St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-06-20

three years ago. AS put my arm around
her waist for the opening waltz, why I
wouldn't have changed my lot for that of
the proudest king on earth.
Oh, that was dance to recall afterwards,
when riding the dreary rounds. night-herd-
ing bunch of wild range cattle in driZ-
Zling rain.
l even remember somewhat ford but
earnest compliment paid her as we were
whirling about in perfect time to the de-
licious music. How these details do crowd
in on ones memory when once he gives it
the sway. 1t was something about if an
gels were permitted to appear on earth, she,
in her flowing, white drapery, might BIZ
easily mistaken tor one of their number.
Foolish, of course. I'll admit that, bus
she knew that the feeling which
prompted it was sincere. And
then she looked up at me with her big black
eyes and murmured softly, so low indeed
that the dying strains of 1.-The Beautiful
Blue Danube''-the waltz is old-fashioned
now, learn-almost drowned her whisper,
''You mustn't be silly" But I knew
by the slight squeeze which she gave my
hand that there were times when Stiffness
was acceptable. And then to think that an
evening which began so charmingly should
have such an outcome! It's the way of the
world, suppose, OF at least the feminine
portion of it.
The program is little faded, but there is
her name written by herself. L remem-
Der telling her with bantering gallantry,
that there was no necessity for
writing it down when it was craven on my
heart. And then her retort that my heart
must indeed be hard to require the graver's
tools to make an impression upon it. She
was quick at repartee in those days. I
wonder if she retains her brilliancy. But
she could be ceyly tender, too, for when 7
rejoined that my heart should not be a mys-
terry to her since it had been long in her
keeping. she shyly glanced up at me-we
were sitting in dimly-lighted alcove of
the conservatory-and replied that I
oughtn't to mind the loss since had received
one in exchange.
Then it was that she reached up to write
her name on the program which was at
tached to the lapel of my coat. How, like
a flash, it all happened, and how, like a
flash, it stands clearly out against the dark
ness of those years.
Her face was in dangerous proximity
to mine, and well, kissed her.
Nor did she seem greatly surprised or
offended at my audacity. 1 rather think
she expected 1t and not unwlllingly. I
supposed then she understood we were
bound to each other even if the arrival of
her next partner, that STRAIGHTFORWARD West
Pointer prevented for the nonce any
further exchange of condolences. Isuppose
1 was absurdly jealous of the way she
looked at him and the rapturous greeting
she gave him. How was 1 to know that
he who only arrived that evening was
simply childhood friend?
l suppose, too, almost any girl of spirit
would have resented the indignant re-
proaches heaped upon her, when at last
[ had her to myself in the interval of a
dance. [ suppose, too, the haughtiiy re-
fused explanation and the summary dis
missal, were natural consequences of my
jealous accusations, but l was too hot
headed then to be reasonable.
And does not to-night's wedding prove
that she was only playing with me?
Perhaps If | had not been so hasty in
again it might have come out right After
that we were both too proud to write. Per
haps -; but what is the use of imagining?
Her marriage ends all that
l was fool to suppose that returning
after three years absence would still
find her single and disposed to forget and
forgive. 1 think on the whole won't 90
to her wedding.
Perhaps it would do as well instead to
send her the program with, between its
lieves, the faded sprig of forget-me-not-
she gave it me from the fragrant corsage
bouquet had sent her that evening. And
so these are her wedding cards, still in their
envelope?
Courteous that even don't know the name
of the man she is to marry. Well, that's a
mystery soon solved. whats this?n
There is a mistake somew h ere. This IL
not tie name written three years ago on
the dance program. 1t is that of her older
sister whom l thought long ago married.
And so the dear old mother-bless her
heart!- thought l was in love with the elder
when she so tenderly told me of the mar
rage. And l supposed she was meant.
what fools these mortals be'-of course
she will be one of the bridesmaids: but she
will surely look no more angelic than sbe
did that June night so long ago. Pride
may go to the deuce. will 60 to the wed.
ding tonight.
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