Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1886-05-06


But it isn't II yet and we shall be but
short time in the salocn'
But" persisted Horace, Il assure you
Miss Paxton, that you must excuse me
very soon. / am to meet
"Oh. do come" said Miss Paxton, who
had taken a few steps nearer the door OF
the restaurant. I'VE shall have plenty OF
time
Yes" said Miss Willard, hurrying after
her. you wouldn't be so ungallant,
Mr.. Brand, as TO refuse Us just few min
utes!"
Miss Paxton opened the door, and the
two Girls went in. Neither of them turn
ed after they entered the saloon, and Hor-
ace remained on the sidewalk in far great
er perplexity than ever in the course Of
his 10 wears he had found himself. What
sbouId he do? What could he do? To
neglect his appointment was not TO be
thought of. But II o'clock was striking
then, and he could not be in two places at
once. Should he leave these ladies unpro-
tectedy
Then followed feeling Of Indignation.
He had fulfilled every obligation to them.
Through all his Difference to them, and
his strong desire to do his utmost in the
way of attention, his sense of right as
serted itself, and he was keenly conscious
that their treatment of him was not sim
ply very unladylike, but absolutely very
rude.
Just then, TO his indispensable relief,
the coachman of his uncle who lived in
town, an old servant, tried and trusted
for twenty years, passed him. He quick
w called the man, and, after few hasty
words and an anxious glance at his watch
sped away as fast as his feet could carry
him,
"Three creams mixed" Miss Paxton
gave her order, and the young ladies sat
down. surprised that Horace had not fol
lowed them.
He seems in great hurry toget away
said Miss Willard. Perhaps we Ough not
TO have kept him
Nonsense! Who ever heard of a young
fellow behaving so before! It's positively
rude in him.
One or two ladies with their escorts
were just leaving the saloon, and the
young women found their glances of evil
dent surprise somewhat embarrassing.
Miss Paxton and Miss Willard were now
the only females left except the walters.
A few tables away was a somewhat merry
party of young men, who appeared to be
long to the gayer class of college students.
They were evidently.a little excited by
wine, and their remarks were easily over
heard by the girls, as they became more
and more surprised and alarmed at the
non-appearance of Horace.
Pretty girls, eh2'
Yes; blue eyes for me-
NO, black | say
"BlEe! Bluew cried another. Sing
now and in n voice sufficiently loud to
be heard by the girls he sang;
The bright black eye the melting blue
cannot choose between the two
How's the rest Of that, Tom? All yes
But that is the dearest all the while,
Which wears for me the sweetest smile
"Ah-h-h-h"
The singer laid his hand upon his heart
and rolled his eyes in manner that made
his companions roar with laughter.
Ladies'" he said rising and approach
ing them with champagne glass in his
hand, do me the honor--to still further
brighten the sparkle of your eyes,"
Miss Marian was pale with fright, while
her cousin covered her face with her hand
kerchief and shrank back into corner.
stop, Varne," cried one of his friends,
as he sprang TO his feet, and drew him
back. You are forgetting yourself"
Am T." he cried oonfusedly. "Well, |
beg pardon I'm sure. | shan't soon for
get you, ladies' bowling low to them.
The others at once took his arms, and
led him out one delaying to apologize IN
a manner which showed him a gentleman
pity that gentleman should SO disguise
themselves.
No one was left in the room but the two
frightened girls They merely tasted of
their creams; they were now So much
disturbed that they had no appetite left
for them. As they passed out the cashier
who took their money started curiously at
them.
II had been but few minutes since
they left Horace, and both cherished the
hope that he might be waiting outside.
Miss Marian had scorching words and
glances in readiness for him. but there
was no opportunity for thus venting her
outraged feelings upon her delinquent
escort.
The bright moonlight cast black shad-
ows into the quiet streets as, tightly
clasping each other, with quick foot
steps and beating hearts, they turned
homeward They started and with diff
Guilty repressGd scream of terror at the
sight of a man standing in the recess of
a window rs they passed along.
II do believe he's following us, eX-
claimed Miss Willard, looking back. The
other looked and saw the figure was com
ing after them. Yes he is! Hurry, EN-
They FASTENED ON and were now almost
out of breath, If they turned their heads
they saw the figure of the man following
ON. At last exhausted and half fainting,
they gained the piazza of their aunt's
house. The pursuer came near and stood
watching them until the door closed,
When they looked again from the win
dow of their room he was not 10 be seen.
There the rude fellow is now" ex-
claimed Emily, as, seated mt the window
the next morning, she saw Horace open
ing the gate
Coming to apologize, l suppose" said
Marian tossing her head. He might as
well have spared himself the trouble. IN
accept no apologies from him, you may
bo sure OF course we refuse 20 see him.
She turned away in dignijed anger as
he raised his hat upon perCeiyinp her. No