Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1907-08-07
BREAKING THE ICE

young women are well versed that nei-
ther Of them had any assurance Of be-
ing a favored sutton.
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 approach
ing evening.
1--WE must start early, so that we can
make the most of It," she said enthusi-
astically. They're going to build n fire
on the bank of the pond, where we can
warm ourselves and have our refresh
ments, and | believe twill be the gay
est time we've had this season."
81 don't think I care much about It,"
said Alice. lingering her piano absently
as she spoke.
Regardless. of her Indifferent manner,
Edith continued her lively CONVERSE
ton. Didn't Frank Spencer look fine
at the last dance, as if he'd just step
ped out of q fashion plateT
81 hate to see a man look that way"
said Alice coldly. "Tis bad sign"
"Nonsense IT'S only signal that
he's fastidious; that's ALL" replied
Edith. Harold ought to suit you bet
ter then. His necktie is hardly ever
exactly straight"
HE is careless about his clothes, and
that's another bad fault"
Goodness! If / wasn't acquainted
with YOU. Alice, l should think some
thing dreadful was going to happen,
but | 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 Swimming away over the
sparkling surface 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 usu-
al wlllfulness as she performed her
capricious evOlutiOns, closely followed
by her unwearied satellites.
At length as she was describing
wide circle near the edge of the pond
she approached a point where the pry-
ing beams of the afternoons sun had
discovered a weak spot, and now the
warm breath. of the fire waited across
1t had rendered it unsafe. But, I'M
aware of this, she swept fearlessly on
ward, when suddenly the ice gave way
at her feet, and she sank into the wa
ter beneath Though the depth was
not great, the shock was sufficient TO
excite her utmost terror, and, strug-
Cling helplessly, she shrieked aloud,
ooh Harold, save me!'
Both young men arrived at nearly
the same moment, but Harold had
heard his name called, and, with head
long speed he rushed to her aid.
Plunging into the broken Ice, he held
her fast while he strove to secure
foothold on the muddy bottom. He
was not long In doing so and then sue
ceeded in getting to the shore unas-
sisted. with Alice clinging frantically
to him.
ooh, Harold" she murmured between
her shivering sobs, I'm so glad you
got here! didn't want Frank TO get
me out"
LET me get off your skates quick,
Alice, and then we must hurry. home,
for you'll get deadly cold"
Frank met them on the bank, saying
anxlously, "Do let me help about some
thing"
Take care of our skates. will you"
said Harold "Wc'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 dis
appeared from the sight Of their COM
panions. who Immediately disbanded
and fastened away from the scene OF
the accident
Frank Spencer mechanically gather
ed up the skates that had been left In
his care and walked In silence amid
the talkativc groups, feeling that some
thing was ended forever.
Alice. c0mforted by dry clothes and
a warm bel. 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 APPROX
al, slept with rainbow visions hover
ing around lis pillow.
The next morning as soon as prac-
ticable he called on Alice, to find her
calm and reticent-not ut all the cling
Ing. impulsive being he had so lately
rescued-but. resolved not to be baf-
fed, he ventured to say, 81 never dar-
ed to think before that you could really
care for me- but I.5t night when lou
said
you were my choice then" she has
tened to reply with a look and EN-
phasis that struck the gallant youth
like blow in the face, and, unable to
command his voice, he rose and walk
ed to the window, but in moment he
was aware of hand on his arm and
a pair of mischevous eyes looking up
into his.
II know you don't choose me today"
he said falteringly, endeayorlpg to
keep his gaze fixed upon the distant
landscape.
"Why, yes, | do" she answered In
tones OF such evident truthfulness that
the courage of her nearer again reyiv-
ed, and he questioned impetuously,
To-day and alwaysT
,. e.. r.. An4nhinn