The Press., 1892-03-17

who had been my abject slave from our babyhood, and who ordered about at my pleasure, was much encouraged that evening. Miss Ogden was not his style
 Miss Annie, said he, ''she reminds me of gorgeous tropical flower in which poison lurks.s Somehow do not trust her. That lip has scornful curve, and she appears too conscious of her charms Don't you think sop
 s.It is too soon to form an opinion, and Frank you must remember she is my guest, and be polite.
 Be polite, he exclaimed "Why, l went over to the corner where she sits ln such splendor, and she coolly turned her back on me to prevent that Philadelphian from leaving her. I think she is rude"
 ..Oht' laughed I, '.that is the reason you are mad You are not the favored one. Try again. A little dislike to be- gin with is. sometimes 3 good sign. and many grandes passions have commenced thus"
 Franks face was study as l said this. "Annie, don't be goose, if you do treat me like dog. You know well the only grande passion I have ever hady'
 ssMy dear boy, you will count them on both hands before you die. Are you going to leave me?"
 Detaining him, said: First tell me how I look. am so anxious to be beau tiful.p
 "Wel enough" he answered. r. stOh. Frank! Can't you say anything more when have on my prettiest gown?
 "Shall I say you remind me of the damask rose, so fragrant and beautiful, but rare nowadays" ,
 "Yes," sweetly I replied; ''do say it.. dear Frank"
 tsI wish from the bottom of my heart you did not"
 s.Did not what, Frank? declare Miss Ogden has upset you entirely. l shall leave until you are in better humor.''
 ssLike all the rest" he angrily began.
 'sIncoherent again! I cannot listen, so goodby."
 Later in the evening he humbly apolo- gized for his rudeness and assured me my gown was lovely. When we went up stairs Jane proposed they should all adjourn to my room. after donning wrap pers, and we would tell compliments.
 ''Is that new gamer asked Miss Ogden. =ss
 sOh, mo-" we answered. 'sCome try it. You ought to like it very much"
 Seeing her look of bewilderment Jane informed her that we met occasionally to tella1l the good things we had heard said of one another. It was great comfort to some of us when we are discouraged even if we know ''the good thing" is not ex- actly true. It was throwing sand in our neighbors eyes at any rate.
 ''I am, inclined to think, Kate, it will do you harm, make you vain and con ceited."
 "Thank. you; reckon 1 can stand it. $
 'tOh," laughed Cornelia, "you reckon too."
 'When in Rome I do as the Romans and speak as the Romans" she said; 'it i makes one feel at home." A half hour later they assembled in my room. Cornelia coming last, she de- clared she had seen one of the. young men peeping as she ran through the hall.
 "Well," said Susie, '..he must be much impressed. Your getup is most artistic and peculiar, but your festive attire was so very different he may have taken you for Annette, for whom he was looking, to order hot water. That pigs tail, ; pointing to her long plait, "makes one hungry"
 Hush your nonsense,n said the amia. l ble Cornelia, ssand let us begin, for it is long after twelve o'clock" \ The open fire was bright and cheery. Miss Ogden Iazily reclined in big easy chair; Susie and Jane took the, lounge, tCornelia stretched herself full length o,l the fur rug aud l had a low rocking 1 chair.
 ..This is a great deal nicer" said Cor. nelia with a yawn, .'than being in full dress down stairs"
 'That depends" answered Jane. Katherine does not think so-do you dear?"
 II must be frank, and confess l am very fond of gentlemen's society, but, 7 with 8 smile, .this is nice for awhile"
 seListen," whispered Susie; .sso supe- riorr'
 "Well," began Jane, Il think, girls Kate has made a conquest and the charm ing Ernest has been caught at last. He told me her eyes were dangerously beau tiful, and"-
 = "Oh, hashl' interrupted Miss Ogden "Hew can you talk such nonsense? Be sides, I am tired of hearing my eyes are beautiful. Of course know they are. Tell me who he is, and how came he te be in Virginia? am interested in him.
 "Annie ought to tell you. She knows more about him than we," said Jane. ,~''s He is gentleman" replied, land a friend of Will Lewis"
 'sGo on,'' said Jane, ''and tell of his wealth and grand old family"
 ''You may have that pleasure, Jane.
 "Welll Kate, she is too shy to speak of her old adnirer, so must do it fo1 her. You must be informed. He was Annie's shadow last summer. So take care; you may be trespassing." :"
 'Ohi'' replied Miss Ogden, with much vivacity, Fl love competition; it is SC very exciting. Annie-may not call