The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-10-30

devoted friends. They had been compan-
ions from childhood, and Nat had always
been with them. He had dearly loved
Helen as a child, but now, though only
nineteen, he knew he loved with the zone
love of his life." That she reciprocated
his affection he was sure, but it was rather
the love she would have bestowed on a
brother than a lover. In all his dreams of
the future, she was the central figure, and
he hoped to win her in time, even if, like
Jacob of old, he should wait fourteen years
for his "Rachel." The letter he had just
received cheered him greatly. Alas he
was destined to receive tidings that night
which would cause him great pain.
A large dining-room of the Graham
mansion was ablaze with light, but it was
the kitchen which contained the greater
number of jolly boys and girls. In the
oldfashioned fireplace roared and cracked
the huge oak knots, shedding a bright red
dish glow all around. By the fire stood
Nat, holding the handle of a small shovel,
on which he was melting an old pewter
spoon. Betrie Hall held bright tin basin,
and Helen herself stood by, with crimson
cheeks and sparkling eyes, holding key
in her hand. Presently all was ready !:
Nat poured the melted lead through the
top part of the key she held, and as it
dropped into the water, dozen merry
voices cried "What is it, Nellie? Let's
see; oh what does it form?
'Nothing in the world, she answered,
evidently much disappointed.
''Never mind, Nell; it looks like Jumps
of silver, anyway, and guess that means
you'll always be rich," they said to her,
sympathizingly.
It was soon again Helen's turn to try
her fortune She placed the chestnuts on
the fire, naming them silently 1.-TWO ac-
quaintances and stranger), then anxious
ly awaited the result.
As one of the nuts burst open; she cried
gaily: "Oh, my [ wonder if it will be
So"
"Tell us, Helen, who was it Tell US;
you are pleased, we know. Look, girls,
how she's blushing."
II won't tell you, just for that" and
their curiosity remained unsatisfed. until
Iva whispered to enquire, and then she
replied; "Hush don't say wordi it was
Nat |"
Many and varied were the tricks they
tried and having exhausted all of them,
the rooms were cleared for dance, and
old Ben was brought in to play "de dear
ole fiddle for young missus company"
What n lively. old fashioned scene it
was The bevy of bright-eyed, rosy
checked girls, and healthy, fne-looking
boys, dancing around with such real en-
ioyment, and looking so very happy. On
one face only did shadow rest, although
another was not so bright as it had been.
Nat had told Helen Of his letter, and she,
in turn, told him of the one her father had
received. Was it any wonder that the
young man felt a dull pain in his heart, as
he listened to her talk about her coming
ahetrothed" He could not speak of his
own hopes after that, but the sorrow man
ifested In her glorious eyes, and the trem-
bling of the lip, as he told of his journey,
were treasures which he carried with him
forever.
The dance was over, and the company
were standing slightly apart from one
another, when he told her that in all the
besy hours to come, she, in her loVeliness,
would be as abeacon light to attract him to
greater things. She answered that she
hoped he would ever be her more than
friend her dearest brother"
| 1t was just at this interesting moment
that Squire Graham appeared in the door
way-his arm linked in that of a strang-
ers. His benevolent face was beaming
joyously, until his eyes fell upon the droop-
ing lids, pale cheeks and trembling lips of
his daughter, her hands clasped in those
of Nathan Claire, the farmer, whose whole
countenance bespoke the deepest emotion.
Turning hastily towards his companion, he
saw by the smile on his lips and the amused
look in his eyes, that he also understood
the scene. So it was rather sternly that
he called: "Helen!''
She stealthily withdrew her hands, and
went quietly to her father, though her face
flushed fearfully.
"Helen, my daughter, allow me to in
troduce you to Mr.. Stanley. Will, this is
Miss Graham"
Helen curtsied politely, though she
could ill-conceal her surprise, The Squire
laughed almost immoderately at the look
upon her face as he asked:
"Do you think Stanley has dropped out
of the clouds, my dear ?"
"Not exactly" she replied, blushing
more viyidly, as she remembered that he
was her betrothed, aud that he had seen
her and Nat rather lovingly chatting.
"Well, no, it was the most natural thing
in the world. Having business in Rich
mond, Va, he thought he would not come
SO near his old godfather without coming
to see him, and also the place of his birth,
SO he came right on. Now you are here,
my boy" turning to Stanley, 81 trust you
will remain some time Nellie, introduce
him to our pretty girls.
Helen took the proffered arm and full
filed her duty, feeling not little proud Of
the handsome young man. When she
came to Iva, she noticed the look of intense
admiration in his eyes, while he bowed as
to queen Helen left him with Iva,
while she danced the next set with BERTHE
Hall.
She was somewhat surprised when she
noticed that her Uis vis we're Iva and
Will. It was the last dance, and as Helen
was engaged, he had taken Iva, and seemed
exceeding well pleased.
"What lovely pair they make, Nellie
thought. He SO dark, eyes, hair, NOUS
tache and even complexion; she SO fair, her
innocent blue eyes unabashed, though ad-
miration shone plainly in the black orbs
bent upon her.
Soon the adieus were made; the girls
promising one another that each would re-
peat that night on retiring:
81 place my shoes in a fork of tree,
Wishing to know who my true loves to be-"
Nearly one year had passed since that
joyous night spent at Squire Graham's
mansion, when Iva could have been seen
standing at the window of one of the finest
residences in P. What change that
brief space of time had wrought? ? She
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