The Penn's Grove record., 1888-08-11

81 do notl" very Indignantly, add
ing with pretty disdain, ~ would not
do that-how could you think itp"
glancing up with a pair OF lovely, I'M
offended eyes.
"Forgive me,l' said Rodney, for the
second time, any gentle Elsie smiled a
pardon.
seat by the d %.have you forgotten
your old habit Of singing to me just at
dusk?"
mo, mother, 1 have not forgotten"
"Sing something now, please"
urged Elsie, in a pleading tone.
"What shall 1t be-a German songP"
"Oh, yesl' eagerly.
He went to the piano, and, after
striking a few rich chords, commenced
the song in a clear, mellow voice. The
melody was sweet; its tenderness
touched the young girl.
What is itp" she questioned, when
he had finished.
"a simple little love song," he re-
piled, smiling at her. 1.-THE German
students often sing it as a serenade."
From the song he glided into light
anu kIdCtlul SIlttCICJ lloli optluo, CIV
finally the delicious strains of a most
inspiring waltz floated through the dim
room, Lightly the young girl sprang
to her feet, lightly she danced, fitting
around like a fairy in a tire-lit room,
sinking at last into her old cosey chair,
laughing and breathless.
"Thank you for a lovely Dance" she
exclaimed enthusiastically.
And thank you for your lovely
dancing" replied Rodney. "I wish
you were a wave Of the sea, that you
might ever do nothing but that"
A sweet-voiced bell announced the
dinner-hour; the meal that followed
was spiced with merry repartee and
laughter. Then came music again,
and reading and chat; and when the
party separated, Rodney was infatua.
ted with his mothers little ward.
Winter melted into spring; summer
came. Rodney conided to his mother;
he told her he had learned to love her
ward, but both agreed that it would
not be Just to speak of it until Elsie
had seen other men
He crossed the Atlantic, and re-
manned away until late in the fall.
The following winter. Elsie Fletcher,
having completed her studies, entered
society. Her sweet face won her
friends and admirers. Rodney's pro.
tecting care Of her was pretty to see,
although lie did not render 1t conspir
uous.
Mrs. Morton was the only person
who dreamed that the young man felt
anything more than u friendly interest
in the lovely girl. In the ballroom, it
was a hard trial for him to watch Elsie
floating away from hun In another's
arms; he almost wished she had never
learned to dance.
One brilliant afternoon Rodney en-
tered the room where Mrs. Morton was
busy with a bit of fancy work. Elsie
was curled up in u huge chair. reading.
Put away your book, Elsie; the
sleigh will be at the door presently:
will you go with me for a little drivrr'
81 should dearly love tol" jumpa
up. while the color deepened IN her
cheeks, and pleasure beaned from her
brown eyes. MAY l. auntie dear2"
p~ieadingly.
Eyes. 1t would do you good, child"
spray wrap up warmly, it Is ill
tensely cold" advised Rodney, smiling
at her.
81 will. l am not afraid of the
weather, y dancing out of the room.
''Mother," said the young man, seat.
Ing himself, and speaking 50 gravely
that the lady dropped her work and
looked at him, "'contidence is the com-
panion of SUCCESS l feel strangely i'll
need of confidence to-day, for l have
resolved to tell Elsie of my love for
her."
"Rodney, l wish you success with
all my heart" said his mother, color
Ing with emotion.
"Thanks, mother. Do you think she
cares for any one of the young men
who dangle around herr" anxiously.
1.-TWO or three are decidedly eligible.
Elsie would never think of that. how
ever. l cannot be sure, of course, but
she does not appear particularly inter
ested in any Of Them"
Rodney heaved a sigh of relief, then
he SAID in a troubled tone:
Mother, young Geroldson is at
tracted by her; he is considered the
most eligible young bachelor In the
city; did you notice how he followed
her with his eyes when | led her off In
a waltz?"
"Nonsensel | only noticed the ador-
able smile she gave you as you spoke
to her, my boy" replied the lady,
lightly, hardly recognizing her conf
dent son In his present anxious mood.
The door opened and Elsie appeared,
clad completely in sealskln. The rich
dark fur heightened her graceful love-
illness; like a picture she stood, regard.
ing the two with a smile. The care
worn expression left the young mans
pleasant face; his heart throbbed as he
looked at her.
~ am all ready" said the sweet,
bird-like voice, land the sleigh Is at
the door, Rodney"
Mrs. Morton waved an adieu to the
two as they sped off.
"Success to you, my boy" murmured
she. thinking what a splendidly matched
couple they were.
Jingle. Jingle, went the merry bells,
smoothly the pretty sleigh slipped
along.
"NO cloud above, no earth below,
A universe Of SKY and snow
"What a beautiful world this is, ~
exclaimed Elsie. drawing a deep breath
of pleasure.
Rodne; silently agreed with her, as
he glanced at the pure face beside him;
1t had seemed a beautiful world to him
since he had known that 1t held Elsie
Fletcher.
"How brilliant the sunshine ls!' pur-
sued the girl. "Did you ever 60
sleighlng on a finer dayp"
mo, indeed" agreed Rodney.
They entered the park where
EVERY pine and Or and hemloGk
Wore ermine TOO dear for an earl"
"Look at those poor little birds. l
should think they would freeze on that
icy twig," remarked Elsie.
"Sparrows and robins are hardy
creatures" returned Rodney. smiling.
''They do not mind the cold."
"Dear, tiny things!" said the girl,
with ready tenderness.
How lovely she wasl There was a
soft charm in her manner that entirely
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