Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-06-06

country, bearing in hand a basket and
hammer, with which latter implements he
demolished innumerable fints, and dug
into chalk beds. La short, he was a
geologist, adding TO this the study Of con-
chology and antiquarian lore in general;
and it was his wont TO exhibit, as the pride
of his museum. large flint. followed in
the centre, which he had found and broken.
Mysterious hints he threw out concerning
the existence Of toad whose home. for
unimagnablc ages. had been within its
hinty bosom, until liberated by him. A
collection Of shells and minerals had also
Mr.. Matthew; through summer heat and
winter cold he wendell his way over the
hills, and across the downs, home by a
circuitous route laden with trophies and
natural curiosities.
With a clumsy exterior and heavy coun-
tenance he combined cold sarcastic
manner, which did not tend TO render him
popular with the fair sex; he was, indeed,
vlified as regular woman hater, though
his supreme Indifference was perhaps even
more unbearablc than down right contume-
ly: there were rumors afloat that in early
life he had been unworthly treated by a
fair but tickle damsel, and hence his
antipathy to the whole race of young ladies'.
He was an affectionate, tutiful son, and
beneath repeling exterior concealed as
kindly and generous a heart as ever beat
: in human bosom; and IN the midst of my
cynical trades, a merry word from his be-
loved mother brought forth smile which
lit up his clouded countenance, and as
tonished the beholder; for the smile was
very sweet. and utterly changed his whole
aspect, displaying at the same time a rare
set of the whitest ivory teeth; few and far
between were these smiles, and none save
his mother had hitherto owned the power
of conJurlng them up. Therefore, when
Mrs. Estcourt became q constant visltcr at
the Warren, and evidently delighted in
all its antiquatcd yet novel customs, and
Mr.. Mathew became her constant compan-
ion in explorations and shell gatherings,
wonders never will cease thought !; but
when she actually approached the stern
MIR. Matthew with badinage. and plavfully
gave herself pretended airs. commanding
him here, and ordering him there. and the
white teeth and the sweet smile were visi-
bic ii consequence, his mother, who had
more than once noted these proceedings,
was silent from amaZcment! She taxed
HIM with having rubbish i'm his museum,
and he bore that very well, and asked her
10 help him III re arranging it-she called
him dirty old bachelor for not suffer
ing the accumulated cobwebs to be clear
! ed away from lis walls and ceiling, and
mobs and broOms were in requis;tion by
his orders next day: she Gined at eleven,
and drank tea at three; span with Dame
Bovell--it was long ere she was clever at
the spinning whccl-and was perfer, pet
and darling of the hearty old squire
But suddenly there was q change in
the pleasant aspect Of affairs; Mr.. Matthew
became reserved, and abscnted himself
from the Warren when Mrs. Es,court was
there; and when obliged to be in her socic-
ty, his sarcasm and GOODNESS of demeanor
towards her more than once brought tears
into her beautiful eyes. though no indivi-
dual but myself Witnessed this betrayal Of
wounded feeling. | made nv own secret
comments on the circumstance; and when
Mrs. Estcourt called Mr. Matthew "a bear
and exclaimed that she hated him, had
strong doubts that she did not adhere to
truth; nor did my doubts rest here, for
also opined that the liking between this
pair OF opposites was mutual. | knew
enough Of Matthew Bovell's character TO
be quite sure that Mrs. Estcoult's possess
sion of one thousand year Ga fact which
he had only lat:orly been acquainted with)
would entirely preclude his approach in
the gulsc OF sutton. even were such n
fact as Mr. Matthew going a wooinc,'
within the bounds of credbiliiy For
said |, he considers mercenarv motives
so unworthy and dishonorable, that sooner
than laying himself open to the bare sus-
piclon of being actuated by such. he
would sacrifice any hopes, however dear
TO him.
DO YOU realty think this is the case7'
said Mrs. E>tcourt musingly: and do you
really think he cares for me in the least
1t Is unnecessary TO give my answer
mere. or the conversation which ensued,
ending with much laughing on both sides,
ana wager between us Of six dozen pair
OF the finest French kid gloves, depending
on the solution of an enigma which we
read in different WAYS a few DAYS after.
we separated, Mrs. Estcourt being sudden
y called away TO attend the sick bed of a
dear and aged relative, and 10 take up
my temporary abode at the Warren, with
er had been kindly invited. Mr. Mat
thew was more taci,urn than ever. more
energetic in his geological discoveries. and
even Dame Bovell's winsome CHEEKY ways
iaiilnS to bring the much wished for smile:
The squire lamcnted the loss of his merry
favorite; and | was waiting for what con-
sidered good opportunity. in order TO
test the strength Of my cause. onwhich
depended the weighty bet of the French
gloves. hhad been guest at the War
rem for Aweek, and | had heard from
Lucy ESeourt other relatives dea,h-one
who had been entirely dependent on her
bounty for support; when. for the first time
since my arrival. Mr.. Matthew took his
place by the chimney-corner at his mo.
, theirs tea-table, behind the comfortable
foldingscreen. Il have had letter from
your ally and friend, Mr.. Matthew said
/ |; you do not even ask after her.
! Fray to whom may you alluded an
swered he, reddenino a little THOUGHT