The Penn's Grove record., 1886-01-23

Lady Nugent's maid give the finishing
touches to her dress.
At the foot of the stairs she found
Walter awaiting her, with a peace Of
fering in the shape OF a bouquet of
flowers.
II say, Miss Bellairs. you didn't
mind last night, did your" he asked,
systematically. 81 hope you'll wear
these tonight, he added, rendering
the flowers.
THANK you, Walter; you are very
kind. was wishing for some flowers;
those l had in the morning looked Sc
dropping"
"That's all right, then" he said, his
face clearing. "Come along-they are
just going to begin dancing; and you'll
dance this set with me, won't youPn
81 claim that honor, Master Walter, u
said a voice at his elbow, and Mr.. Eve
Ign, who had been her partner in the
morning, offered his services.
II will dance the next with you, if !
can, Walter" said Ninette, moving
away.
The next was Captain Nugent's
dance. Alas for Walterl He got no
dance with her that evening, and MIN
cite was too happy to think of him.
"What a lovely little creature Miss
Bellairs is, motherl" said Archer, as
lie stood by Lady N%ugent's chair watch
ing the dancers, "She is by far the
prettiest girl here"
Eyes, " returned her ladyship. smll-
ing, $50 your father says"
'If l were not obliged to return to.
morrow, l should ask you TO keep her
for a little while.
"You will stand a much better chance
of seeing her in town" said his mother
with al arch glance. "She Is going to
visit her aunt, Lady Sumner"
81 have treated Sir March very shah.
billy of late; l will repair my neglect
Immediately, laughed Archer. "Aud
now | will leave you, for see Evelyn's
dance is concluded and the next is
mine"
II say, Arch, isn't BERTHE Evelyn
spoons?" whispered Walter, waylaying
his brother as he crossed the room.
"You are jealous of Evelyn's nous,
tache, Walter, =" SAID his brother lightly.
son whom is he spoons as you call
it?n
why, Miss Bellairs! He's awfully
struck, any one can see; and, Arch
he added, as his brother was moving
away. 81 believe she's frightened"
"Frightenedp"
Eyes. she is such a shy little being,
you know. Kate always called her
little Simplicity.tD
Another moment brought Archer to
Ninette's side.
sit is my turn now, Evelyn" he
said. Miss Bellalrs, will you allow
me to take you away?"
She s quickly and placed her hand
on his arm. "If you would not mind
if 1 might be excused this dancer"
"Just what 1 was gong to propose,
Miss BelIairs, " answered Archer, look
ing at the flushed face and timid eyes
raised to his. "There are several people
out on the terrace, and the night is
beautifully warm. l do not think you
would take cold If you let me wrap this
cloak round you. Would you like
that?"
"Oh yes, if you please" she agreed,
eagerly.
"You looked just Iow as il s1me-
thing had annoyed you," he said, as
they sauntered up and down in the
moonlight.
"Did II Oh no, it was only-I mean
please don't ask met really was
uothIng,n she returned, with em>ar-
rassment.
81 am so sorry I must leave Abbot's
Home Tomorrow" he said, changing
the conversation. 81 should like to have
some rides with you"
81 cannot ride"
"Then l should have petitioned for
the double pleasure Of teaching you.
You would not be afraldHn
"Oh no-at least 1 do not think l
should, she replied, with a blush and
"But are you obliged to return
to town tomorrow? How disappointed
Lady Nugent will BEL"
81 should have been more so, but
that my mother tells me you are COM
ing to London to stay with Lady sum-
ner; 80 l hope often to have the plea
sure of seeing you"
Another bright blush came for an
sweT.
"You are not tiredS"
"Oh no."
"How lovely that cedar looks in this
soft light l watched you for a long
time last night from under it's shadow"
Eyes, 1 saw YOU"
"And 7 heard you, also;" then, after
a silence. "Do you think it is part OF
duty to obey Miss Bellairs?"
"Yes," answered Ninette, softly.
"You must trust where you love; and l
feel sure | should never be asked to
obey If it were not for my happiness"
II think you ought to be loved very
dearly" said Archer, gazing admitting
ly into the pretty earnest face.
"Whyln she asked, childlike.
But he spoiled all by his answer.
because you are 80 lovelyI'
Timid, startled Ninettel She feared
a repetition of Berthe Eyelyn's foolish
nonsense. 'Please take me in" she said
eagerly. ~ am afraid | shall be want
ed to dance again."
Captain Archer saw his mistake. 81
beg your pardon" he said, leading her
back to the drawing-room. "Will you
dance. or shall l find you seat near
my motherP"
son yes, if you will, would rather
With a grave bow be left her-and it
was long before they met again.
Ninette seated herself by her aunt's
side. her thoughts far away from the
gay scene, and refused all offers to
dance, while she watched the door
81 have a presentiment that
he will come, " she said TO herself, sand
then | shall hear why he never came to
see us. l wish we were out of this
crowded London; we always TO
miss the people we want to meet and
meet those we wish to avoid" she ad-
ded. seeing Lord singleton approaching
Ninette excused herself from dancing
and he turned away to seek another
partner.
"You arc making yourself very con-
spicuous, Ninette," whispered her
aunt. 81 insist on your dancing the
next dance.'
There was no help for it., Ninette was
Obliged to comply, and Colonel st.