Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-03-26

WarmeSC wraps and set out for walk
over to Lanarth. 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 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
ELUSIVE embraces; 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 scorching 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 a white
face except our own for two whole days.
We are pining for change aud dlstrac-
ton, and beginning to hate each other
from very ennui. Take pity on US and
stay"
'Yes, ny 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 waffles 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 t.
wait an opportunity. She let Berkeley
take her wraps and established herself
comfortably, 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
showing heavily. The threatened storm
had come. Evenly, slowly, in a thick,
impenetrable cloud, the white fakes fell,
without haste, excitement or the furry
Of wind. Already the ground was COW
cred and the trees were bending with
the weight of the white garment the sky
was throwing over them. It was unfit
weather for lady to encounter, or in.
deed for anything feminine to be abroad
| in, save witch on broomstick 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 out their long
hair, Norma found the opportunity fol-
which she had lain in wait the entire
evening. 1t was the hour for conf.
dences-the house was quiet, the inmates
all dispersed to their several couches
Norma, brush in hand and hair flowing
in o heavy, black veil around her, had
| quilted her own room across the passage
and established herself in a low rocking
chair beside Pocahontas' bright fire
She was far too clever a diplomatist tc
introduce her subject hastily; she ap
preached it gradually from long range
stalked it delicately with skillful avoid
ance of surprise or bungling.
Tho game must be brought down-ol
that she was determined; but Their
should be no bludgeon blows, no awk
ward carnage. The death stab should b
given clean, with scientific skill ant
swiftness, and the blow once given, sh
would retire to her own room and lie
her victim find what solace she could II
solitude. Norma was not wantonl,
cruel; she could impale foe, but sh
had no desire to witness his contortions
After a death scene she shrank from tn
grewsomeness of burial; she preferred
decent drop curtain and the grateful
darkness.
After some idle conversation she def
ly turned the talk upon New York an
the life there, and rallied all her power
to be picturesque and entertaining. Sh
held her listener entranced with rapid
clever sketches Of society and the me
and women who composed it, DRAWN
vivid pictures Of its usages, beliefs an
modes of thought and expression. Grad
ually she glided into personalities, givin
some Of her individual experiences an
sketching in an acquaintance or tw
with brilliant, caustic touches. 500
Thorne's name appeared, and she notice
that the listeners interest deepened.
She spoke of him in warm terms Of I'd
mlraticu--dwslt on his intellect, hl
taasAeS end The bright pFpmiss ce ii
3 ~ ~ lhaAa ahtlna thnA -