Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1894-05-19


some pretext, Phil found his way to
Mr. Sewell's now To ask Mabel tc
ride, to consult her in regard 10 some
Of the preparations for his guests and
n grand ball he was TO give in their
honor, and finally to seek ands
obtain Mr.. Sewell's consent Ito be his
guest and help him greet his friends.
The &c ssips began to revive hope in
their breasts, anil t. think Miss
SeweN had done wisely after alls
Certainly she never looked more bean.
tiful or seemed more perfectly con
tent than when she TOOK possession of
the pretty suite OF rooms Mr.. Bonsart
had assigned her. 1t was late in the
afternoon. Many guests had already
arrived, the house was full Of cheerful
hustle, merry voices echoed through
the grand old halls, as Mabel left her
rooms. to join her friends below.
Would she find Philip Bonsart waiting
for her? Yes, he was there, at the
foot of the stairway; but as she
reached the bend, she saw him tnrp
away, go hastily forward with out
stretched hands and radiant smile To
meet newcomer, young girl in
whom even the eyes upon the stairs
could find no flaw, whose beauty was
undeninble. The little Land he held
III his long after its first greeting OF
his warm, eager welcome
IL was SO impatient, l feared you
were not coming day.
''Aunt always is delayed, you know:
but did not mean to be disappoint-
ed. Who are here, Philip" sweet,
musical voice replied, then the stately
figure on the stairs rustled down,
recognized their presence with cold,
contracted bow, and swept past them
into the drawing-room.
''She calls him Philip. Doubtless
it is all arranged. How we'll matched
they will be How bright they will
make the old house! And well =
l have kept my secret too many yea IS
to let it escape me now.
But a look Of pain crept into the
beautiful eyer, a change in her man
ner, cOldness, q dignity which be-
came Miss Sewell well, who was unlike
the Mabel who had met and welcomed
the traveller on his return. Later in
the evening he brought her, leaning
on his arm, TO be presented. Miss
Laurence-M Miss Sewell' Lille Lau-
renee looked surprised at tho cold. icy
way in which the other acknowledged
the introduction. but something in
the beautiful face attracted her, and
she determined they should be friends.
The day of the bal! drew nigh.
There were to be tableaux, followed
by dancing, and the performers were
busy studying dress and attitude.
Volumes of old engra>ings were
dragged down from their shelves,
studied and restudied; chests, un
molested for years, ransa cked to the
bottom, and brocades and velvets
dragged therefrom for the important
even. Miss Sewell was constantly In
demand. so that she ever had an ex-
cuse when her host would have de
tanned her Ivy his side, and he
wondered what the strange barrier
could mean between them.
not SO could she escape the little
white robed figure which crept, night
after night, to her door, which would
nestle before the fire at her feet an'
claim admission to her heart, whethe,
she would have it SO or not.
A singular fascination drew Eer t
this girl, who had robbed life OF it:
sweetness, wAom mex COluueSS COui'
not repel or anger.
"You must love me. Miss Sewell
whether YOU want to or no.. In ths
first place. | learned TO love You Ions
ago. through Philip. Besides, | hav.
little secret ! want to tell vou. an
engaged. and. oh. am So hsppy =
4 hand of ice clu,ched the listener
heart at this ontirnstlon strong; bu
she answered calmly
Perhaps II is not sucn secret a.
you suppose
Indeed !, is: unless Philip-ant
he promised No. /. could not b,
he
He has not betrayed 1t, I assu-t
you. But come. If you want AZ,
roses let, for tomorrow, you must b.t
ME good night