The Washington times., 1894-09-02
The Times VIII Move.

claim to the world the right Of Maria Keith
on that particular day to have golden birth
day. There were half dozen varying tales
of Miss Maria's costume. Il was black vel
vet: it was mauve satin; It was white satin.
The only point of agreement was the cap.
One wild legend declared that Miss Maria
was going 10 be married.
She had consented to marry young Arm
strong, and she would defy public sentiment
by thus obtaining a large audience under
false preteDses 10 her bridal Mrs. Carroll.
who pronounced this the most impUdent non
sense could find no ground except the fact
that all the ciergymen Of town were invited
TO the ceremony. Miss Maria had soon
stated positively that no presents were 70 be
apted, but one or two old friends ventured
to send gifts.
Mrs. De Forest had the unanimous pity OF
the town, and came nearer popularity there
than she had ever done II her life She made
most Of the arrangements in person, and it
was frequently observed that she locked care
worn and perturbed.
In spite of criticism. not an invited guest
was absent the eyenttul night. as the local
paper STYLED 4. The lawn, with its myriad5
OF brilliant lanterns, was fairy scene. In
the wide hallway, near the light stand. wnere,
truly enough emDOvered in flowers, the fam
lily Bible lay open. stood Miss Maria, IN the
softest Of silver gray and diamonds, with a
cap trimmed with pink ribbons that made
her look ten years Younger, and gave new,
soft prettiness TO her handsome face. It was
she who received the guests. Mrs. De Forest
had disappeared.
The band discoursed music that suggested
love and even matrimonv. since they played
the .LohengriE March, While they were
playing Miss Maria left her post in the hall.
At first this did not attract attention. but
presently. who knows how. disquleting whis-
pers passed from mouth TO mouth. and the
guests left the marqueea. where the punch
bOwls-fuN of lemonade and claret and cham
pagne-cup-had either cheered or scandalized
'hem, according to their principles. and
silently gradually they filed the spacious
rooms Somehow the impression filtered
through the air that the principal parties
were in a small room used as Miss Maria 3
own study And the whispers grew louder,
repeating that young Armstrong was not
visible.
'.Nsver mind. said Dr. Allison. well see
them all soon; there comes the minister.
AT this moment Miss Maria was standing in
the study. looking puzzled She had a card
in her hand that said simply
Dear sister. Come into the study a mo-
ment. have domestic present for you.
4 She was alone when she began TO read. but
before she finished Mrs. De Forest came in,
and behind her Ambrose Armstrong.
This is the present, sister, she said Il
/ wanted to see him little before l decided.
/ am satisfied. We will adopt him together as
our nephew with our name. Shall We not
introduce Mr. Philip Ambrose Keith 20 our
/ friends?"
The tears rushed TO Marias eyes. But she
could not speak for Mrs. De Forest was hold
/ ing the door. 1t was she who walked first.
she who made the cool little pres entatiOn
/ speech.
FOR many years" she said. standing as
| erect AID naughty as Miss Maria had ever
/ stood. and looking almost handsome with
. he red spot in her cheek and her
shining eyes, ''for many years my sister has
been caring for a little boy whose life she
saved, as some OF YOU may know she
/ glanced toward Mrs. Carroll and Mrs. Allison,
and Mrs. Carroll gravely bent her head We
have grown more and more interested in hin,
and have decided to adopt him as our nephew.
do not know that there could be any better
/ opportunitv to bespeak our friend 5 kind well
come than to-day, when my sister celebrates
what she likes to call her golden birthday. I
hope we may renew our youth in his. NV
friends, l am glad to introduce YOU 70 our
nephew, Mr.. Philip Ambrose Armstrong
Keith"
..Soldr' muttered DR.. Allison. But he was
the first to take the Dlushing young fellow BY
the hand, and he made a most graceful con
gratulatory speech Miss Maria wondered
a little at the heartineSs. the actual affection
of the congratulations that were shOwered
upon her; she supposed. happily. that they
were because Of Ambrose's talents and good
ness, which even strangers perceived; sho
never dreamed, in her innOcerce, that the
eager friends were equally remOrseiUl AMI
relieved. II Mrs Dc Forests slightly cynical
smile meant any other opinion she kept it TO
herself Once Miss Maria found moment
apart with her.
Il called it my golden birthday, dear
sister" she said, ''but it is you that have
made 1t sou
And in the grateful glance she gave her the
last of the cloud was swept away forever
Octave Thanet in the Ladies Home Journal