The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-12-15

nibble here and bite there; fruit now
and bonbon then; macaroon shortly and
an ice after little. One might Just as
well set stated meals for canary. When,
therefore, after deliberate combination,
he found her in an easy-chair, at the angle
of the piazza, with novel open on her
lap and her toilet effectively arranged,
Paul remembered that there had been her
favorite seat the Summer before and felt
convinced that she was having good time.
So he turned his attention to the subject Of
fishing There was boat to be engaged,
and choice pools to be discussed, and tackle
to be arranged. Thenceforward with the
calm conscience of model husband he de-
voted himself to his sport, Perhaps an
alignment of the net proceeds would have
been an ado about nothing; for he generally
forgot to bait the hook But what would
you have?
The warmth of the sun seemed to re-
new his tired brain, the breeze inspired
strength fn-the quiet or sparkle of the
waters he saw the continuance of prosperi-
ty or the advent of success Had any one
asked him how Alice spent her time, he
would have regarded the question like one
inquiring as to the first letter of the alpha
bet SWhy, as all women do presume, :"
he would have answered, rather querulous-
! ly; she reads and embroiders and drives
and plays tennis. And there are hops
and music, you know. Mercy, she's 50
busy, I see but little of her. And
Alice, sitting disconsolately ON the piazza.
appreciated how brief was their actual as
sociation and how tedious were the remain
ing hours, and one day, recognizing tall
form approaching her from the road, with
the strides of unfeigned joy, she vowed that
Paul, too, should wonder and wait and
grow lonely.
The following afternoon when Panl was
returning from the lake, he crossed through
the woods to the main road As he was
standing on the bank, half hidden by the
underbush from the bend below, there
came a rumble, the tattoo of hoofs, and a
merry song interspersed with the bursts of
jocund laughter. 4 four-in- hand coach
swung along, all alight with dainty colors.
Such an array of pretty women and gal
liant men; they might well be Pilgrims of
Pleasure bound for Calypsos Isle. And
on high, in the rear, beating time with
crimson parasol in the very face of SNUG
and smiling swain, sat Alice
Recognition gets its swiftest impulse
from dislike We may mistake friend,
but we often feel an enemy before we see
him. Not that Paul regarded Mason
Welles in so serious an aspect; he simply
disapproved of him with that contempt
which consoles the tortoise for the grace
fullness of the hare.
II see that man Welles is here, said
Paul to Alice, when they met in that do
nestle forum, their room.
s'Eh? All Yes, oh yes, she re-
pile.
"Will he remain long?'
II presume so, continued the young
woman, mischievously.
Paul colored visibly, despite the ex-
ertions of the sun. He felt ridicule the
more because he was utterly unable to re-
turn it in kind, Some fond, true natures
cannot change, except through convul-
sion, and then they change radically
The nearest shade of difference from a
caress becomes downright blow. Alice
proceeded hurriedly, excusing and thus ac-
cusing Il know you will be pleased,
Paul, to hear me say that ike this place
so much better The people here are i'm
possible, of course, except for spelling
bee or funeral, but there is such right
jolly party staying over at the Naples,
friends of Mr.. Wells, you know. They
were in despair for chaperon until they
found me. Now, just keep on fishing and
give yourself no further concern regarding
my welfare. We take moonlight sail
tomorrow night, and Saturday We drive
to the Summit, with dinner at the Half
Way House So be a dear fussy old
bachelor all you please, And Alice
fitted from the room humming snatch of
the song 10 which she had beaten tiwe 50
blithely.
Paul stood before the glass with his
collar half fastened. There vas a eomical
expression of CONSERVATION on the reflect
ed face, which made him laugh, but not
merrily. "A fussy old bachelor p So,
such was the verdict on his endeavors
as a model husband2 Perhaps man
could work more steadfastly, and plan more
cautiously, and give more generously than
he Doubtless that grinning idiot whose
eyes ought to begin to water for the wiring
ing his nose would surely get was more
fit object to be loved, honored and obeyed
Come, now, if contranety was required,
by Jove he would furnish it.
Old and fussy, indeed When, two
years since, he had been in truth bache-
lor only his absurd ideas of devotion, had
kept him free from many charming allure
ments. And now, after the sixth collar
had been appropriately sacrificed to his
choler. Paul finished his labors and de-
scended to the piazza quite satisfied with
the results Alice was nowhere to be seen.