LITERATURE.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 824, 12 February 1877, Page 3

LITERATURE.

SECOND THOUGHTS ARE BEST. ( Continued.) The three girls smiled amusedly at each other, and May answered, ‘ I can’t very well introduce him until he arrives in town, and I shall not describe him, as I wish him to make a wonderful impression, and a description would spoil all.’ May modified her tendency to mischief, for was rhe pot the hostess, and in duty bound to make every one as happy as possible ? Philip Orne made himself very agreeable. She was more dangerous to Philip’s peace of mind in this mood than when in such wild exuberance of spirits—as a sweet strain of bowc familiar song is more effective when

we know that the tenderly modulated voice has capacities of power and passion held in abeyance. An under current of sadness formed a minor cadence to the harmony of his visit, as he saw more of May, and thoughts that die morrow would see her transplanted from her girlhood’s home to that of another. On the evening of the wedding the four young people were awaiting the entrance of Hie two soon to be united for life. A sudden silence fell upon them as the gentleman came into the room supporting op on his arm the lovely girl whose floating ueil, fastened in its place by orange-blossoms voncealed her blushes.

It was not May. This lady was tall and stately—May was petite and slight. The momentary pause of astonishment that followed was broken by the entrance of May, who introduced,them as ‘My friend the Rev Duncan Ware, and my schoolmate, Miss Alice Holmes.

The gentlemen were too well bred to express their surprise, and the girls thoroughly enjoyed their mystification. After the ceremony was over and congratulations had been offered to the newlymarried couple. Walter seized the first opportunity to question May as to her motive in misleading them. * Why, what do you mean, Cousin Walter ?’

May’s voice and manner expressed great surprise, but Walter detected lurking dimples at the corners of her mouth. ‘You know what I mean very well, you little deceiver. You are as bad as ever, I thought you had at least made up your mind to behave yourself.’ ‘Will you please explain yourself, Walter? What is it that I have done, that you lecture me in this way ?’ The brown eyes looked very clear and innocent, and Walter burst out with—- * Did’t you write me that you had a more important part to perform ?’ ‘So that is the trouble 1 You dear old goose, so I have I Am I not the hostess ?’ She made him a deep courtesy, and walked over to where Mr Orne was standing. ‘ I have been wishing to see you, Miss Alleyn, to apologise for my extraordinary mistake, in considering you the bride-elect. Your friends must feel very happy that you are not to be monopolised just yet. But how did we make such a mistake ?’

Perhaps Cousin Walter has an idea that a bride plays a more important part than the lady who entertains the guests,’ said May, innocently. Philip looked at her keenly. As their eyes met, Mary struggled for a moment to retain her gravity, then the pent up mischief laughed out of her great, brown eyes, and in the curve of her red lips.

‘ I understand, Miss Alleyn; we have put a wrong construction on your note, and, ought to beg your pardon on our bended knees. But, jesting aside, may I tell yon how very glad I am that the evening still finds you Miss Alleyn ?’ His voice was low, but very earnest, and his eyes, blue and clear as the sky in June, were very thrilling as they sought an answer in those which drooped before them in sudden shyness. May hastened to turn the subject: ‘ I must tell you who our bridal couple arc. The lady was a favorite school-friend of mine, and is an orphan who has no home but that which a boarding-house provides. The gentleman is a missionary, and as my father is very much interested in the particular locality to which he is going, he proposed to give them a wedding party when he heard of their engagement.’ The wedding guests were invited to remain for a week or two in the Alleyn Mansion ; and drives and walks about the picturesque neighborhood filled tbe time very pleasantly. As Phillip saw more of May he became charmed.

May’s feelings were enigmatical to herself. The beau ideal pictured by her girlish fancy had borne a very different exterior to that of Philip Orne. She could not help liking him, and she was secretly vexed with herself for it. He was so fair—so effeminate looking—he must be deficient in manly strength and courage. She would not think of him—a man of that stamp should not win her heart. Her studied indifference probably added to the charms in Philip’s eyes. He had a fancy for overcoming obstacles. In his legal capacity he would often undertake cases for their very difficulty, and he was never so triumphant as when he could make a jury agree upon points which only an acute lawyer could make clear. One morning the rest of the party had gone to visit some mineral springs at a distance.

May had a slight headache, and excused herself from joining the excursionists, and Philip stayed at home to write some letters.

After a while the fresh morning air wooed them forth for a ramble, and meeting on their return, they walked along together.

A pretty child was running along the sidewalk under the charge of her nurse.

Philip and May were both fond of children, and they watched the little thing with great interest, admiring the effect of her long golden hair as it floated down over her white dress.

Suddenly they heard a cry which made the blood run cold in their veins.

* Mad dog ! mad dog! ’ and on, on, on, directly toward the little prattler came, with long loping strides, that; most fearful of dangers—a huge dog, whose bloodshot eyes and foam-flecked mouth, out of which lolled the red tongue, showed the truth of tho alarm.

May’s feet seemed frozen to the ground—a horrible helplessnees held her there. (To be continued.)