The Press., 1892-03-17

we DroaKIaSGoO very late, then 0ltNeT rode, on horseback or took long drives about tho neighborhood. The winter, which had been severe, was now mild and pleasant, the snow melting rapidly. Sometimes we went as far as Winchester, twelve or fifteen miles away. and re- turned in time for luncheon at two o'clock. Time seemed to fly. Frank and were generally together in the walks and drives, but had two or three long ]. talks with Mr. McAllister that were always interrupted by Miss 0gdsn, who seemed to be surprised to find us together I began to detest her, but as she was my guest had to be polite. One day at luncheon she came down late, owing to some trif1ing indisposition. She had on a loose morning dress of a soft, clinging material, ecru in color. Down the front were jabots of rich lace, and bows of cream colored ribbon were placed here and there. It was wonderfully beeom- ing, and as she did not look sick could not help thinking her indisposition was feigned for the occasioM She apologized for appearing Zen negligee. !" and was told by the gentlemen she never looked more beautiful.
 MT. McAllister sat next to her, and I heard her say (for jealousy has sharp ears) in her most languid tones:
 "No; am too unwell to drive this af- ternoon. know promised, but" with aswift, upward look, 'syou will not care very much, will your
 His answer was too low for me to catch, but she archly replied:
 @Elatterer, take care may hold you to that promise
 Quite distinctly. she added; ..Ask some of the others. There is Annie, poor child, who would love dearly to go know it.. Ask her."
 At this point strained every nerve to hear his answer, but in vain. He looked down the table and caught my eye. blushed crimson, feeling guilty of listen ing to q private conversation. Again | heard her say:
 ''Yes; sweet little girl, but she has seen nothing of the world" <
 Then followed a low, earnest talk. At length she exclaimed: sYou will not release me; we'll be very, very agree able, and I may forget my headache"
 "Annie, dear,' raising her voice, sshe positively refuses to let me off, although Iplanned such nice afternoon for him.
 Before I<could answer he whispered something that seemed to delight her. for she tapped him with her napkin, saying, 'sFoolish man!'
 From the table they went to the con servatory. and chatted and laughed in the most indifferent way But when luncheon was over excused myself from driving on account of business, and sought my mother. whom found in her room. After watching from her window the, party start, noticing Miss Ogden was in the gayest spirits, turned away sick at heart, and threw my arms around my laother's neck crying.
 Fl wish they had all gone, never to. come back! hate these house parties.n
 She, much surprised. said: My child, what tcan be the matter with you? Not long ago you told me you had never en- joyed yourself more. You must be sick: let me feel your pulse.
 'tOh, mo- impatiently exclaimed. T am not sick, but very, very tiredr :
 "Yes, that is it, she said, quite satis- fled, "you have been dissipating too much for q little country girl; you must lie down and take a long nap before they return" Kissing me, she drew up the lounge, and placing me on it, threw over me the afghan and gently smeothed my hair until fell asleep.
 Idreamed Miss Ogden handed me a lovely flower. In it's center was a wasp which stung me, and Mir. McAllister had kissed the spot and made it we'll With g smile on my face awoke and. found my mother bending oyer me-
 'sAhi now you look like yourself, i" she said. You screamed out awhile guo and frightened me very much. Were you drearningl'
 .sYes, a horrid dream; but it ended happily"
 Fl was afraid you were suffering, but the bright smile treasured me. Get up, darling. you have slept long time, and yonr guests will soon be here"
 Dear. precioas, mother loyel What