The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-12-22

their aims and obIations. are wheedled
persuaded, and cajoled into assisting in
restoration Of the spire or some other
equally necessary and laudible object.
On the eVentful day the school room
where the stalls had been htted up was a
perfect picture what with pretty girls
charming dresses, and lovely flowers. the
effect upon the more youthful bachelors
was bewildering, and the sale. of fancy
articles at still more fancy prices, went
on apace.
Caut. Courtney was standing near the
door. watching Florence and Norton, and
there is a great deal of truth in the old
adage that ''Lookers-ons see most of the
game especially when the game is love-
They are so charmlngly innocent" he
them happy But why should / trouble
myself? They wont thank me for my
pains Shall I? ! viii"
Strolling toward Norton, Courtney said
Ned, can ! have two minutes conversa-
ton with you-quietly?"
es, dear boy, certainly" replied Nor
ton. Come this way Now, what Is it?'
Excuse me for putting the question
plainly to you" commenced Courtney
But when two peoples happiness de-
ponds upon the answer one may be par
doned for a little biuntness. / want to
know what your position is with regard
to Miss Masters"
My position?' repeated Norton first
flushing up to his eyebrows and then turn
ing deathiy pale; I'll don't quite I'M
derstand what you meant
why, is that piatonic arrangement
which you made in the summer still in
and dearer than mere friends? Forgive
me for catechising you in this way, but
you know me well enough to be aware
that / should never take such a liberty
out of mere curiosity. | am sure ] need
say no more; you will understand me
and appreciate my motive when inquire
whether you are engaged to Miss Mas
ters, or If your feeling is still purely pla-
tonic"
Norton gasped two or three times like
a fish out of water and then he managed
to calculate:
Courtney seized his limp hand and shook
it effusively, and then with happy smile
on his countenance he made his way to-
ward Florence. and he never left her all
For the best part of an hour Norton
watched them from the further end of the
room, eating out his heart In the solitude
of crowd. Then, as though moved by a
sudden resolution, he walked over to
where Laura Lifferton was holding a lit
tie court of her own, under the pretense
of selling button-holes, and soon became
one of the gayest of the gay.
How happy Norton seems to be-! OBJ
served Courtney presently.
Indeed l thought just now. that he
appeared rather dull replied Florence;
and then, as she looked over in the direc-
ton indicated. she observed him worship
ing at the shrine of the fair Laura, and
apparently as happy as the day was long.
''Do you think it's match?" continued
Courtney.
wouldn't they?" ~
do you think SOP responded Florence.
evidently speaking with an effort. /
shouldn't consider them at all suited.f'
ooh! wouldn't your" said Courtney. AT
any rate they seem to, understand one
another" And then. with significant
smile, he added; "There is evidently no
platonic arrangement existing between
ham
For a few seconds FIotence turned near
ly gray, and Courtney was afraid that
she was about TO faint; but, making a
strong effort. she recovered herself, and
in a little while no stranger could have
told that she was not as cheerful and
light-hearted as any girl in the room.
During the afternoon Mr.. Master. Flor
ence's father, came up TO the stall at
which the young lady was officiating. and
after greeting Courtney. added; rof
the-by Florence, I'm going to run away
with the carriage I'll send ii back for
you in time II can; but If not you will
be able TO find some one who will put you
down at the lodge"
my dogcart Is here, Mr.. Masters -
allow me, / shall be delighted TO drive her
home"
So it was settled; and the afternoon
dragged its weary length atons-for two
people there, at all events-as though
every minute were a hour At last the
end arrived, most OF the stall-kccpers had
gone. and the porch was In seini-darl<-
ness.
Courtney's dogcart waz Just outside
and he was about 20 help Florence up
into IT, when Norton suddenly appeared
upon the scene. Pushing past Courtney
he said: you will ride home with me-
Florence"
Papa has arranged that ] should 20
once. making a move toward the dogcart
as she spoke.
courtney won't mind, ! am sure" re-
rsIf. frIM
Well that depends" ans Wcred Court
ney slowly. IF n o. - b. D purely pin-
tonic expedition. Why Miss Aiasfers may
lust az well come with me- but IT,"
"Oh. hang fflafor Interrupted Norton
hastily. FLORENCE, dear FLORENCE. como
with mfW
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