Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1892-04-28

huuutH UttIfuHUt.
One afternoon, several days after
Thorne's departure, Norma donned her
warmest wraps and set out for a walk
over to I.anarth. 1t was a dull after
noon following ON a morning of uncer-
tain brightness; dark clouds, heavy with
snow, hung sullenly along the horizon;
and above the sky was of a somber,
leaden hue. The air felt chill and cling
ing, like that of vault; and heaven
above and earth beneath betrayed Sc
verify of mood infinitely depressing
Norma shivered in spite of her heavy
furs, and hurried ON, burying her hands
in her muff.
Pocahontas. duly notified of Norma's
approach by the vigilant Sawney, met
her guest at the door, and drew her in
with words of welcome and praises of
her bravery in venturing abroad in such
gloomy weather. The girls did not kiss
each other-as is too much the custom
with their sex. Pocahontas did not like
etfusive embraces; a kiss with her meant
a good deal.
In the sitting room Mrs. Mason and
Berkeley added their welcome. and es-
tablished Norma in the contest corner of
the hearth, where the fire would comfort
without scorehing her. Pocahontas
stopped to remove her furs and wraps.
but Norma staid her hand; it would not
be worth while, she said; she had only
come to call.
"Do stay to teal" entreated Pocahon-
tas. ''Berke will take you home after
ward. We haven't looked on white
face except our own for two whole days
We are pining for change aud dIstrac-
ton. and beginning to hate each other
from very ennui. Take pity on us and
stay"
Eyes, my dear, you must consent"
added Mrs. Mason. lyon haven't taken
tea with us for long time Berkeley,
help Norma with her wrappingS, and.
Princess. suppose you run and tell
Rachel to make waffies for tea. Norma
is so fond of them"
Norma yielded to their persuasions.
feeling little curiously, but hardening
her heart What she had come to say she
intended to say. but it would be best {
wait an opportunity. She let Berkeley
take her wraps and established herself
bent on making the time
pass pleasantly and herself thoroughly
agreeable.
The meal was merry one, for Norma
exerted herself unusually, and was ably
seconded by Pocahontas, who for some
reason appeared in brilliant spirits.
After tea they discovered that it was
heavily. The threatened storm
had come. Evenly, slowly, in a thick.
cloud, the white flakes fell,
without haste, excitement or the furry
Vt wind. Already the ground was COW
fred and the trees were bending with
the weight of the white garment the sky
was throwing over them. 1t was unfit
weather for lady to encounter, or in
deed for anything feminine TO be abroad
in, save a witch ON broonstick. Norma
was fain to accept Mrs. Mason's invita-
ton and remain for the night at Lanarth.
When the two girls. in dressing gowns
and slippers. sat over the fire in Poca-
hontas' room brushing ont their long
hair, Norma found the opportunity for
which she had lain in wait the entire
evening. 1t was the hour for conf
lences-the house wasquiet. the inmates
all dispersed to their several couches.
Norma. brush in hand aud hair flowing
N heavy, black veil around her, had
quilted her own room across the passage
and established herself in low rocking
chair beside Pocahontas' bright fire.
She was far too clever diplomatist TO
Introduce her subject hastily; she APP