The Portland daily press., 1889-07-31


tanned some common sense. At any rate,
Neiile drew forth her icy ball in twinkling
ana hurled 1t, by good luck at the saner
morse uor they were now close at handl
Win such splendid vigor and true aim that II
MT MIN .furiously on the nose. He plunge9i
aside, slipped on the hard crust Of the OLD
snow beside the road, and keeled over, car
rying his rampant mate with him into. the
ditch. They were powerful team Delong-
ing to Nellie's uncle, and were dragging an
empty Wood-sledge, Their driver was
hallooing in the distance, as he ran YEARLY
along.
Nellie pondered moment over the sue
cess of her defence and gaZed at the culver
ing limbs of the foe, and the turned back the
Genevieys, painting, The girls were not on
Meanwhile Balkan had but just looked up,
realized the peril and caught Genevieve in
his arms, while Morton threw his weight
wildly upon the young mans struggling
shoulders. 1t is always in some such way
that person weak in emergencies assists
the real actors.
So swiftly do runaway horses proceed that
1t only seemed an Instant since Genevieve
had tainted.
Now all the girls swooped down from their
perch helpfully. and surrounded their pale
friend, whose swoon was so much in earnest
that She had not stirred an eyelash. Nellie
seized Balkans hand and told him she must
speak with him instantly.
Ibid you offer YOURSELF" she severely de-
manded, when she had led him, peremptor-
lily, out of hearing of the others.
mo-" he gasped, gazing blankly, as man
does who is confronted with more Greek
than he is prepared for.
Didn't you pr0pose?" exclaimed Nellie,
in the same indignant tone. which showed
Balkan that he was q criminal. whichever
way he pleaded.
.'Do explain!" equavered, gently.
But Nellie was off to Genevieve with i'm
pertinent haste, kneeling down at her side,
calling for soft snow from under drift and
rubbing the beauty's temples and lips with
i, while she explained to Morton how to &c
Genevieye's hands warm; much to his salts
faction, for she did not object to his covering
them with kisses.
The teamster came up, and Nellie found
time to scold him for his stupidity.
II know youby sight, JIM" she said, "but
that sha'n't save you Go You shall from my
uncle's servicew
But Missw
mo butts. You might have killed a
dozen people, you goose!"
"As true as live, Miss, I've always heard
! as how horses will run in winter, when the
| moon is near the full. as its been proved the
| day So crisp-like everywhere, Miss, what
can you expect of Them"
| Swear you'll never leave your horses with
| out tying them tight" commanded Nellie,
haughtily.
IL l.
prisince, MissP' Jim humbly answered.
The horses were unhitched from the sledge,
and the young people undertook to drag Gene
we've home, which the stout poles at the sides
OF the conveyance assisted them to accom-.
plish as the girls could take hold of them
and propel while the young men dragged the
cumbrous concern.
The fair invalid was pillowed on muffs and
covered with newmarkets, and was pleased
to revive nicely: 1t was first sunset and then
deep dusk when the catafalque slowly
1t may be supposed that dinner was little
late that evening.
Nellie came into the parlor before the
others, looking lovely, in still another of heI
Worth dresses, and Balkan was waiting for
her, ready to pOunce.
"What did you mean? ?" he whispered
Nellie's eyes, which looked unusually big
and bright, because she had been crying all
to herself, filled again with tears. She
edged away into the anteroom, and he fol
lowed.
81 meant" she replied soto voce, shat
when you love her, and when she loves you
and when you come out into the 'backwoods'
and have plenty of opportunities, and when
we are all looking on from respectful dis
lance. 1t is perfectly stupid of you not to offer
yourself to Genevieve, and l should have
place. She showed great self-control not to
have died. You had no business to stipulate
the tree, anyhow, for of course, she would
expect everything to be settled before she
got there. Oh of course you think me out
rageous to NEEDLE with you and talk right
out as If were a novel, without respect OF
persons and open secrets; but I'm nobody in
particular. and will love Genevieve and put
my finger. into her affairs if | like to-! And
I'll just add this: that Pm going to arrange
to have you both driven by the coachman to-
night in the big sleigh, while we are appor-
toned off to little cutters. The drivers seat
is way up"
"But, my dear Miss Featherby -Nellie'-
snow don't be disrespectful. OF course l
can only ask for an outward show of respect
dearest friend, whom we all know goose
you are hoping to win;. but that show OF
courtesy stipulate for"
"But how can l ask Miss Chamberlain in
marriage is love yOu?" Balkan sqeezed in
desperately.
Nellie sat down on the arm of chair and
looked at him aghast, blushing and appeal
ing.
"Oh, you can't be in love with mel" she
painted
Il wish you W ould not be so scornful," he
answered. You ought to have known it.
Months ago | was crazy about Genevieve,
like the rest but only for q week, for then |
met you. A man don't sit staring at girl
all day unless he dotes on her! While L
stare at you your utter indifference to me is
something appalling; but had hoped to win
you in the end. Then you take me by the
throat. yank me In front of somebody else,
with orders, martial in their haste. and now
cast me into perfect sea of prematureness
for, of course, you'll spurn your. alum
heralded revelation. But I'm as obstinate
as you are. and love you will, by Jove"
Balkan sat down on another chair-arm, and
not having time to brush his hair again if he
tore it little, thrust his thumbs in his
pockets and glared at the fire.
A faint rustic of heavy silk at his elbow
made him feel exultant.
''If she consents to it, you might propose
to me, then, in the Russian sleigh!'
He turned, and the little creatures superb
eyes met his He caught her hands, and
studied her face with blissful care.
Il thought was of no great account" she
murmured, all of tremble; and was sudden
ly kissed in way that made her feel that
for the future she had some one to guard her
against all harm, and give her all the happi-
ness she could wish for.