San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1892-12-10

ing you something II think you ought
to know"
What was he going to say next? she
thought. Was a declaration coming,
and, if so, should she accept him? She
was not sure, he had behaved very bad
ly in keeping so long away from her,
and proposal would be very suitable
form of apology, but there was the
gentleman who travelled for a certain
firm in the Edgeware road; he had been
very particular" in his attentions of
late. Well, she would see how she felt
when Leander had spoken; he was be-
ginning to speak now.
Il don't want to put it too abrupt, N
he said. "Ill come to it gradually
There's young lady that I'm now look
my future life with"
And what is she called? asked Ada.
("He's rather a nice little man, after
ALL" she was thinking
Matilda, he said: and the answer
came like blow in the face. For the
moment she hated him as bitterly as if
he had been all the world to her, but she
carried off her modification by rather
hysterical laugh.
Fancy you being engaged" she said,
by way of explanation of her merri-
ment land to any one with the name
of Matilda-it's such a stupid-sounding
sort Of name'" ->~->
Ut amt at all it all depends how you
say it: if you pronounce it like l do,
Matilda, it has rather a pretty sound.
You try, now"
"Well, we won't quarrel about it, Mr..
Tweddle; I'm glad it isn't my name,
that's all. And now tell me all about
your young lady; what's her other
name, and is she very good-looking?"
"She's Miss Matilda Collum," said
he; "she is considered handsome by
competent judges, and she keeps the
books at a florists in the vicinity of
Bayswater.
"And, if it isn't rude question, why
didn't you bring her with you this even,
ing?"
because she's away for short holi.
day and isn't coming back till the last
thing tomorrow night"
And | suppose you've been wishing
was Matilda all the time?" she said
audaciously: for Miss Ada Parkinson
was not an prescriptions young per-
son and did not recognize in the fact of
her friends engagement any reason why
she should not attempt to reclaim his
vagrant admiration.
Leander had been guilty of this wish
once or twice: but though he was not
absolutely filed with tact he did re-
frain from admitting the impeachment.
well, you see" he said, in not very
happy evasion, Matilda doesn't care
about this kind of thing; she's rather
particular, Matilda is.
"And | am not" said Ada. IL see;
thank you, Mr.. Tweddle."
"YOu do take one up so!" he COM
planned. IL never intended nothing of
the sort-far from it.
"Well, then, forgive you; we can't
all be Matthias, l suppose. And now
suppose we go back; they will be begin
ming to dance by now"
with pleasure, " he said: "onlv you
must excuse me dancing, because, as an
engaged man, l have had to renounce
Except with one person. the charms of
Terpsy-chOre. | mean" he explained
condescendingly. that can't dance in
public save with my Intended.
All, we'll" said Ada. perhaps
Terpsy-chore will get over it: still. |
should like to see the Tcrpsy-chOring. if
you have no objection"
And they returned to the baronial
hall. which by this time presented a
more cheerful appearance: the lamps
around the mirror-Encd pillars were all
lit, and the musicians were Just strik-
ing up the opening bars Of the lancers,
upon which several gentlemen among
the assembly. which now numbered
about forty, ran out into the open and
took up positions, like color-sergeants
at drill, to be presently joined in some
baShfulnesS, by such ladies as desired
partners.
The lancers was performed with ex-
IRENE cOnScientiOusneSS. and when it
was over every gentlemen with any
SAVIOR faire to speak of presented his
partner with glass of beer.
Then came a waltz, to winch Ada
beat time impatiently with her foot and
bit her lip, as she had to look on by
Leanders side. There's Bella and
James going round" she said: give
never had to sit out a waltz before"
He felt the implied reproach, and
thought whether there could be any
harm after all in taking a turn or two:
it would be only polite. But before he
could recant in words. soldier came
up,a medium-sized warrior with a large
nose and round little eyes, who had been
very funny during the lancers in direct
ing all the figures by words of military
command. "Will you allow me the
honor, miss, of just one round?" he said
to Ada, respectfully enough.
The etiquette of this ballroom was
not of the strictest; but she would not
have consented but for the desire OF
showing Leander that she was not de-
pendent upon him for her amusement.
As it was, she accepted the corporal's
arm a little defiantly.
Leander watched them round the
hall with an odd sensation, almost OF
jealousy-it was quite ridiculous, be.
cause he could have danced with Ada