The evening was a memorable one for Fred. His enjoyment had been far
greater than he anticipated; and what a boy of sixteen will not
anticipate is not worth considering.
It seemed to him, as he left Grace Bernard's with a proud step and
lightsome heart, that he had been blue over the society question for
nothing, for, in fact, had he at this time possessed no friend save the
single one whose arm now rested upon his own, he would have been fully
satisfied. Perchance, in his boyish imaginings, he was more happy than
he could ever be in after years, even though his brightest dreams should
become a living reality.
And it is but just to Fred to say that his fair companion, as they
walked leisurely toward her home, was almost if not quite as happy as
himself.
This was the first time they had ever been out together in the evening,
and as he somewhat timidly pressed her arm closely to his side, he felt
all the pride of a hero in performing such delightful, if not dangerous,
escort duty. But indeed there was danger enough awaiting him, though it
lay in ambush, and he had not considered the possibility of its
existence.
The distance to Nellie's home was not great, but it may reasonably be
suspected that the time occupied in traversing it was somewhat
prolonged. Under similar circumstances, with such delightful company,
the reader himself would perhaps have used every honorable device to
consume as many minutes as possible before parting with his fair
associate. I shall not criticise such a course, but will be just frank
enough to say that this is exactly what Fred did do.
Of course, by way of conversation, it was natural to discuss the evening
party and those present. Young De Vere very justly came in for a degree
of censure.
"What could have been the trouble with Matthew?" asked Nellie, clinging
closely to Fred as they passed a lonesome lane.
"I'd rather not discuss him," replied the latter.
"Why not? Is he such a friend of yours that you will say nothing against
him? Surely you can give no excuse for his acting as he did tonight."
"Well, you are partially right."
"In what way?"
"So far as this--that I dislike to speak against any one."
"I thought it could not be you were so friendly that you wished to
shield him."
"No, for he is very unfriendly towards me. Didn't you notice that when
he asked you to waltz with him?"
"Yes, but you did not hear his remark about you, I hope."
"Oh, yes, I heard it--he probably wanted me to hear it--but I could not
notice it there."
"It was hateful and mean in him," replied Nellie sympathetically; "and
he was as rude as he could be all the evening."
Fred had too much spirit to take kindly to being insulted, but Nellie's
warm hearted manner of sympathizing with him, and her criticism of his
rival, made him almost wish De Vere were again present to make some
insolent remark, that he might have the pleasure of hearing Nellie still
further champion his cause.
"But you did not tell me what made him so uncivil," continued Nellie.
"No."
"Do you know?"
"I suppose he was vexed."
"I should think he must have been very much piqued to act as he did."
"Yes, it would seem so."
"But what could have caused it, I wonder?" asked Nellie, with much
innocence.
"Do you really want me to tell you?"
"Why, to be sure I do."
"Couldn't you guess?"
"I know I could not."
"Not if you were to try very hard?"
"No."
"You should be more egotistical, then."
"Why, what do you mean, Fred?"
"I mean that what made him unhappy was just the thing that made me
happy, and gave me the pleasantest evening of my life," replied Fred,
tightening the pressure slightly on his companion's arm.
"I cannot see how this affects me, or proves, as you say, that I should
be more egotistical," replied Miss Nellie, continuing, with feminine
perversity, to feign innocence and ignorance, that she might keep Fred
longer on a topic at once so flattering and delightful.
"Then I will be plainer--very plain--and say that you were the cause
yourself."
If the night had been a light one, Fred would have seen a bewildering
blush cover the face of his companion. As it was, he guessed the truth,
and realized that the effect of his words was altogether gratifying to
Nellie's pride--it could hardly be anything more sentimental than pride.
But now they were at her home--all too soon as it seemed to Fred--and
her father and mother had heard them come up the steps; so the "good
night" must be brief.
Nellie extended her hand, with its graceful, tapering fingers, to him,
and thanked him very prettily for his attention during the evening, and
for escorting her safely home. In return, Fred gave her hand a slight
pressure from the impulse of his honest, manly heart, that meant a
thousand thanks for the pleasure she had given him, which would be a
gratifying recollection for weeks and months to come.