The herald., 1898-10-18
BREAKING The ICE


she had SO successfully used those meth
DDS in which all accomplished young wo
men are well versed that neither of them
had any assurance OF being favored
suitor. With the most admirable adroit
ness she would divide her attentions be-
tween the two, and then. on convenient
occasions, would slight them both with
equal sincerity.
One afternoon in midwinter. as she sat
playing and singing dreamily to herself,
she was interrupted by her cousin Edith,
who came to discuss the skating party
planned for the approaching evening.
I'VE must start early, SO that we can
make the most of it," she said, enthu-
siastically.
They're going to build fire on the
bank of the pond, where we can warm
and I believe twill be the gayest time
we've had this season."
II don't think care much about It,"
said Alice, lingering her piano absently
as she spoke.
Regardless Of her Indifferent manner
Edith continued her lively conversation
Didn't Frank Spencer look fine at the
last dance-as If he'd Just stepped out Of
fashion plate?"
II hate to see man look that way"
said Alice, coldly. "'Tis bad sign"
Nonsense! 'Tis only a sign that he's
fastidious, that's ALL" replied Edith.
Harold ought to suit you better, then:
his necktie Is hardly ever exactly
straight"
"He is very careless about his clothes,
and that's another bad fault"
~DA tnAo Il
with you, Alice, l should think some-
thing dreadful was going to happen; but
1 know you'll be yourself again when
you get on your skates with devoted
attendant on each side"
The full moon shone in a cloudless sky
when the party reached the pond, and
soon, equipped for their sport. they went
skimming away over the sparkling sur
face, like flock of swift-winged birds,
while the brushwood fire burning on the
bank shed warmth and brightness
around the merry scene.
Exercise sharpened all appetites, and
the lunch baskets were emptied at an
early hour, after which their spirits
seemed to rise to higher levels. Alice.
especially, displayed more than her usual
willfulness as she performed her capri
cious evolutions, closely followed by her
| unwearied satellites.
At length, as she was describing wide
circle near the edge Of the pond, she ap-
preached point where the prying beams
Of the afternoons sun had discovered a
weak spot, and now the warm breath of
the fire waited across it had rendered it
unsafe. But unaware Of this she swept
fearlessly onward, when suddenly the
Ice gave way at her feet, and she sank
into the water beneath. Though the
depth was not great, the shock was suf-
f1cient to excite her utmost terror, and
struggling helplessly, she shrieked aloud
"Oh, Harold, save mel"
Both young men arrived nearly at the
same moment, but Harold had heard his
name called, and with headlong speed
he rushed to her aid. Plunging into the
broken ice he held her fast while he
strove to secure a foothold on the mud
dy bottom. He was not long in doing SO,
| and then succeeded in getting to the
shore unassisted, with Alice clinging
frantically to him.
"Oh. Harold" she murmured between
her shivering sobs, I'm SO glad you got
here; I didn't want Frank to get me
OUT
"Let me get your skates off, quick
Alice, and then we must hurry home,
for you'll get deadly cold"
Frank met them on the bank, saying
anxiously, do let me help you about
something"
"Take care Of our skates. will your
said Harold. We've got to race for
life." And catching Alice by the hand
they ran like two children across the
meadow to the road. where they disap-
peared from the sight Of their compan-
ions, who Immediately disbanded and
fastened away from the scene Of the
catastrophe.
Frank Spencer mechanically gathered
up the skates that had been left In his
care, and walked in silence amid the
talkative groups, feeling that something
was ended forever.
Alice. comforted by dry clothes and a
warm bed, soon recovered from her chill
and fright, and Harold, blessing his good
fortune that, at the mere cost Of a cold
bath, he had won her approval, slept
with rainbow visions lowering around
his pillow.
The next morning, as soon as practl-
cable, he called on Alice, to hnd her
calm and reticent-not at all the cling
ing, impulsive being he had go lately
rescued; but, resolved not to be baff1ed,
he ventured to say: II never dared to
think before that you could really care
for me. but last night when you said
"You were my choice then" she hast
ened to reply, with look and emphasis
that struck the gallant youth like blow
in the face; and unable to command his
voice he rose and walked to the window.
But in a moment he was aware Of q
hand on his arm and pair Of mischiev-
GUS eyes looking up into his.
IT know you don't choose me today"
he said falteringly, endeavoring. to keep
his gaze fixed upon the distant land
scape.
"Why, yes, do," she answered in tones
Of such evident truthfulness that the
courage of her hearer again revived, and
he questioned impetuously: To-day and
always?"
YES" was the reply, 'if you are bent
on making 1t such serious affair.""
"Oh, Alice! My love now and forever"
and he clasped her unresisting to his
heart.
do you KNOW" said Alice, after short
silence, when found myself in the
pond 1t flashed like lightning through my
mind that Frank would be disgusted
with the thought Of getting me out Of
such a disagreeable place, and I knew
that you would be perfectly happy to
do IT," she concluded with most ador-