Middletown transcript., 1893-08-19

waves of auburn hair, "I'm sure
have heard you say he was such
pleasant partner and-oh, Agatha
don't jerk your head so, or | shall have
to braid all these strans over againl'
s,Nonsensel that's no test at alll'
said Agatha. petit ishly, the peach like
crimson mounting to her cheeks; "what
can you tell about young, man from
a mere ball room acquaintance Any
! one can be agreeable enough to hold
your bouquet, or to bring you an ice;
that is, If he knows enough not to
tread on your toes in the polka, nor
to step on your flounces in prome-
nadel''
81 know IT," said Ruth, ssbut the
"a uestion isl ~
"But the question u.s." Interrupted
the lmperious young beauty, show do
I know that Mr.. Fitz Anbyn, silver
tongied as he is to me, with his hon.
age and his compliments, don't go
home and swear at his mother and sis
ters2 How do / know that DIR. Jen-
nings, who has the whole dictionary
at his Gnger-ends. doesn't cheat bis
landladyP What means have I of as
certaining that young St. Simons, who.
is such a graceful waltzer and agree
able small-talker, does not finish his
evenings in a drinking saloon? Oh,
Ruth, We have tests for ascertaining
spurious dollars. and counterfeit bank
notes, but how ON earth are we TO
know counterfeit husband, until he
Is tied to onr apron strings for life?"
She laughed as she sprang up to look
for her bonnet, but the long eyelashes
dropped low with very suspicious
moisture.
.'Well," said Ruth, caressingly pat
ting Agatha's tiny hand, II am very,
very thankful that Providence didn't
make me beauty and an heiress, since
It has such a tendency to awake sus-
picion and distrust. But, Agatha, in
spite of all you have said feel firmly
convinced that Charles Stanton is a
noble fellowl"
t.aVery likely" said Agatha, lightly;
s:but here is Fitz Aubyn, with those
splendid viii horses Of his, SO give
me my shawl"
,.And whittier are your footsteps to
be directed to-dayY"
s..Oh, we are going to that private
view of pictures in - street, you
know"
And Agatha swept out Of the room
with the imperial port Of young
queen.
The white luster of moonlight pour
ing down through the circular dome of
frosted glass gave life like glow to
the superb paintings whose gilded
frames covered the walls of The apart
ments. Here and there groups moved
with snbdued whispers and brandished
opera-glasses, as if it were a forbidden
thirg to speak above ones breath in
the presence of these fair landscapes
and classic scenes from the history's
page.
Directly in front of one Of the finest
works Of art stood a pair who had un-
cons ciously been the objects of many
a curious glance and whispered obser-
walton of the other sigbtseers-a tall,
ST stylish.looking young man, with an
old lady leaning on bis arm, whose an
tique dress of snuff-colored bombazine
and oddly-shaped beaver bonnet occa-
stoned good many covert smiles and
half concealed filters from the various
"oh, by the way, Miss Milne," said
Fitz Aubyn, as in their progress arouLd
the room this couple came in view,
I.you haven't seen the greatest curios- i
Ity Of all yet"
"WherePs said Agatha, raising her
opefa-glass. i
sYou are mistakenAit don't hang
DO the walls,'' returned Fitz Aubyn,