Connecticut western news., 1886-02-24

danced with a particular rival of Blanche's, who seemed determined to bring him to her feet.
 When at last the party concluded to turn their steps homeward, Harold seized his own particular charge from crowd of hooded and muffled figures and speed fly had her in the sleigh, completely en- veloped in the robes.
 'sNow, sis, remember you are not to move or hardly speak on the way home, else you will be laid up with an awful cold and have red nose, and then you can not see your dear Fred when he ar rives tomorrow. After dancing so much and eating warm supper you must be doubly careful, and if I hear sneeze, home you go for the rest of the winter, my child;" which cheerful remarks he emphasized by gentle shaking.
 'You need not be absolutely dumb. Just nod your head to signify your ap- proval of my remarks. Did you have good time9"
 A perceptible moving back and forth was his answer
 "Yes, every one had splendid time, myself in particular. I entertained my self watching Douglass play the clown for Miss Leslie's amusement. He did it to perfection. By George, I should have thought so many sweet smiles would have made her sick. Shows how much woman can stand when she makes up her mind to it, and I suppose her mind is made up, don't youa"
 A decided negative is indicated by his companions movements.
 'Humph! firmly believe she intends to marry Softhead (his own name for young Douglass) sooner or later, probably sooner. Why don't you think she does, sis2 You can unloosen that shawl or scarf, or whatever it is, enough to let me hear the sound of your voice. I'm getting lonesome. What did you say?"
 ''I don't think Blanche likes MT. Douglass very we'll, was the barely audi ble reply.
 'The deuce you don'tl O, we'll! but you are mistaken, I know. Don't she show him all sorts of favors, dancing with him repeatedly, even giving him the dance she used to always give to me and that should have enjoyed so much to-night2"
 ''Did you ask her for it2" murmured the figure at his side.
 '.Ask her for it9 Not I. Though, to tell the truth, Nellie, was awfully tempted to. If she had vouchsafed me one friendly glance would undoubtedly have made fool of myself"
 Some violent emotion seemed to be agitating his companion, and her strug gles attracted the attention of MT. Grey stone; he shook her vehemently.
 'Now, Nellie, I positively forbid you taking off single shawl" and he at tempted to readjust her wraps, but the lady resisted his well-intended efforts and in trice had torn the veil from her face and displayed to his astonished gaze the laughing countenance of Blanche Leslie.
 ''Pray, go on with your remarks, MT. Greystone. Your style, though a little peculiar, is nevertheless highly entertain ing. I don't know when have enjoyed a ride so much. Aren't you afraid we shall upset if we don't keep to the road2" for the horse was following it's own sweet will and meandering along the roadside in an aimless fashion, while his driver stared at his companion in utter amaze ment.
 -utter-idiot have been," his power of speech coming back to him by jerks. "Where is Nellie, and how on earth did you get here, Blanche2"
 70, Nellie wanted to ride home with the load-I think she was tired of your company, sir-and I hadn't the heart to refuse her when she wanted me to take her place."
 "And you have been listening to all my idiotic talk! What must you think of me Can you ever forgive me for the way I have talked, and," laying his hand on her arm, ''tell me, Blanche, that you loathe and despise that fellow Douglass"
 "But do not loathe and despise Mir. Douglass. On the contrary, consider him one of the pleasantest young men know. But what do you want to talk of MT. Douglass fora Are you so infatuated with him that you cannot talk of anything else2"
 'I infatuated with him I heartily de- test the man. I wanted to knock him down every time he looked at you to- night Blanche, darling," slipping his arm adroitly around her waist, 'tell me, do you care even little for mel Are you perfectly indifferent to me, when I have worshiped you all my life2"
 'It would serve you right if hated you, and I don't see why I don't, after the way you have treated me-never to come near me or speak to me at all" with most reproachful glance.
 ''But you don't hate me, do you | Blanche?"
 | 'No-I don't" she confessed. Mir. Greystone's horse Jagged in most unaccountable fashion the last half of the way home, but everything must have been very harmonious, for the first time MT. Greystone met MT, Douglass, he hailed him with such hearty good humor as tc fill that gentleman with wonder, and he marveled greatly what had come over that gruff fellow, Greystone. ''By love, he never used to hardly speak to a fellow