St. Paul daily globe., 1892-02-07

ton. and the mute but more expressive
language OF soft eyes speaking to eyes
that answered, made up the brilliant
ensemble.
The entire scene was like sparkling
passage in music, full Of movement and
staccato effects. Strange that into it
there crept, like the cry of breaking
heart, minor chord unheard by the
careless throng of dancers and be-,
holders.
In a second tier box was the liveliest
party of the ball-a crowd of Bohe-
mians, writer's and artists, with their
wives. sisters and sweethearts. Wine
was plentiful and toasts were many.
They were benloaning the delay of one
of their party, woman vino was al
ways in the group. ''Why does she not
Gomez" over and over was demanded.
Suddenly she came, glowing, radiant.
all smiles and pretty apologies for hay
ing disappointed them SO long. Her
maid was probably the most stupid Great
ure in existence; she had miSlaid her
mistress fan, and an honr had been
spent hunting it. Finally it had been
discovered at the last moment, and
thrust in her hand by the careless serv-
ant just as she was leaving the house.
Was there no wine for her? Yes;
here was her glass waiting. -Four or
five Sprang to fill it. She iaughingly
delegated one as her cup-bearer, from
his iIands received the amber drink and
raised it to her lips.
AT that moment her eyes fell on the
fan lying on the silken folds of her
gown.
Why, that was not her fap--the big,
gray, delicious %. feathered thing, the
weapon of an experienced coquette-
with which she had slain her thou
sands. Whose was thiS-this somewhat
faded toy, which she mechanically
opened, noting the tattered lace. yes.
and the broken pearl stick which hung
helpiessly down by the crumpled rib
bon bow.
Had my lady seen a phantom? Her
smile vanished; the repartee died from
her curving lips. She lifted the fan TO
her face. A faint odor-the ghost OF a
perfume-StOle to her senses. LilacS?
Yes; white lilacS.
The 'sgllttering horseshoe curving be-
tween faded away, and with it went
the dancers, the music, the lights, the
revelry. My lady's blue eyes were
staring straight down at the gay scene
before her, but she saw nothing of it.
What did she see?
White lilacs, the winding garden path,
bordered by trees bending under their
snowy load and shaking out honey"
Bees rioted through the fragrance over
her and humming bird dipped his bill
in luscious cluster there, just above
her head. She pulled down the
branches. broke off one and buried her
face in the flowers in an ecstacy of de-
light. How sweet they we're.
With the cluster i'll her hands she
mounted the stairs leading 10 chamber.
Propped up by pillows, with great eyes
in whose depths lurked the preScience
of the fast-coming change of wollds. lay
feeble girl whose hands were clasped
III pleasure as she saw the white lilacS.
''Oh, my dear flowers" she mur-
INJURED; my dear flowers; / had hoped
to pick you myself this spring, but it
was not to be-" and. kissing the bios
SONS tenderly, she shaded ner eyes and
looked steadily at her sister.
You will put a cluster on my breast
when l am gomez" she said.
"When you are gone! Do not speak
like that. You are better. You will
soon be about again."
NO, shall go, and before the lilacs
have finished blooming. And am glad
to die with my flowers"
Darling, don't; cannot bear it."
g - eS, dear, you VIII. know we have
loved each other better than many
sisters, but you will bear it. You will
even forget me and remember me only
| when by some chance you recall white
lilacs. See, dear, have been looking
over these boxes and here is my fan,
which | want YOU to have. Keep il
always. I've fancy l should like you
| to carry 1t on your wedding day, DEAR
| NV lady drew a long sigh.
What is the matter with yon to-
night?" cried merry voice. II never
| saw you so subdued."
But she murmured some pleasantly
| and, while her fingers frightened round
| her faded fan, she saw her sister lying
| white and cold with white iiiacs on hel
girlist breast.
Then she saw herself standing before