The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-08-29

near the steps, l paused moment, for
heard Dis voice singing within. I
knew the song well, for | had taught it
her myself. when thou art DER the
seas, love-" That was the song. Had
the sweet, girlish tones deepened? 1t
seemed to me as l stood listening there
was some new meaning in them, some
tenderer cadence than when | heard
them last. l waited until the last notes
died away and then made my way into
the house and softly opened the parlor
door. She did not hear me, and I stood
moment i'll silence while every line in
her face, every curve Of her figure, her
dress, her simple ornaments, the dra-
perry OF the window near which she stood,
became indelibly impressed upon my
mind. Since thon.a portrait of Di has
been painted. AS it hangs above me
now it brings her back as she stood be-
fore me then, her face uplifted, the eyes
proud and sweet, the brow fair and no.
BILE, the lips rich yet soft in their
curves. Her hands were clasped lightly.
Her head was poised with that little air
of conscious superiority born and bred
within her, and if she had been a young
princess going forth to greet her nation
you would have lain down your life
that she might lead the life of sunshine
that became her beauty.
While looked at her she sighed softly
and put her little hand a moment to her
breast. dip said suddenly.
She turned quickly and, giving joy
full cry, sprang forward with her hands
outstretched.
Robert, dear old fellow" she said,
clinging to me. "How glad l am to sec
you again.
Had the sigh been for me? l held her
in my arms, questioning her face. But
she dropped her head a little, and pink
flush stole into her checks.
"Well, Dr." 1 said, releasing her
slowly, $50 I've come back, you see. !"
Yes, " she answered softly, and look
ing at me with merry smile in her
eyes she added, How fine you look in
your gay clothes, STRIP
was highly pleased at the approval
in her voice and manner, and, with an
affectation Of carelessness, walked about
the room better to display my fine suit.
paused suddenly before the window,
surprised to see stranger in the garden
"a young man, decidedly English and
aristocratic i'll appearance. We're it not
for his simple dress I would have
thought him an English officer of rank
"Di," exclaimed, "who is that?"
She gave quick look into the garden
and then at me without speaking.
IA fine looking fellow" I said.
"Who is he?''
"a friend Of Uncle Blake's," she
said quietly. IA young Englishman
come here on business. -
HAS he been here long? What is his
name?''
Montague, said Di, answering my
last question with certain hesitation.
Roger Montague. Uncle Blake knew
the Montagues i'll England long ago.
"And what sort of fellow is he?' |
inquired, with a sudden feeling of con-
tempt.
Di pursed up her mouth obviously.
II can hardly say. We are so sure to
quarrel when we talk that let it alone
now"
"{1umphl And will he be here long?"
She shrugged her shoulders.
"I'm sure I don't know. Come, Rob-
crt, let us talk Of something else. Did
Betsy Livingstone send me my tabinet
dress? She promised it last month"
"She did" I answered, sitting down.
"And your cousin Hensley is coming
up. And all the Hamiltons are in New
York. There is my budget for you. %
"And they say Kitty Schuyler is quite
belle, isn't she?" said Di, with true
feminine curiosity about one of her sex.
"And Nancy Thomas hss gone TO Phila-
delphia."
"All true enough" rejoined
We had pleasant hours chat before
supper time, when my uncle and Mrs.
Braun and the guest, Mr. Montague,
came into the room. There was some
thing very prepossessing about the young
man. At least Di seemed to think SO.
She scarcely noticed me, but for all her
imperiousness gave her real attention to
Mr.. Montague in such way that, half
annoyed with her, stood up to leave
an hour earlier than need have gone
She was then sitting in one corner of
the fireplace, her check resting on her
hand, the glow casting red shadows on
Lcr dress, furnishing her hair, touching