Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-05-20
SLIGHTLY MIXED.

SIlGHIL1 MlAED.
bright moonlight night and a gay
party. Peals of laughter in all keys float
through the keen frosty air as sleigh load
after sleigh load drive away from a bright
ly lit mansion, until the street seems
filled with the dashing sleighing party.
One, a small, shell-like creation drawn
by single black horse, leads the party.
Its occupants are Mr.. Herald GreystOne
and his sister, Miss Nellie. Mr.. GreystOne,
after wrapping his sister in the fur robes,
devotes himself to putting his horse at a
speed that promises to leave the remain
der of the party in the distance. For
some reason Mr.. Greystone does not seem
to share the exuberant spirits of the rest
of the party. On the contrary he seems
good deal put out, to say the least, and
his usually good-humored cOuntenance is
overcast. His heavy black brows are
drawn together, and, in spite of the sweep
ing mustache, one can note the firm ex-
preston that turks around the mouth.
Altogether he looks very grim, Miss
Nellie thinks, as she turns herself and
surveys him.
She is very small herself, and being
buried to the chin in wraps, it is a work
of time to turn her head sufficiently to see
his face. Noting his expression, she began
cautiously:
"Harold, aren't you driving the horse
too fast? See, the others are away be-
hind"
eve will arrive all the sooner for supper,
Sis" was the reply.
90, well, but the oysters are not put on
to cook yet, so we needn't hurry on that
score"
Harold reluctantly pulled up his horse
little, and looking back he growled:
"That fool, Douglass, will dawdle
enough for the whole party. It's great
wonder he would consent to drive a load.
However, if my lady Blanche wanted to
go in the load, he would not object. It's
a mystery to me how as sensible a girl as
Blanche Leslie can tolerate such an idiot
in her presence. But, pshaw, there is no
mystery about it. If fellow has full
purse it makes no difference whether he
possesses any brains or not. Glang jim,
slapping the horse savagely with the
reins.
"Harold, did you ask Blanche to go
with your"
"No, by Jove, 1 didn't, am not quite
such a fool as that. My Lady Blanche
will find that she cannot twist everybody
around her finger like Douglass"
"I don't think you need be so hard on
Blanche. She isn't crazy after rich peo-
pie at all. We are not rich, and I'm sure
she is always goodness itself, though you
do put on awful airs and treat her like
she was the veriest stranger. As for Mr..
Douglass, almost everyone likes him, if
he is a little soft. But Blunche isn't the
least bit in love with him."
mo, not in love with him, but his
~ I cd no
in love with him."
"Harold Greystone, I'm ashamed of
you. You know there isn't a word of
truth in what you say. There, am glad
we have got there at last. l feel chilly in
spite of wraps"
Harold lifted his charge from the sleigh
and placed her on the steps of the hotel,
where the party have planned a dance, to
be followed by an oyster supper. The
other sleighs drove up, and directly the
hotel is alive with the merry party. The
evening is heartily enjoyed by all, with
the exception, perhaps, of Harold Grey
stone. The sight of Miss Leslie smilingly
accepting the attentions offered by young
Douglass rendered the evening anything
but pleasant to him. It is true he had no
right to complain.
Nellie was right when she said his own
pride had erected the barrier between
them The fact that while Miss Leslie's
parents are growing weather. within late
years, his own had grown poorer, was
obstacle enough to Harold. He did not
fancy the name of fortune hunter. He
told himself she had totally forgotten the
old days when they were on an equal foot
ing and, no doubt, she was ashamed 30
remember her preference for himself.
But he would not presume on that now.
Douglass might win her, and he would not
lay straw in his way.
All this and great deal more ran
through his head as he gayly talked and
danced with 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 a crowd of
hooded and muffied figures and speedily
had her in the sleigh, completely enyelo-
ped in the robes.
Now, 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 a red nose, and then you cannot
see your dear Fred when he arrives to-
morrow. After dancing so much and
eating warm supper you must be doubly
careful, aud If | hear a sneeze, home you
stay for the rest of the winter, my child; -
which cheerful remarks he emphasized by
gentle shaking.
HYou need not be absolutely dumb.
Just nod your head to signify your APP
proval of my remarks. DID you have a
good timer"