The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1888-08-18

III liIS S6Clu3lDI OI npr OVID nome
her pent up agitation fourd vent in
tears Of Mingled grief, indignation
aud bewilderment.
In the midst of her distress came
the recollection of a social engage.
ment. 1t was to spend the afternoon
and take tea with a friend, Ben to
follow at 6 O'Clock.
I'm 90 {" she exclaimed to herself
"and plI tell Mrs. Ives all about it,
and ask her advice"
Being already sufficiently dressed
for the 12casiNn, which was to he
gathering Of three or four young mar
riei couples, Annie Clement quickly
dried her eyes, powdered her cheeks,
aud s8liied forts.
a short walk hrou.sfit Ierto the
residence nf Marion Ives, and Mr..
Clement was warmly greeted by a
woman who like herself, was yuun%
and handsome and who, unlike her
self just at that moment. was happy
Wife.
GOA. my dear Annie ~ exclaimed
Ms. Ives, chow late you are, ALrs.
Smith and Mrs. Gibbs have been
here for more than an. hour, and we
have been iust expiring with impa-
tieuce waiting for you"
"Are you not we'll >" asked Mrs,
Ives, tendprly, quick to discern soma
thing was wrong.
"Oh, yea, but little tired" re-
Piled Mrs, Ciement, who cOUid not
muster the courage to diyulge her
trouble.
She removed her wraps, followed
her hostess into the parIor, and with
simulated gayety joined in a lively
chat that was going on. But there
was a constant struggle between the
weight Of oppression on her heart
and the determination to fulfill for
the time being her social obligations.
Thus passed the time until the hour
for tea arrived and the husbands ap-
peared. There also came Mr.. and
Mrs. Fazen, another young married
couple, the latter having been delay
ed by a call. "And it finally became
so late that | waited for Dick" said
Mrs. Hazen, land so here we are"
"I have something to tell you
ALL" she added. "Not the men-it
wouldn't interest them. Such a
great joke! But it will keep until
after tea."
ThereupOn the other ladies were
thrown into fever of curiosity. the
qualification Of which, however. must
be postponed for an hour.
Mrs. Clement watched Ben atten
lively after the party were seated at
the table. She even introduced the
subject Of blondes and blue eyes, but
never so much as fitting trace OF
embarrassment or conciOusness pas
seq over ms Iace.
"Is he so experienced in intrigue
that he can brave it through with no
sign Of guilt ?" thought Annie. But
this thought was so distressing that
she dismissed it as quickly as pos
sibe.
The tea was a success, and felicity
seemed to reign in all hearts save that
of Annie Clement.
AT length the napkins We're thrown
down and the chairs pushed back.
"Now, ladies'" said Mrs. Hazen.
who was plump and jolly creature,
"Let us leave the gentlemen with
their cigars. Come into the parlor
while they are smoking, and I'll tell
you my secret"
This was sufficient to provoke a
stampede of the feminine members
of the party, who were soon seated
in circle around Mrs. Hazen and
waiting for the promised revelation
ITO begin WITH" said that lady,
enjoying to the utmost the expect
ancy of her audience, II have a very
attractive looking housemaid, and
she has love affair on hand"
"Ah, a romance from real life."
spoke up Mrs. Ives.
"Exactly-but no Interruptions
please. The dear girl has an admirer,
and he has written her letter. 1t
is an invitation and sort of decla-
ration Of love combined. The young
man, too, is very superior person,
juding from his penmanship, spelling
and the elegant stationery he uses"
Ibid she show you the letter ?''
asked Mrs. Ives.
"Yes, and more than that, she
placed it in my hands and asked me
to write an answer.
"YOu see, she is a little doubtful
regarding her own literary powers,
and is very anxious that her reply
shall be an irreproachable missiYe in
all respects. have her lovers letter
/ hnra NOW and am pOinp tn read IL