Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-06-24
Calls aud Sketthes.
SLIGHTLY MIXED.

"
through the keen. frosty air. as sleigh
load after sleighload drive away from 8
brightly-lit mansion, until the street seems
filled with the dashing sleighing party.
One. a small shell-.ike creation, drawn
by single black horse. leads the party. Its
occupants are Mr.. Harold Graystone and
his sister, Nellie. Mr.. Greystone, after
wrapping his sister in the fur robes, de-
votes himself to putting his horse at q
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 exuberent 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 couu-
tenance is overcast. His heavy. black
Drows are drawn together. and in spite OF
the sweeping moustache, one can note the
firm expression 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 work
of time to turn her sufficiently to see his
face. Noting his expression, she began
the horse too fast? See, the others are
away behind"
We will arrive all the sooner for sup.
per, sis, was the reply.
20. well, but the oysters are not pu,
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. FITS great wonder
he would consent to drive load. How
ever, if my Lady Blanch wanted to go in
the load he would not object. It's mys-
terry to me how as sensible 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. G'lang,
Jim slapping the horse savagely with
the reins.
Harold, did you ask Blanche to 60
with you?"
mo. by Jove. l didn't. I'm not quite
such fool as that. MY Lady Blanche
will find that she cannot twist every one
around her finger like Douglass"
81 don't think you need be so hard on
Blanche. She isn't crazy after rich peo-
pie at all. We are rich, and Pm 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 every one likes him, if
he is little soft. But Blanche isn't the
least bit in love with him.
mo, not in love with him, but his
pocketbook. | never supposed she was
in love with him."
''Haro!d Greystone, am ashamed of
you. You know there isn't word of
truth in what you say. There, am glad
we have got there at last. feel chilly in
spite of wraps
Harold lifted his charge from his sleigh
and placed her on the steps of the hotel.
where the party have planned dance, to
be followed by an oyster supper. The
other sleight 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 smiling
ly accepting the attentions offered by
vonng Douglass rendered the evening
anything but pleasant to him. 1t is true
NC iitt't llO llSuI ~
Nellie was right when she said his own
pride had erected the barrier between
them. The fact that while Miss Leslies
parents are grown 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 wholly forgotten the
old days when they were on equal footing
and, no doubt, she was ashamed to re
member 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 a great deal more ran
through his head as he galy talked and
danced with particular rival of Blanche's,
who seemed determined to bring him 10
her feet
When at last the party concluded to turn
their steps homeward, Harold seized
bis own particular charge from a crowd
Of hooded and muffled figures, and speed
lily had her in the sleigh, completely en-
veloped 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 ar
rives tomorrow. After dancing so much
and eating warm supper, you must be
doublv careful, and it hear a sneeze,
home you stay for the rest of the winter,
my child" which cheerful remarks he
emphasized by a gentle shaking.
You need not be absolutely dumb
just nod your head to signify your APP
prevail of my remarks. Did you have a
good timer"
A perceptible moving back and forth
was his answer.
"Yes, every one had splendid time.
myself in particular. ! entertained my
self watching Douglass play the clown to
Miss Leslie's amusement. He did it to
perfection. BY George, | should have
thought so many sweet smiles would have
made her sick. Shows how much a
woman can stand when she makes up her
mind to it. and | suppose her mind is
made up. don't you?
A decided negative is indicated by his
companions movements.
Bump! | firmly believe she intends
to marry Softhead (his own name for
young Douglass) sooner or later. proba-
bly, sooner. Why don't you think she
does, sis? You can unloosen that shawl
or scarf. or whatever it is, enough to let
me hear the sound of your voice. I'm get
ting lonesome. What did you say ?"
81 don't think Blanche likes Mr.. Doug