Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-06-21
THE IMPRESSIONS; VICTOR AND 'vANQUISHED.
BY MARY CECIL HAY.

dred things I should like to show you"
 "What is that tower on the rising groundY" asked Lima.
 Not choosing to walk on, but too proud to make any resistance, she waited . minute, speaking in an easy tone, as she leaned against the statue of Ulye~es which stood opposite to that of Ajax, guarding the lowest step of the lowest terrace.
 Merely . suinmer-house, which ono of my idle forefathers built to smokein, :" Neil answered, looking across at her without attempting to follow the direc- tion of her glance. "There is what you girls call nice view from there. Come and see."
 "And that path through the shrub. bery, and among the tSees, and past the wooden bridge-to what does that leadT' continued Lima, no in the slightest moved by his words.
 "That leads merely out of the park by one of the back entrances. You sec that line of frs and lines. where the rocks are holding . parliament, and dis. cussing woman's suffrage? We'll, there from the park into Neither Lane, and this path leads to 1t. Would you like to , come and see r. though it is by no means the prettiest way"
 It is very beautiful park" said Lima, coolly; "but the hills above the frs there are more beautiful"
 Now, Miss Chester" laughed Sir Neil. "that is said in pure perverseness. This park-though I say it that should not possesses everything that can make park beautiful. Own that you spoke in pure perverseness.
 "The hills are very beautiful" sid Lima, nervously, "but when 1 spoke 1 was thinking of something else."
 "Not of the parks possessor, fear?" asked Neil, with laughing arrogance.
 "Not of the parks present possessor, replied Lima in a rapid tone. and with an unnatural brightness and restlessness in her eyes.
 "The parks old possessors," rejoined Sir Neil, evidently only desiring to keep her there, "are not worth thinking about. The Athelstons have been race of handsome scoundrels ever since they have been a race at all. Do not go in please do not go in, Miss Chester. I was bored to death until you came out, and 1t has been so pleasant since."
 But Lima went up the steps, only An- swering his wolds by light and care less smile.
 "Come to the grotto, Miss Chester" Ws walked beside her Come ne to So the con. sar ervatories-anywhere; or let us play croquet."
 But. even in all his eagerness, Sir Neil could not help laugh after he had proposed this.
 "That temptation had something ludicrous in the sound of it, he said, "yet have seen two people play cro- uuet often, with all their hearts and souls. Why should the proposal con- corning you and me have tick1ed me so irresisfiblyp"
 "The ldea tOas ludicrous," she an swered, simply.
 "Please do not be 70 scornful. I can play" he said, the laugh still in his eyes, as he sought one in hers. "I do not like the game generally, and hate it at times but I can hit ball when wish. Will you try me?"
 "I have never played croquet in my life."
 "Have you not? Then you will let me teach you?" entreated Neil, quite serious again. "I shall be so happy i; and you must understand it, because we Highshire folks are strong in croquet We think existence incomplete without our croquet-club, which Is bound to give handsome wedding present to any couple who owe their marriage to it. Queer, isn't itl But 1t makes the affair little less diluted. It is such a grand idea for a lady to have to spend her pocket-money in buying wedding pres ent for her rival, as we'll as having had to witness the match made up. hate croquet as an institution but as Q me dium for all kinds of hirtations, spite and jealousy, I think it is the finest in- vention of the age. Don't you?" the Highshire dlub, returned nm Lina' in |. q quiet tone, which made Neil laugh heartily.
 "Archery is another notable diversion among us, ," he said "and our promi- nent feature is the ease and complacency with which we shoot wide of the mark. You do not shoot, of course
 "No" answered Lima, ss they slowly reached the top of the last flight 0 wide. low steps.
 II thought not. Leave stronge hands than yours to pull the bo, string"
 And, as Sir Neil spoke, he put out hi right hand, and with sudden gestur rapid, though very gently touche the light white finger which held he dress.
 A vivid tide of crimson darted acros the girls pale face, fading as instantl } as it spread; then, with twitching liz and passionate brilliance in her eye. she passed him with fleet steps and CT tered the house.
 "It is not natural" muttered Nei angrily, ''and I do not understand i If l were some kind of old philosophe l should say had offended her in al other world. It just seems as if she ha some mad reason for her incomprehens ble behavior. That is impossible, ( course; but perhaps had better n, have gone quite so far just yet"
 As Sir Neil Athelston sauntered roun the terrace, feeling unusually i'll at eas' MT. Jeffrey came up the avenue an joined him. He made no direct remar hn hn s,>% (