The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1899-08-10

| smell delicious" she murmured, and
this moment the arrival of the post
caused favorable diversion.
Mrs. Burton looked up from her let
ter with a little scream of delight.
Only think, John! Lady Ormiston
is in Melbourne and wants me to go to
lunch to-day. Come early!" she says.
You know how much l wanted to get
in with the Omissions, and they're sup
posed to be so proud! just fancy, and
to lunch! Won't Mrs. Fitroy be mad.
Only"-doubtfully-''she doesn't say
anything about you, Minnie. wonder
what I'd best do
"Of course you must go alone, man.
ma replied Minnie, with unexpected
alacrity. at would never do to take me
if I'm not asked. Though l did want to
see Lady Ormiston, tool"
Half an hour later Miss Burton had
driven off, arrayed in splendor, Mr.. Bur-
ton reentered the sitting-room, where
his daughter sat reading.
Minnie, my dear" he began, and
there was unwonted hesitation in his
manner, 81 am going out to see some
friends and may be detained to lunch
Do not wait for me, my child and-er-
on no account go out alone. Your moth.
er or l will return early and take you
to the museum or some other place OF
Irrational and innocent recreation. You
will be very careful, my child, especial
ly on such a day as this! Alas! l fear
Melbourne is such a sinful city"
The door closed, and Minnie was alone
Suddenly her countenance underwent
marvellous change. The color rushed
into her pale checks; she sprang up and
clasped her hands. It's too good to be
true!" she cried. Then she ran to her
bedroom and donned with trembling
fingers an elaborate costume prepared
in secret anticipation of this great day.
II never thought it would all happen
so simply" she thought, as she fastened
a delicate spray of orchids in her gown.
Then she stole downstairs and eau
tiously opened the street door. Unac-
customed to the busy scenes of a city
life, she drew back half frightened,
when hand was laid on her arm, and,
lul illllSs sic saw d NCli-hDONn lace
smiling down into hers.
It's all right! I've settled every
thing" Jack Lestrange said, briskly.
Now for a cab; but come out of sight
of the house. All out? Why, that's too
good to be true!"
THAT'S what I said" she exclaimed
ripping over with glee, but they're
! gone, all the same, mother to Lady Or
mission and father to lunch with friends
And now, Jack, dear, you and / are 60
ing to the races, and you'll show me
how to put on the Tote and every
thing, won't you?"
They were only naughty children,
after all, these two very young people,
and they were as happy as if they were
truants from school, as they bowled
quickly along to the course.
Guards for the rices! Cards for the
rices. Now, then, Idly! this way for the
tote, Idly, and (confidentially) don't you
| lay on Heatherbelle. She amt got no
stayin' power in 'er, that's wot | say.
Very pretty and fiash-lille, but Strad
brooks the boss for yer money"
All this came from a bare-legged
gamin as they hurriedly made their way
to the grand stand. Minnie, under her
escorts guidance, had been specializing
pretty heavily on Robin Hood, a COM
paratively unknown horse, and was be
ginning to quake as to the results of her
| venture.
Stradbrook was the favorite, and al
she watched his opening her heart sank.
Robin was midway in the field almost
unnoticed among his peers; but grad
ualIy, inch by inch, as it seemed, he
stole away until one after the other he
had passed all save two; then. with
great DASH he came up to Stradbrook
and now commenced the true excite
ment of the run.
Neck by neck they strove until il
seemed as though the race would end in
a tie. Every eye was turned towards
the winning post, and in an intense
silence the spectators watched for the
fatal moment. Now Stradbrook will
winnie is drawing ahead-but no
with one supreme effort Robin has come
up with-has passed him-and reaches
the goal victor by a quarter of a length.
The spell which had held the vast null
titude breathless was broken. Minnie
heaved a deep sigh and looked around.
80! it was wonderful." she eX-
claimed, but the words died on her lips.
There-not six yards away, in the midst
of a circle of friends, eagerly comparing
notes on the fortunes of the day, sat her
mother! Their eyes met and dropped
as guiltily as if criminals detected in
common crime.
80, Jack, take me away" she wills
pered, and following the direction of her
glance young Lestrange silently obeyed.
Mrs. Burton had risen, and in another
moment her hand was on the girls arm,
where it fell limp and powerIess. Sam
uel Barton himself stood before them,
with blanched lips and starting eyes.
In his hand he held "caard" and a
friend by his side was chatting him on
his ill-luck. Mr.. Lestrange turned TO
his companion.
81 think, Minnie" he said, sweetly,
that your father seems rather i'll. Per-
haps we had better call a cab for him ?"
But as Mr.. Burton was not inclined to