The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1904-12-24
Seleet Stnrp.
A CHRISTMAS REVEL.



The passengers on the through train were
all more or less interested when they saw,
waiting at the little rustic station, halt dozen
double sleighs, each with its prancing horses,
and one large one with four huge black beasts,
which the master of the revels himself had in
hand, into which the gay group that had filled
half car were hurried, rolled in bear skins
to the chin, and then all swept swiftly away,
to the cry of glad voices and the jingling OF
bells. "The house. warming of some young
millionaire" the conductor said to those that
asked. And then the sleighers heard the two
sharp whistles as the engine plunged across a
highway, and neither the wearying people in
the train nor the gay people ont OF it thought
Of one another again.
But there were two people in the sleighs
not quite so gay rs the rest. Don Ho,lister
had carried his hurt a good while, and the
other-well, pretty Polly Templeton knew
best what she had to be sorry for; the red
dyed her cheek in n more vivid strain than
the frosty air could give as she saw Don Hol-
lister eyes resting moment upon her. But
it was Elise Ronney, their chaperon, who had
indicated her place, and the groom had
mounted her there out of hand, beside Don on
the high seat of the big sleigh. 1t occurred
to Polly to wonder what Elise Bonney
thought, for all her tinkling laugh, when see
ing this splendid stalwart Don Hollister hold
ing his four hand like the charioteer of an
Olympic race. and then looking at the pale
starveling of man beside her whom she had
chosen to marry-chosen, some said, because
his refined and scholarly character had charm.
ed her; chosen, others said. because, although
clergyman, he could afford not to preach,
having been born heir to the Bellington and
Bingley Railroad, with all its revenues. which
meant for Elise palace in a mountain park
and house in town, where she was regnant
over wit and worth and wealth.
But that was only moments thought with
Polly. Don was busy with his horses, who
appeared to have some idea of flying, as they
leaped and plunged and stood up in their
traces; the next moment the last time she had
been beside Don Hollister flashed before her.
1t was in the foyer during one of the inter-
minable waits of the opera. He had come
and asked her to 60 out, and she had risen, in
spite of her step mothers frown--the more
quickly, perhaps, for Mrs. Templeton's hurried
whisper. "He meant Elise. not you!'' She
knew by the color that swept over the face of
Elise. sitting on her other hand, that she also
had heard; and it was not till they were stand.
ing aside and letting the procession go by,
while she slipped her iced water, that she
looked up and said: Nov you have been
very kind. and have had breath of air, and
we will go back, and you shall take out Elise,
for know you meant to ask her all the time.
But the fact is. the air was so close | had to
take the chance"
THE fact is nothing of the Sort said Don.
"The fact is that you are as inaccessible as a
Grand Llama. And it does me good to take
you out directly under Mamma Templeton' s
eyes How are you, Berkeley p
II don't know what Mamma Templeton has
ever done to you," said Polly, pouting into
her fan, for Mr.. Berkeley had looked round
at them, and so had Rosamond Beale, as they
passed.
"Do you not All the same bear no en-
nifty. 1t is quite true | am not her pattern of
a desirable parti-a young broker making his
commissions. How can she tell on what day
a lucky deal may-she doesn't believe in lucky
deals? Nor you non alus. Why, let me tell
yon, there are as many currents of luck and
i'll luck as there are of cold air and warm air.
And | am in one of the lucky currents.
keep in it, too-s,raight sailing. You do not
believe ?" he said, returning the glass and
going along beside her. ''Mrs. Templeton' s
frown is proof to the contrary? But what do
I care for Mrs. Templeton's frown 2 his voice
very low, but close beside her ear as he hent
his head. "You do not trown on me.
The color famed over Polly's face, so that
she had to stoop and adjust the ribbon OF heI
slender shoe and let the posture excuse the
blush. Il think" she said. Strengthening
herself with pretty hauteur, 1--WE will go back
now."
"Oh no. think not. There isn't the scrape
of fiddle vet And have great deal more
to say"
"If you please, ! will 60 back.
"Then | shall say it on the way.
"What good does it do You to talk so?''
half under her breath.
"All the good iti the world!-Fine house
again. as Tom Perkins stopped to speak 10
them. "Eames in great shape tonight. seen
Calve? In Mrs. Houghton's box. down the
left? Black and pink. All the good in the
world!'' as Mr.. Perkins took himself of, with
a general echo of the intelligence and turn
of the promenading throng in the direction of
Mrs. Houghton's box.
"Have you seen Calve p asked Polly.
"No, have not. asked him if he had.
| see something infinitely more delightful TO
me to look at, 70. all the twinkling dance of
her fingers. And you know it!''
"But, if you please. Don"
eyes? Iplease anything. Polly. when you
speak So"
ooh. the orchestra are taking their places!
Don't you hear? See; every one is going in. y
"All the better. One can breathe free
BREATH" said Don, planting himself against
the wall. and taking her fsn as if he were ex-
amining the painting, but bending his keen
glance over it and upon her. lyon are
guarded so like blue china, and You will be
forbidden to speak to me after we go back,
and it is now or never with me, Pauline"
st will have to be never" said Polly, look
ing down, and very white.
'Great heavens, Polly! You are going to
fain,r' he exclaimed.
mo, / am not" she said, getting herself
together with an effort. "Why should |
faint
because, Polly darling-because your
heart is stronger than your will"
"People faint only with weak hearts. No,
no, Don, don't be foolish. Oh, the curtain is
going up"
'All right"
ave shall miss the scene!'
swell, the scene is here. And your part
is to tell me here and now if you are going to
marry Mr.. Goldmarck."
''You have no right TO ask me!'