Page:Saxe Holm's Stories, Series Two.djvu/248

238 in this jesting way of the witchery of the girl whom he was to marry? Ally laughed, and her laugh jarred upon me still more.

"No use, brother Jim," she said. "I should go to Black Ledge and get others. Besides, Stonie is coming back to me some day, and he is king."

Ally's child-like unconsciousness of self prevented her seeing what we all saw, that the eyes of the whole assembly were upon her. Her beauty, her remarkable stature, her indescribable charm of voice and smile, awaked the attention of every one and held it spell-bound.

"Ally, my child," at last said Mrs. Allen, "thee must not forget that thee is not at home. There are many strangers here observing us."

Ally was as high-spirited as she was beautiful. The old lamb-like docility had gone with the days of suffering which had created it.

"Why should they observe us? How dare they be so rude?" she said, with her eyes flashing and turning suddenly toward the front of the platform, unconsciously taking in the whole house in her swift glance of resentment, and looking more superb than ever.

"By Jove, Will," exclaimed Jim, in a whisper, "look at the galleries! We 'll have the whole college at her feet to-morrow!" and his face flushed with pride.

"Oh, Jim," said I, "do let us get her away, I can't endure to see them stare at her so."