Year: 1872

AS DIR. Ashton came Skipping Jaun-
tily down the steps of Mrs. Allison's
residence up town, one would have
supposed hlm to have suddenly fallen
herr to a rich legacy, he looked so
proud and joyous; and good cause he
had to exult. Sweet Edith Allison
had within the hour given n smiling
approval to his long and earnest WOO.
ing, and consented that the happy
day should not be a distant one; and
Edith Allison was prize whom any
man might be proud of winning
Wealthy and winsome, t.ful and
gentle, no wonder that DIR. Ashton
should feel that the world in general
had assumed u gayer mood to cele-
brate his great good fortune.


But as he went smiling down the
street a little remembrance went fit
ting through his mind that senta thrill
OF disappointment and pain to his
heart. His precious Edith, his new
found treasure, intended going that
night TO the opera with some friends,
and owing to an engagement previ-
ously made with some friends. an en-
gagement which his duty prompted
him to keep, he could not accompany
her.


The thought that another would
have the sweet privilege of lingering
near his hearts idol all the evening,
while he was banished, caused sen
sation OF peculiar bitterness, and he
east about i'll his mind what he should
do. Finally bright idea struck him.


He would send her the loveliest
bouquet that could be procured. and
the sweet flowers should repeat to her
o, er and over again the story that he
had been whispering into her ear that
morning, and with their bright faces
pleading for him. she could not for 4
moment lose sight Of his great aud
passionate love.


His rounds OF visits over, he had
just time to step into a car and be
trotted off TO where bouquet of rare
and costly flowers was procured
While the bouquet Was being made
ne managed TO write on slip of pa
per q few words:


"Iy Dariing:-I cannot be with
yon this evening, but let these lovely
flowers speak for me.


Yours forever, II. a"


Carefully twisting this li;tle miss
i've into the center OF the bouquet,
where it would attract her attention,
he was soon ON his way back to the
city.


As he rode along, he remembered
with some conjunction that new
patient oil his, aud n warm personal
friend, had requested him to call that
day, as she thought she needed medi-
cal advice. THIS lady also rejoiced in
the possession OF a beautiful daugh.
ter, who might have captiyated the
doctors fancy had he never met with
the gentle Edith.


HIS watch told him he could spend
halt an hour for this visit, and st the
end Of that time he would carry his
flowers TO Edith, aud be favored with
a few minutes OF her company before
starting.


Acting on this suggestion, he rang
the bell, and was ushcred into the
large, well-ligLted parlor, where a
bright coal tre was burning, render
ing the air as soft and baimy as that
OF summer. 1t wonld never do for
him TO take MS flowers into that warm
room, so he carefully deposited them
in the hall. and sat down To await the
coming OF his patient. Presently the
rustling of silkcn garments told him
OF her approach. and before he had
time 10 rise and greet her she sprang
forward and caught his hands in both
OF hers.


40, you dear, kind, thoughtful fel-
lowl How good OF you TO think OF
this being my birthday. What a
lovely bouquet"


DIR. Ashtons face expressed the vex-
alton that his tongue could not speak,
and, indeed, the voIuble lady gave him
no opportunity to open his lips.


"How pleased my dear husband
will be with this delicate compliment
to his wife," she continued, still hold
ing his hands in both her own.


The doctor found tongue at last.


"If you mean that bouquet i'll the
hall, madam, | must say to you that
it is intended for young lady, aud !
am ashamed to acknowledge that ]
was not aware that this is your birth.
day"


"Ol well, it don't matter, my dear
doctor" she replied, sweetly upon him
/ knew who sltoutd have them, and
sent them right up to her."


Good heavens madam what dc
you mean? What have you done
with my fowers?" cried the young
man, dim perception of an impend
ing terrible calamity beginning tc
dawn on his mind.


The lady put out her hands and low
ingly stroked both his hot cheeks.


How excited you are" she said
"but it is all right. Dear Hattie
blushed like rose when | gave it tc
her, and if you could have seen hel
sweet confusion. you would no longer
be in doubt as to her real feeling tol
yourself"


The doctor was wild.


"My dear madam, it is all a mistake
/ respect and admire Miss Hattie very
much, but the bouquet was intended
for another, and as it is now late.
will thank you to get it for me, and
will call again and explain matters.


what pity!" said the lady, set
ting herself in a large easy chair
what pity that you did not speal
sooner. Dear Hattie has gone some
where to spend the evening with ;
friend, and as matter Of course, sh'