The Dickinson press., 1889-08-31


the heavy foliage of the trees hung quite
motionless. and the fans which were
piled increasingly made the only possible
approach to n breeze. Everything was
so still that the voice of tho river was
distinctly audible as it fretteda and surged
along its rocky bed, distant at least a
mile. The scene was full of the dim.
mysterious look which makes summer
starlight so fascinating. White dresses,
shadowy faces, suggestive outlines of
form and head, now and then the glim-
mer Of an ornament; after one had
looked long enough it was even possible
to tell who was who, but at first the
voices were the only clew to torecognition
Behind the group rose the house, with
light streaming from its lace draped win
dows the pictures and globe like lamps
of tho deserted drawing room making a
charming effect.
Everybody had been silent for some
timc-that is, for half minute, which
seems long time under such circum-
stances ~ when Mrs. Lancaster's voice
broke the stiffness. "Oh, for a Whit of
mountain air or sea brecze!' sho said
II came to spend two weeks with you,
dear Mrs. Brantley, and | have spent a
month-wlo ever did leave The Willows
when they meant to do so:-but really
must be thinking of taking flight Sup
pose we gct lp party for the White
Sulphur?-it is always st .iresome to go
away by ones self Who Will jo:.l ii
Eleanor, will you!"
II am not going to the White Sulphur
this year," answered Eleanor Milbourne.
Not going to the White sulphur!
repeated Mrs. Lancaster in tone OF
surprise. Then she laughed. "How
stupid l am!' she said. 'Of course
I,ight haye known that the temptation
to break the pledge Of total abstinence
from Irritation would be too great II,
that paradise of Irritation. Besides, Mr..
Brent's yacht is homoward bound. is it
not:"
81 am not aware that there is any
connection between Mr.. Brents yacht
and my decision about the White Sui,
pi,4r," answered Miss Milbourne haugh-
tily. filcn che turned to the person next
her, a recumbent figure lying at full
length on the grass. Idoh't .inow any
thing of which one grows so weary rs OF
watering place life when one has seen
mucl, of it." she said. "Its pettiness, its
routine, its vapidity. its gossip, all oppress
ono like a hideous nightmare, ] don't
think shall ever so to a watering place
again"
''Take care!' said the rccumbcnt.
Don't make an abstinence pledge of
l,.a. kind; you will only bo tempted to
break 1t. TO, What will YOU do with your.
self in summer"
~ should like to travel. an. pos
sessed with an intense desire to SEQ tho
world aud the wonders thereof"
"With Il yacht such a desire would be
easily gratiiicd."
nBut ! have no yacht" said she with
a sharp cl,or, in her voice. 1t was an
expressive voice at I'll fines, and doubly
expressive in this dim, mysterious star
light.
"NIr. Brent has, however, and l am
sure ho will Ike happy to place it at your
service
"You are very kind to answer for Mr..
brent.
81 answer for him beoaYso ] judge
him by myself. If I had a fleet it should
be subject to your command"
"You are very generous" said she;
and now there was little ripple rs OF
| pleasure in her tone.
hGanwhilo Mrs. Lancaster was call.
ing over llle sol, ,of the company like an
orderly sergeant, intent upon beating un
recruits for the White Sulphur ''Ma!
Clare" she said at last; "where is Maj.
claro:' Then, when the gentleman who
had just Offered Miss Milbourne his airy
fleet responded laziis, "Ilero'" she added
you will CO. wil! you notf'
II regret to say that it is impossible,
he answered. II have danced my last
galop at the White Sulphur. This time
next month shall probably be ell route
iof Egypt
"For EssIa!" she repeated; and a
chorus Of voices iastaa.tIy echoed tho cx-
clamation. "For Egypt sonsensS! You
are jesting.'
"No, am not jesting," said Victor
Clare, lifting himself en- one elbow; 81
am in earnest. l received letter from
~ (naming a distinguished officer,
.today offorinor ,oa n v,oSit;ou if 7 would