
wait until next Hallow Fen to which they
did not object.
A husband reading, while his wife sat
near him embroidering pair of slippers,
remarked: 'sWhat surprises there are in
statistics A German physician afirms and
| provas bxr firuraS that half Of tho famala