The Penn's Grove record., 1886-10-23

to do SOP and is it not best that L go
away?"
mo, no, a thousand times no."
Mrs. Dorman said vehemently. ii
knew you were coming, knows you are
here, and would know why you went
away. 1 told him this morning you
would be here"
"And he said2"
Greatly l can't remember that he
uttered a word, looking at me a little
oddly. 1 remember now of hearing
him ask Mr. Dorman after that, If the
'Milbrook' people were at home, wanted
to go over there for a little stay, but
the house is closed, all abroad" Mrs.
Dorman rose and said: ''Yhy not put
this off for a fortnight? it was all SO
long ago. Alec's very charming, quite
the choice man in u collection, but
I'll send him away rather than WORRY
you"
mo, no." Miss Styles expostulated.
"Wel1, then I won't, but l must
keep you. About tomorrow, let 1t
and Alec shift for themselves"
The explanation which Miss Styles
had Just given her friend had not been
NOuClSdl6u W LILO LAhAAO-G AOAOhoAhS
world two years ago, when it became
known there that DIR. Thornton had
suddenly left town, and the news grad
ually spread abroad that his engage
ment with his beautiful cousin was at
an end.
To be sure, the young woman de-
clared with charming naivete that she
had been Tilted, but none thought she
meant to be believed, and though she
lost her roses she was gayer and more
charming than ever, having during the
following season a pair of counts at
her feet.
Mary Styles now no longer posed for
the blushing maiden. She was begin
ming, so jealous mammas declared, ITO
change her pink roses for saffron ones,
and would sooD hang to the charmed
and charming circle by the eye-lids,
since her handsome blue eyes were the
only feature time was leaving her I'M
impaired"
The women voted her horribly passe,
the men-loved her still, called her a
miracle of loneliness, but 10 coldi To-
night she had arrived at Z O'Clock for a
fortnight's stay with her old friend and
schoolmate, Mrs. Dorman.
There were several guests already
assembled around the table when Miss
Styles entered the breakfast DON next
morning and was assigned a place
between Mrs. Dorman's ~16-year-old
daughter and an old friend. Mr.. Trip
lett. A few rntroductions to those
immediatel, 9out her followed.
''Miss Sly les," Grace Dorman began,
after a short space given to greeting
and the weather, II was taking the
views of the company when you came
In regarding their trimmings. Mr..
Trlplett objects to blue thistle for his
plate decoration. If you know him, as
l see you do. you will testify he could
not be more appropriately trimmed"
Miss Styles handsome eyes, which
matched her dress in color, were raised
to her neighbours face as she said, smil-
ing:
81 must consult a floral album before
venturing to commit myself, and shall
hope to find a compliment in my own
surroundings" she said, taking up two
Of the morning glories scattered about
her plate. GLOW beautiful and how
pitiful that things so lovely should be
so short-lived. THE good die hrst,' F"
she quoted.
but they whose hearts are only as
summers dust burn to the socket"
Miss Dorman continued. 81 prefer a
sprinkle of dust, and will flicker awhile
in my candlestick, thank you. So, on
reflection, though l was inclined to
feel jealous at first, you are welcome
TO the fragile compliment your vis-a-vis
has paid your appearance this morn
ing"
Miss Styles raised her eyes and met
those of a gentleman who was just
taking a place opposite her-Dr. Alec
Thornton.
81 am flattered to have remained
amongst DR.. Thornton's memories"
Miss Styles said, bowling In acknowl-
edgement of that gentleman'5 greeting.
"Neyer having seen you," Miss
Dorman went on, 81 had to call on
another genius who had, though after
all he would only ba general, and Sc
lected what would suit any BELLE"
wasn't that it, doctora Fair and
fckle' he says they are" she added,
much surprised at the expression she
saw on DR.. Thornton's face and not In
the least understanding it.
Miss Styles turned to the gentleman
at her side. and took up the flowers
again as she said:
"At least we are charming while we
last, and If too much sunshine is fatal
the weakness is human. Wherc is the
man who can endure unlimited pros
p~erity?"
"Glve the figure a sentimental turn"
the gentleman suggested, ''and for
prosperity read affection, the morning
glory illustration is not happy"
81 shall certainly claim thick clouds
and rainy weather at once, and my
glory will thrive the better. The
closer analysis develops new charms"
the young lady continued. "and l feel
myself indebted to DR.. Thornton for
the compliment he has paid my woman
ly nature"
That gentlemen bowed again as he
said, ''They r beautiful, certainly,
but unenduring. despite your inge-
NOUS argument"
"Fraglle is a better word" and the
yOuhS haAJ PhiAO0 low DiNN DCAAo az
her throat.
"VIolets would suit you perfectly,
Miss Styles" Grace Dorman said,
suddenly, '.just match your eyes. DR.,
Thornton, why didn't you tell me vio-
letsl" she said, r~eproaehfully.
81 dislike Them" the gentleman
said, shortly, as for an Instant his eyes
met those OF Mary Styles.
"And with me they are favorite
lowers" the young lady lifted a locket
which hung on her chain as she spoke,
touching a spring, displaying four little
pale faces in the case.
"You should wear really violet ones"
Miss Dorman said. taking the locket,
these are white"
Eyes, and old. A charm against
fever" she added. laughing gently,
mot woraced /their beauty now"; as
she s~pokeheeI glass case dropped from
its place Gd the four little heads fell
on the cloth, crumbling to powder.
"No matter, / assure you," Miss
Styles FASTENED to reply to Mrs. Dor
mans exclamation. 81 no longer need
them hone DIR. Thornton - she