Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-06-26

had to face her mothers keen eyes. There
was an unusual flush on Miriam's cheek,
Mrs Clyde noticed, and the girl looked alb
solutely beautiful The suppressed excite
ment within made her eyes sparkle so
brightly, and Mrs. Clyde wished that Sir
James had been there to look upon her face.
Miriam, however, we may be sure, was
thankful that Sir James was not there.
She would have felt guilty in his kindly
presence. But she did not feel guilty be-
fore her mother There was stronger in
fuence in her heart than her mothers; a
deeper feeling than Mrs. Clyde had ever
kindled
Mrs. Clyde talked as usual in her agreea-
BILE fashion, and the Colonel and Miriam
answered. There was nothing unusual said
by anyone, and presently Mrs. Clyde and
Miriam retired to the drawing room and
the Colonel remained in the dining room
with his newspaper and cigar.
When they were alone Mrs Clyde natur-
ally spoke to her daughter about the dresses
she would require for her marriage. But
Miriam showed none of thetinterest or e1-
citement on the subject which young women
generally do. She agreed with what her
mother suggested in so Indifferent tone,
that Mrs. Clyde felt inwardly aggrieved.
But she did not show this. Miriam's illness
wiser to be very soothing and considerate.
The coffee was brought in by Banks, and
the Colonel reappeared, and the evening
passed away very quietly. A few moments
before 1870 o'clock the Colonel looked at his
watch, vawned and then rose and left the
room to lock up. This nightly duty having
been performed, he returned to the drawing
room, said "good night" to his daughter,
who lightly kissed him on the forehead and
kissed her mother, and then Miriam left
the room, and Colonel and Mira. Clyde were
alone.
miriam looked very handsome tonight"
said Mrs. Clyde, refectively
eyes," replied the Colonel, also rehec-
lively.
II wish her marriage was over now, it
would te much better
eyes" again said the Colonel, and he
added, "Well, it soon will be-"
And while her parents were thus speak
ing of her. Miriam had gone quickly to her
own room, where she found Ford waiting
for her in the dark.
IT brought no light, Miss Miriam, for
fear Of any mistake, she whispered.
THAT Is right; now draw. up. the blind,
and I will place the candle close to the
panes-it is nearly time" said Miriam, also
in an excited whisper.
1t wanted just quarter to eleven, Miriam
saw by her little jeweled watch which was
lying on the dressing table, one OF Sir
James many gifts Only quarter to
eleven! The girls breath came quickly,
her checks flushed and her hands trembled.
1t was so near what she Ionged for and yet
feared, and a tremulous sigh escaped her
parted lips.
care you frightened, Miss Miriam ?'
asked Ford, in low tone.
eyes" murmured Miriam; "but must
CO."
At this moment they heard Colonel and
Mrs Clyde ascending the staircase on their
way to their bedroom, and a moment later
"Well, hope they are safe at any rate,"
whispered Ford
"We will just wait until it is II, and
then we must creep downstairs, said
Miriam. "You had better go first, Ford,
and will follow in q inmate or two"
They accordingly waited until the dial CT
the little jeweled watch told the appointed
hour, and then Ford silently, and on tip
toe. left the room, and Miriam listened in
agony least the stairs should creak. No, the
little handmaiden's light football made no
sound, and then Miriam equally lightly fol-
lowed, and found Ford waiting for her in
the dark at the foot of the staircase. They
did not even whisper to each other, but
hand in hand stole silently through the dark
passages, with which Ford was very familiar,
and soon found themselves at the back door
of the house.
Ford had provided herself with a small
bottle of oil to grease the key of the door if
they should ind it rusty. But she did not