ie?" asked Elsie, impatiently, as they walked down the
ball-room.

"This way," faltered Tom; "we shall find her in a moment."

Elsie never deigned him another word; she was very angry, as she could
be with any thing or anybody that marred her selfish enjoyment, and Tom
walked on towards one of the parlors which he knew was empty, feeling
like a man about to charge a battery single handed, but determined to
persevere nevertheless.

CHAPTER XII.

TOM MAKES A DECLARATION.

Tom led his captive into the parlor. Elsie looked about in
surprise--there was not a soul visible.

"Are you crazy, Tom Fuller?" cried she; "Bessie is not here."

"She shall be here in a minute," stammered Tom; "just wait, please."

"Indeed I will do no such thing," returned Elsie, sharply, snatching her
hand from his arm. "Did she send you for me, Tom Fuller?"

"No," cried Tom, with sudden energy, "I told a lie! I couldn't stand it
any longer; I must speak with you; waiting was impossible!"

Elsie turned on him like a little kingbird darting on a hawk.

"What do you mean by this unwarrantable liberty!" she exclaimed. "Have
you no idea of the common usages of society? Don't come near me again
to-night; don't speak to me."

She was darting away, but Tom caught her hand.

"Oh, wait, Elsie, wait!"

"You ridiculous creature!" said Elsie, beginning to laugh in spite of
her vexation. "What on earth do you want?"

"Laugh at me!" groaned Tom; "I deserve it--I expect it--but I can't live
this way any longer! You are driving me crazy. I love you, Elsie! Only
speak one kind word--just say you don't hate me."

He was holding out his two hands, looking so exceedingly energetic in
his wretchedness, that Elsie burst into perfect shrieks of laughter.

"You silly old goose!" she said; "don't you know you mustn't talk in
that way to me! You have no right, and it is very impertinent! There, go
along--I forgive you."

Tom stared at her with his astonished eyes wide open.

"You can laugh at me!" he exclaimed. "Why, all these weeks you have let
me go on loving you, and never hinted that it was so very disagreeable."

"Now, Tom, don't be tiresome!"

Tom groaned aloud.

"Why I never saw such conduct!" cried Elsie, impatiently. "It's too bad
of you to behave so--you are spoiling my whole evening! You are just as
disagreeable as you can be. Oh, I hate you!"

"Elsie! Elsie!"

"Let go my hand; suppose anybody should come in! Oh, you old goose o