Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1889-07-13

of which include you. Remember, you
must he dressed by seven. l have
promised to look in at the theater on
our way, and see the first act of tho
new opera. Jones shall get you som,
flowers and do your hair"
But Margaret proudly declined the
lady maids assistance. She did not
choose to be under the inquisitive eyes
Of that important parsonage while she
shook out the skirts of her only even
ing-gown, and fastened at her throat
her only ornament, bunch of crimson
rosebuds.
Mademoiselle whispered in her ear
that she was toute-a-faite charmante,
and Mrs. Laurence, regal in black vel
vet and lace, and diamond stars, nodded
approval of the simple girlish costume.
Nor did Margaret feel as much en-
barrassed by the inquisitive or admir-
ing glances of throng of strangers as
she had feared she should, for the first
face on which her eyes rested was a
familiar one.
When Mr.. Darton's family was
smaller and his children younger he
had taken pupils, and was won't to CON
graduate himself that the students
who commenced their medical educa-
ton under his tuition had invariably
turned out we'll
The cleverest of them all-Gordon
Evrlngton-was now practicing at
London super Mare, where he was
steadily rising to the top of his pro-
fession. 1t was not often that he could
spare an evening for amusement, but
he felt himself repaid when he recog-
nized in the graceful little creature,
whose eyes sparkled with pleasure at
sight of him, the pretty child whose
willing slave he had been in the long ago.
DIR. Evrington soon found his way to
the back of Margaret's chair; and if
she had some trouble in keeping back
her tears when he talked affectionately
of her mother. and recalled the scenes
and spots so dear to the young girl
now she was so far away from them,
still she was sorry when call upon his
attention compelled him to leave her.
But | shall see you again" he said
81 have the pleasure of knowing Mrs.
Laurence. You will make long STAY
with herr"
"Oh! no; I hope not! That is, l
think not. | came reluctantly; and
though my aunt is kind, -"
Here Margaret stopped, afraid of
saying too much; and Gordon Evring-
ton went away mystified; but deter
mined to see more of one who came
nearer to his fancy-portrait of what
maiden of seventeen should be, than
the more fashionable young ladies an
Cling so openly for the hand of the
clever physician.
Mrs. Laurence, who saw them meet,
asked a few questions in her brisk fash
ion; then. i'll the important business of
going with her daughters to the dentist,
appeared to forget Margaret till both
were dressed for dinner on the follow
ing day, and met on the stairs just as
the first guests arrived.
A swift scrutiny may have shown her
that the embroidered muslin was not
as fresh as it had been, but she made
no remark and by the aid of a good
natured housemaid, who ironcd it out,
it even passed muster once again; but
this third time of wearing was at ju-
venile party. and Margaret, whose gal
ETY. and good-nature caused her to be
much IN request, came home with her
once immaculate skirts so smudged and
so soiled by the sticky carcsses of some
Of her small admirers. that nothing but
the labors of the laundress could rem
Oyate l..
And Mrs. Laurence had issued cards
for SOiree; DIR. Evrington would be
amongst the guests, and Margaret, alas !!
would have to stay upstairs, to miss
the pleasant chat he had warned her,
during chance rcIlcOntTe in the street
that he was looking forward to-
If her lips were tremulous that day,
and she found it difficult to appear in
her usual spirits, 10 one appeared to no
ticeit.
Mademoiselle was suffering with
tooth-ache, and, in the hurry and bus
tie of preparing for so large a party,
no one appeared to see that Mrs. Lau
rence's pretty niece shut herself in her
room early in the afternoon, and had
not emerged from it when the guests
Began to arrive.
1t was verging on ten o'clock when
Margaret's door was thrown open and
Mrs. Laurence came in. The room
was dark, but crouching at the window
she saw little figure, and hurried TO-
ward it.
"Why, what does this mean, child :?
Are you i'll? No, your skin is not fever
ish. Have you had bad news from home :?
But of course not You would have told
me directly. Then why are you sitting
here in this melancholy fashion? | in
sist on knowing"
Il should like to go home, aunt Bes-
sic"
For what reason? BE frank, and
tell me- What, silent? / did not know
one of your dear mothers children
could be sullcn. However. ] can not
will not-lcavc you moping here"
And Mrs. Laurence rang imperatively
for lights. Now, dress yourself, Mar
garet, and come down with me-"
at is impossible, madam, for'-the
truth was told with proud reluctance
"for | have nothing to wear"
Nothing! Did You not have the
gowns made up that | sent YOU? Was
there not time? You should have told
me so as soon as you came. | am sur
priscd that your mother"
"Do not blame herr" cried Margaret
"She would have sold her lace to fit
me ont respectfully, but how could |
let herr"
"Hov ;ndooJ ,,oor couli Rut eyro.