Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-10

he would occasionally make a single letter,
and that letter was x. He would then join
the top and make an r of it, for fear some
one might see it.
Not long after this he was invited by
Uuele Sol TO visit his country residence, and
as it WIS in the season OF golden fruit and
yellow leaves, he accepted. He remained
over night, and in the evening he had what
he called the honor of playing checkers
with the best lady player in the Common
wealth. But, some how, his attention would
wander from the game to his tair opponent
and such moves as Ills, 22-lS, s11 were of
frequent occurrence.
Forest returned to Boston more than ever
pleased with Kate's charming manner, and
modest, entertaining wsys.
%% xx
The spacious Ellwood mansion was
brightly illuminated. The gas jets threw
their ravs cut upon the pure white snow,
and the gorgeous drawing room was filled
with merry throng. 1t was the occasion
of Kate's o1st birthday, and a few friends
had been invited by Kate and her father,
the latter's invitations being directed to his
own friends, those whom he knew could tell
losing move when he saw it; while those
of Kate's inviting consisted of her old school,
mates and, of course Hinkley Eveleth was
counted as one of them.
M Hmkley EyeIeln had established
good practice, aud was now looked upon as
a rising young lawyer, as indeed he was.
Whatever had been said of him at college,
it was evident he had "sown his wild oats,
for his department since his admission to
che bar had been most exemplary.
When they lett the piano and leisurely
promenaded through the rooms they were
pronounced by all the best-looking couple
in the assembly. Kate, with her tall and
well-developed form and graceful move
meuts, Rinklev, tall ana straight, with his
hair brushed carelessly back from an intel
lectual forehead, won the admiration of
each beholder.
At the extreme southern portion OF the
house was the conservatory, ana into which
We shall follow Hinkley and his partner
for just moment
"My dear Kate, he began-but all lovers
begin that selt-same wav, and what right
have we TO listen to what they intended to
be strictly confidential? He knew too we'll
how to plead cause, even in love, and she
listened and nervously picked the snell-like
petals of wax begonia, and the broken
blossoms fell at her feet.
But where was Forest Worthingto He
had received most cordial invitation from
both Kate and her father, and intended to
have come, but sudden illness of his sis
Hinkley returned from the conservatory
HiukIey looked smiling and confident but
hate's countenance wore a sad expression.
They found the company engaged in various
smusemeuts. Major Domino, a white
haired veteran OF the late war, was seated
at one table surrounded by half dozen
mid0le-aged ladies, whom be seemed to
please very much by his witty sallies. Those
who wished to relieve the monotony of call
ing him Major Domino, called him Domino
Major. He was an expert at dominos. The
wit and repartee of the talkative Major
furnished abundant amusement for several
elderly ladies, whose power of intellect was
only equalled by the depth of the game
Then there was Judge Eveleth deeply i'm
mersed in the wonderful mysteries of a
game OF chess with his friend DIR. Appleton.
All games void OF chance met the favor of
Solomon Ellwood; card had never been
seen in his house.
KITE devoted herself to the entertainment
OF her numerous friends, and Uncle Sol
brought forth his beautiful draught board,
and half jestingly threw out sort of general
challenge.
AS no one accepted, he said to Hinkley
Suppose YOU play oGe side?" Hinkley
Eveieth was sooner seated than every
available place around the PLAYERS was oc-
cup!ed, showing conclusively which game
had the greatest number of adherents and
admirers
After playing five games, three of which
were won by Hinkiey aud two resulted in
draws, the old gentleman complained OF
a headache and gave up his seat to Dr. Nor
rison, the village physician, who was un-
able to secure even a draw.
Uncle Sol knew that Hinkley had been
deyoting much time OF late to the study of
draughts, but was surprised at his pro-
fciencv.
The Young lawyer won with modesty, and
was about to retire when 4 young lady, who
had been watching the games with unusual
Interest, said: please, Mr. EveIesh, will
you play one more gamer with whom?"
inquired Hinkley.
''With'a person. whom will select.''
Il shall be very pleased to do So" he
answered.
The young lady retired for moment to
the music room and soon returned leading
BY the hand Kate Ellwood.
Here, Mr.. Eveleth, is nv choice"
But Kate, when she discovered what was
wanted of ner, begged to be excused, saving
she could not play before company. But
all Insisted, both young and old, and at last
after receiving an approving nod from her
father, she reluctantly seated herself. and
choosing the black men made the inceptiye
move II to 10. Hinkley formed the ',cross."