THE LADIES’ FLORAL CABINET. 
295 
own, but silent, as was his wont, while Mr. Hamilton had 
made a new discovery—that a girl who whistles, and 
probably does otner unladylike things, can yet 'be cul¬ 
tured, charming, refined. 
This was a small village, and the new acquaintances 
were thrown much together. Every few days the two 
young men found their way to the McGuire cottage, Fred 
more frequently, as he was Jack’s chum. 
As the summer wore on Fred became almost indispen¬ 
sable, he was so versatile in talent and so full of pleasant 
plans for enjoyment. He was a fine performer on the 
piano, playing often dainty little arias of his own com¬ 
position. One of these in particular attracted Hallie’s 
quick ear, and she was soon warbling it with her own 
clear note; but as she was rather shy of her accomplish¬ 
ment Fred was none the wiser for many a day. Once, 
though, he accidentally heard her beautiful rendering of 
his own favorite air, and softly whistled a harmonious 
alto, making as lovely a combination as you would wish 
to hear. 
Jack, from an unseen corner, loudly encored, and “ The 
Duet ” became from that day a family institution. Once 
or twice, at different times, Hallie met Fred’s eyes fast¬ 
ened on her, with a look that made her heart throb. A 
strong yearning shone out of them, only kept down by 
pride and a resolute will. But that mute language never 
found outlet at his lips; his manner to her was as frank 
and unembarrassed as that of Jack himself. 
As the weeks gilded by Mr. Hamilton came more fre¬ 
quently, and there was a certain impressiveness in look 
and tone and a grand consciousness of being irresistible 
that often set Hallie into gales of laughter. The two 
gentlemen were sitting together on the balcony of the 
hotel one radiant night in September. The next week 
they were to separate for their winter homes. Both were 
smoking—Evans more silent even than usual; Hamilton 
inclined to be confidential. 
“ The fact is, Evans,” he said, rather pompously, “ I 
shall offer myself to Miss McGuire before my departure; 
I may, in fact, have an opportunity to-morrow. With my 
wealth and acknowledged position, she can hardly refuse. 
She is a charming girl, and though she has some glaring 
faults, I am convinced that once my wife I shall be able 
to correct them.” 
Fred replied only in monosyllables, and finally leaving 
the placid Hamilton to his complacent reveries, strode 
away moodily to his room. Once alone, he buried his 
face in his hands, and gave himself up to bitter thought. 
“ So to-morrow is the end of it all, and I must quietly 
stand aside and see another obtain what I would be so 
proud to win. This cursed poverty! Were I rich I 
would make one struggle for her love ; but what could I 
offer, save the humblest home, the simplest pleasures. 
Hamilton is right—she is made for fairer surroundings. 
The least I can do is to keep out of the way.” Then, 
speaking huskily, he added, “ God bless you, my darling, 
even though you are not for me.” And rising, he took 
down his books for an hour’s hard study. 
Two squares away, in a dainty rose-hung room, lay 
Hallie. She had been tossing wearily for an hour or 
more, thinking sadly to herself, “To-morrow it will all be 
over—my happy summer.” Then reading her own heart, 
and finding she had given its love unsought, crushed back 
her tears, and proudly resolved to hide her secret from all 
prying eyes. 
The next day dawned clear and bright—the perfection 
of picnic weather. Every one was early at the “ Cliff,” 
and none more charming than Hallie, who with true 
philosophy resolved to extract every possible drop of 
honey from this her last sweet day. 
But what was the matter with Fred ? Silent, absent- 
minded, almost morose, he had no gay banter for any 
one. Hallie felt her heart grow heavy as lead under this 
unexpected change; but, womanlike, to shield herself 
seemed to be in her wildest, gayest mood. 
“ Hallie, dear,” called out a pretty blonde, “ won’t you 
please braid some oak-leaf cups to hold these lovely 
raspberries—one for each plate ?—nobody can make them 
as pretty as you.” 
And so Hallie, the others being busy, strayed off by 
herself, got her overskirt full of oak-leaves, sat down in 
a mossy corner, while with deft fingers she wove the 
pretty trifles, as she had often done before for the tea- 
table at home. 
As she worked her eyes filled slowly with tears, but 
determined that she would not be so foolish, she began 
to whistle a rollicking little jig ; and so occupied did not 
hear the step behind her. It was Mr. Hamilton. 
“ That odious habit again,” he thought in displeasure, 
which made him appear stiffer than ever, as he seated 
himself by Hallie’s side. 
“Pardon my intrusion. Miss McGuire, but opportuni¬ 
ties are few to-day, and I wish to speak to you on a 
matter of importance.” 
Hallie made round eyes of astonishment at him. 
Clearing his throat he pursued : 
“Before leaving for the winter I wish to make you 
a formal offering of my heart and hand. I can give 
you wealth and position such as you never enjoyed 
before. You please me, and I think that under my care¬ 
ful guidance your impulsive, and perhaps too pro¬ 
nounced, nature will be molded into a refined woman¬ 
hood.” 
Hallie’s face was a study; incredulity, a struggling 
desire to laugh, and vexation at such free criticism suc¬ 
ceeded each other. But then, remembering that the 
man was evidently in earnest, she rose, saying with 
gentle dignity: 
“ You do me much honor, sir, but I can never be what 
you wish,” and was leaving, when Hamilton, astounded 
by her answer, forgot his usual good-breeding and con¬ 
fronting her, said angrily : 
“ Ah ! I see Mr. Evans has forestalled me.” 
And then how Miss Hallie blazed! Stamping her 
small foot she haughtily replied : 
“ You have no right to make such a statement! You 
are ”-high and clear through the woods rang a gay 
young voice. 
“ Where are you, Hallie McGuire; you promised to 
tend to the fire ; ” and hastily obeying the whimsical sum¬ 
mons, Hallie fled, leaving the discomfited Mr. Hamilton 
to console himself as best he might. 
