The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-22


this snow covered world that gave evi
dence of life and cheerfUlness. Light
poured from the long windows and
stained glass doors out onto the snow
IN long red streak5. Shadows were
constantly fitting by these windows,
n people were coming by twos and
threes and entering this house. There
was great gaiety here. It was Christ
mas eve. The Semples were giving a
grand ball to night. Inside this house
there were rosy cheeks, bright eyes,
soft voices, feather fans and lovely
gowns in great abundance. But, a
man, tall and very handsome, with
straight black eyebrows and black
hair brushed back from his forehead,
stood quietly and watched the new
corners with q somewhat anxious ex
preston in his dark eyes. After look.
ing good at each new arrival, a kind Of
disappointment would spread over his
fine face and he was seen to change
from one foot to the other in an IN
NSA4LO4 UChO&C SS4g I'll A4Ch4L4GIs
Rome Semple came up to his side
and putting his hand on his shoulder
said: "Herve, my'old man, why do you
look so serious2 O, l see-well, let me
assure you, Miss Shandon is just sure
to be here-yes, some n is arriving
now"
The man with the black hair gave a
glance toward the door and his eyes
burned with an intense light. His IN
easy manner disappeared and his
Dlood flowed fast.
The thing that caused this change
was a young girl dressed simply, with
white tow like hair and great lustrous
brown eyes. AS she entered the room
was surrounded by q crowd Of friends
and she was almost hidden from the
gaze Of this man. But he could see
glimpses of her fair hair, and once
through an opening she rested her eyes
full on his face, but instantly turned
away and moved out Of his sight.
A little later she was whirled into a
dance. Herve Roland watched the
white floating form in it's every move
ment.
When the dance was ended Rome
Semple meant to see that Herve met
Miss Shandon. But she excused her
self by merely keeping out Of the way,
until the next dance began when she
came into it in the arms of another
man whom Herve did not know. When
this was ended he again sought her
presence and came upon her in time to
see her carried off by her partner to
get refreshments.
She never looked in his direction,
and never happened to pass his way.
The next gentleman on her card was
Rome Semple. She saw him coming
toward her with Herve r ,land and in
stinctively turned her head from them.
When they came up, Rome said,
Miss Shandon, allow me to present
Herve Roland"
She bowed to him without raising
her eyes, and q pinkish tinge over
spread her face. AS they stood talking
she locked every way but at Herve RO
land. Never once did she raise her
eyes to bis face. Then the lovely
strains of a schottische began and
Rome led her into the dance.
A half hour later Rome and Rose
Shandon were in a small drawing
ROOM, when Herve joined them. Al
most as soon as Herve came in, Rome
excused himself and left them together
and alone. They were ~standing in the
bay window. The chandelier burned
dimiy and there were branches of mis-
tletoe hanging from it.
miss Shandon-Miss Rose, l believe
l remember meeting you once long
ago" She colored and became en-
barrassed, but he appeared to not
notice this and kept on. "It was
Christmas eve, too" He came closer
to her. 1T was just ten years ago to
night" She drew back a little. He
kept on. you were quite small then.
I was O lad Of fifteen " And, apparent
~, unconsciously, moved toward her
again
She had got better possession of her
self by this time and raising her head
and moving back a step or two, said
Yes, remember this evening ten years
ago very distinctly, and I owe you an
apology for my cruel treatment of you
that special time. But as you know
l was a mere child then and l have not
scan Won sinca 50 I hnna Vol can mar.