Year: 1877

ment, her constant companion, to whom
she was very gracious in public but,
cuttingly cool when in the privacy oI
her own home


Rumors were whispered about that
Birdie Clifton and Frank Vamburgh
were to be married soon, and when it
reached the ears Of Glide Hall, be smiled
in very bitterness Of spirit.


Birdie" said her father, one day,
when matters had been progressing in
this way for month or more, Birdie.
I do not like that hamburg have
tried to find out something of his former
whereabouts, but no one seems to know
anything concerning him | have even
asked Glide, who was his bosom friend,
you know, but he cannot tell me any
thing Of him, except what little is known
at his hotel Glide says"


"There papa, don't tell me what Glide
says, for l could almost despise man
who would defame an innocent mans
character | really did not think Mr..
Hall would stoop to dc anything SO
mean


But. my dear, Glide"


Il do not want to hear of Glide" she
again interrupted, almost angrily. Il
will not hear Frank wrongfully abused,
although l do not care for him in the
least" and with kiss she silenced her
father for the time being She closed
her ears to the slightest whisper that
would breathe suspicion Oh Franks
character, attributing all rumors to
Clide's hateful, jealous nature and the
result was that poor abused Frank was
pitied the more, while Glide received
the coolest kind of recognition when
they would chance to meet


But all things must have an end SO
did Brides intimacy with Frank YAM
burg, in a way she never forgot as long
as she lived.


They had just returned from ride
by the sea-shore, when Mr. Clifton came
hurriedly towards them just as they had
reached the gate


Il am very glad you have come, Biz
die" he said, as Frank assisted her to
alight " have been waiting for over
an hour


What for, papa ?" Birdie shook out
the folds If her rich cashmere dress. as
she asked the question


Il have just received telegram from
your Aunt Amelia, and | must go TO her
Immediately, as she is very i'll You will
not be afraid to stay without me, as do
not think | can be back until tomorrow
afternoon, but James and Mollie will be
with you"


Why, papa, what should be afraid
Of? I am sure no one will steal me Y


Il don't know about that" with a
lowering glance at Frank. who stood
leaning against the gate. Il am lit
tie uneasy, as had to place some money
| received to-day in the safe in the sit
ting room. 1t came too late to deposit
in the bank You will be sure to tell
James to be very careful in locking the
doors and windows, and then-but l
declare, have only few moments left
to catch the train Goodbye, Birdie,
take good care Of yourself and with a
hurried kiss and distant bow to Frank,
he was driven rapidly off


How worried dear papa looks Come
in Frank l forgot to ask you before.
as | was receiving orders, you know"


Il cannot this evening, but want
you to make me promise 1t is grant
ed y


That depends IDever rush blindly
into danger Suppose you tell me what
you wish me to grant 2"


"Will you take a sail on the lake to-
morrow evening 2"


If auntie is better, | certainly will.
for | love to 60 boat-riding Don't you
think it is getting chilly? think you
had better come in doors"


Autumn winds, you know, bring a
chilly breeze. | cannot accept your
kind invitation, as | have an engage
ment, for which am very sorry, as
should like very much to spend an even
ing in your charming society. But |
will see you tomorrow, so au revoir."
And with very polite bow. he sprang
into an elegant box buggy and was out
of sight in few moments


"Oh, dear" she sOliloquized, as she
slowly wended her way toward the
house. II wish that was Glide, instead
Of Frank. Not because l care for Glide,
but l used to have to coax him when
ever | wanted him to do anything for
me be did not wish to do, and | cannot
Frank, some how; although Frank
would not censure me, as Glide has
done. Frank is real nice. in spite of
what every one tries to say against