The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1886-03-26

How full the Row is this afternoon"
saws Mrs. Neville. genially, who has
made the same remark to all the others
straight through
lis it," says Captain SaumareZ, the
newcomer. Really, l dare say; but
once had caught sight of your unap-
proachable ponies | could see nothing
else. II seems too much luck TO meet
YOU this afternoon with the certainty
of meeting you again this evening.
Thanks so much Tor the card; May L
venture to hope for one dance tonight.
Miss Neville?-or do l, as usual, ask
too lateI"
Quite too late. Every dance is prom
ised."
She barely looks at him as she speaks.
What all, dHP l am indeed un-
fortunate-there is no denying thatl Is
there nobody you could throw over to
give me even one poor dance"
Il never throw over my partners,
saws Miss Neville. distinctly; my con-
science is opposed to that, and will not
allow me to break my word-once
given" -.... .. -...
ance-I remember one partner igno-
miniously consigned to the background
for no particular reason" replies he,
meaningly.
DO you?" innocently. MY memory
is not my strong point, so L shall not
from the violet eyes-"I think L may
take upon myself to say that you are
wrong when you say there was no par
ticular reason for my so acting"
Unless caprice be reason" retOrts
he. 5aying it in quite low tone.
Il do not understand yOu," says Miss
Neville, with some haughtiness of look
and manner; nor do desire to do So"
"''Tis folly to remember" quotes
he from a song she herself is in the
habit of singing, and with short, un-
mirthful laugh. You are right. To
encourage forgetfulness should be one
of our greatest aims. But to return to
our first discussion. | am indeed the
unhappiest of men. Is there no hope
that you will change your mind, and let
me live in the expectation of being Ia
vored with one waltz"
Il can offer you no such hope" re-
turns she, with so much pointed de-
cision in her voice and expression that
SaumaTeZ, turning sharply on his heel,
takes off his hat with a frOwning bow
and a somewhat vindictive glance, and
next the minute has disappeared among
the crowd.
There is a slight but perceptible pause
after he has gone. The other men have
melted away before this, and only Pen
ruddOck remains.
Il hardly think l shah stay on for
your dance" he says, presently, with
some hesitation, looking disappointed,
and speaking in a very detected tone
That little bit of information just
given by Miss Neville to the effect that
all her dances were disposed of has
checked his arJior for the Audley Street
small and early" and has. in fact, re-
duCed him to u state that borders on de-
spair.
About week ago, Miss Neville had
almost promised him a waltz as to this
a III l,sa.a
by this time forgotten all about such
promise, and has given the waltz in
question to some more favored individ-
1al.
MY dear child. why not?" asks Mrs.
Neville. kindly, struck by the sudden
melancholy of his appearance. Il do
hope my dear Dick YOU are not given
to mOping. SO many young men NOPE
nowadays. believe they call it by
finer name, but it really comes to the
same thing. Now, why won't you stay
on for my dance tO-night?"
1T sounds rude and it is rude" con-
fesses Mr.. Penruddock. with some con-
triton; but the fact is, | know |
shouldn't enjoy it-I-couldn't stand
it." says Dick, with areproachful glance
at Beauty. who sits apparently careless
and unmOved, looking before her.
But at this moment Miss Neville sees
fit to join in the conversation.
She turns her head slowly, and letting
her handsome eyes meet Penruddock s,
chains him to the spot by the very pow
er of her beauty.
Then | suppose | am at liberty to
give away that third waltz that prom
ised you at Lady RyecrOft's?" she asks,
slowly, without removing her gaze.
You remember it? l thought per
haps yOu had forgotten" says Penrud-
dock, eagerly. NO, do not give it away.
Dear Mrs. Neville, do not think me um-
stable, or tickle, or anything that way,
but the fact is. nothing on earth should
keep me from your dance tonight"
He flushes a dark red. laughs little,
raises his hat. and, as though unable
longer to endure the rather mischievous
smile in Miss Neville's blue eyes, beats
a haSty retreat
He is dear bOy,-quite charming
says Mrs. Neville, who is feeling puz-
Zled, but certainly a little vague. So
very unlike his father, who was the
most unpleasantly matteT-of-fact per
son | ever met. What were YOU saving
/ to Captain SaumareZ, Maudie? L saw
[ that you were talking TO him, but you
| did not seem very genial, either OF
you"
"He is very distasteful to me-" says
! Maud. quickly. Il don't know what il
! is auntie, but feel a horTOT-a hatred
! of that man. His manner toward me
D
/ he would compel me. against my will
I to be civil to him. and [ never shall,T
concludes Miss Neville, between heI
little white, even teeth.
Il don't think care much about him
| myself" says Mrs. Neville. He al
WAYS seems to me to be something oi
an adventurer; and, besides. he is q
friend of all the Penruddocks, and, ex.
cept Dick / never liked any of them
/ Not that he is much of a friend there
/ either. as he never speaks of them. and
even if drawn into conversation about
! Dicks father, as rule says something
disparaging But he has money and is
received everywhere. and / really think
my dear child, he is very devoted tC
I YOU"
"Oh. do not. pray, try to make hin
even more detestable in my sight thar
he is already" says Maud. with s'Iiyel
that may mean disgust. ...
"Oh, no. OF course | meant nothing
And he is the last man that | shoulC
care to see you married to. But som,
time YOU must make a selection-yOI
/ can but know that-and. / am alWay
thinking for you, indeed / am. Dicl
Penruddock is very much in love witt
you, | really believe, though you alway
deny it,"
Il deny it because / think he is not
| hope with all my heart and soul tina
he is not" says Maud, with sudden am
unlOOked-fOT energy.
All the color has fled from her cheeks
and her lips tremble slightly.
Well my dear, perhaps so. | own
am stupid says Mrs. Neville, who
though the best and kindest of women
is certainly in no danger of setting tn
Thames on fire with her cleverness
Though | can't see why You sh0ul
dislike the idea so much. He is quit
charming in my opinion. and so hand
some. Then there is Lord Strettor