The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1902-02-21
.HILDEGARDE'S ESCORT.
By Mary S. Daniels.
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THREE letters at once. Such a thing
l had never happened to Hide,
garde before, and she blushed and
dimpled with pleased surprise as she
surveyed the row of envelopes, de-
batting which to open first.
All three bore the Seaforth post
mark. That was almost a matter OF
course, for neither Hildegarde MOI
any of her friends had ever been very
far from the little town in which she
had been born. Even a single letter
was not a frequent experience. And
here were three!
The little cream-tinted one was from
Aunt Bee, of course. And this oblong
one, with the sprawling address, was
from Archie Bale. Archie was her
classmate in the high school, the big
gest and the incest boy she knew. She
had received more than one missive,
exactly like this in appearance, from
him during the last two years, all of
them invitations to some school en-
tertainment or young folks party.
Perhaps this as-Hildegarde drew a
quick breath at the thought-an invi-
tation to the Ap-Morgan concert on
Friday night. She did so want to go
to that concert.
But, here was this large, square en-
velope, with the dashing address dec
Grated with innumerable fourishes.
Hildegarde had never seen the hand
writing before, but the color in her
cheeks deepened as she regarded it
closely. What if it should be-could
it be-from Mr.. Howard Overton
Suppose he should invite her to the
concert.
Howard Overton was almost a
stranger in Seaforth, clerk in the
new bank. Hildegarde had met him
several times, and had been a little
flattered by his undisguised admira-
ton and somewhat elaborate polite
ness. All the girls were enthusiastic
about Mr.. Overton's good looks and
polished manners. 1t would be quite
distinction to receive an invitation
from him. If this should be one, and
if she opened it first, instead of
Archie's.
But there was Aunt Bees note. De-
ferring the momentous decision,
Hildegarde tore open the little en-
velope. Two bits of buff pasteboard
futtered into her lap as she read:
Dear Hildegarde: I had meant to ask
you to attend the Ap-Morgan Concert
with Ned and me, but my sister Gertrude
is very ill and 1 must go to her at once.
Tod I, fol inc hQ
but he too is called out of town by I'M
expected business, and so send you the
tickets. You will easily find some one
to go with you, and I hope|you will enjoy
the concert. Your loving aunt,
Beatrice Hunt.
Hildegarde laughed softly as she
opened the other notes, both, as she
surmised, invitations to- the concert.
What an embarrassment of riches.
The Ap-Morgan concert was great
event in Seaforth. Not many celebri-
ties like the famous harpist visited the
town, which was bristling with
placards and posters announcing the
concert. All the music-lovers were
full of anticipation of the coming
treat, and when Hildegarde stopped
at the little stationery shop on her
way home from school for some com
position paper yesterday, she had
found old Mr.. Barlow himself study
ing the big card in his shop window
as if even he found it matter of in
terest and Importance. $50. :.
''Are you going to the concerto" he
asked, as he tied up Hildegarde's par
eel.
Hildegarde looked up in surprise
1t was the first time she had ever
heard Mr.. Barlow say a word more
than was necessary in the strict way
of business. The school girls called
him "the crabbedy man." because OF
his taciturnity and forbidding ways.
: 81 don't know; I'm afraid not. ]
should like to very much, but
That ready color came into he1
cheeks. Money was very scarce in
the little household, consisting only
of the invalid mother, herself and the
maid whose services were ,indispensa-
bile in keeping them comfortable
Hildegarde had sometimes to deny
herself coveted indulgences.
Happily most, of the good times that
came that way were inexpensive ones
and Hildegarde, being winsome and
companionable, missed few of them
No girl in Seaforth was more in de-
mand or had more pleasures. But
the Ap-Morgan concert. was different
from everything else. The tickets
were hightpriced, and she did moi
feel free to spend so much money
on a single evenings pleasure, pas
sionately as she loved music.