Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1859-03-23
MORNING LEADER.
MODERN ARISTOGRATS.
BY HADDIE LANE.

Tie DcdullcS llC COuiu DOaSNy luOsc loGE
girls shone pre-eminent We will introduce
them.
That queenly creature, reclining so listlessly
on the sofa, is Miss Julia Lswton-the great
heiress. She is an orphan, and her wealth is
entirely at her own disposal. Suitors she has
without number; her aunts stately dwelling
of Lawton Hall is daily besieged by bouquets
and billets-doux but the fair Julia is of the
opinion that her starry eyes and raven ringlets
would appear to better advantage in European
drawing room; and she, therefore, looks down
rather disdainfully upon her plebian lovers.
Miss Mary Maurice, the young lady so grace
fully occupying the ottoman, is really beauti-
ful girl. Those long, fia1en ringlets, and clear,
childish blne eyes, together with her winning
ways, have won for her the appellation of 'baby
Mary" She is the pet and the plaything of
half dozen brothers, who are all her seniors,
and all desirous that she shall never quit play
ing with dolls, and never confne those shining
tresses with comb. But "baby Mary" knows
her own consequence. She has consulted her
mirror, aud it has told her pleasing tale; and,
instead of dolls, she now plays most desper-
ate game with hearts.
That young lady in the rocking chair, who
is so vigorously tugging at the needle with her
little thimble, is Lizzie Linton. At first sight,
you would deem that Somerton bellies had little
10 fear from her rivalry; but when she raises
her head, and you see the bright color come
and GO in her cheek, and the mild light in her
dark gray eyes, you would all agree. with the
village gossips that "sweet Lizzie Linton is
the most charming girl in Somerton"
Lizzie is an orphan, and poor one, too;
and, were it not for the kindness of her broth
er-inIaw, who took the lonely little one to his
own home and promised to be to her as father,
she would be desolate indeed.
Do you hear that merry laugh from the win
dow! Doyou see the toe of that little slipper
peeping from beneath the folds of the curtainl
The laugh and the foot are the property OF
Maggie Atwood, the greatest romp the sun ever
shone upon, and favorite with every one, not
withstandiDg. She has the prettiest pair of
roguish black eyes, and the most Pouting cher
nv lips, to be found for miles around. She is
the only daughter of an invalid mother and
doting father. She acts Just as she pleases; is
responsible to no one; gets into numberless
serapes, and makes great deal of mischief
In the present instance, she is giving vent to
little of her pent up vivacity, by singing snatch
es of wild songs in the widest possible manner
A spirited conversation is going on between
the other three respecting the beaux. This very
interesting subject is interrupted by the sound
of wheels, and a scream from Maggie Of
''Do girls, come here There is the greatest
specimen of humanity getting out of the stage
The Young ladies rushed to the window A
curious looking individual was slowly alighting
from the stage. His eyes were obscured bv
green spectacles. His hair OF flaming red,
stood out, on all sides of his head, like the qus
of porcupine. A bright blue coat, with brass
buttons, and gray pantaloons, very much too
short for him, completed his equipment.
Screams and peals of laughter from the win
dows told that this apparition was not without
its effect on the risible muscles of the young
ladies'; and the noise was very much increased
when the man quietly unlatched the garden gate
and advanced up the gravel walk.
"Mercy on US He's coming right in =
What shall we do l hear bis voice in the
halll'' These and sundry other EXPLANATIONS
were checked by the entrance of the individual
in question, who, bowling politely to the ladies',
inquired for Revere. Ec
my brother-in-law is not at hOme," said Liz
zie Linton, coming forward from the window /;
''please be seated, he will be in presently"
The stranger took the chair she handed him,
and Lizzie could do no less than seat herself
near him. He made some remarks upon the
weather, and our heroine, conquering a strong
inclination to laugh at his remarkable appear
ance, answered him politely. Lizzie soon
heard laughter from the window, and it became
very evident that her friends were audibly dis
cussing the visitor irs. sll5 G
.Shame on them !" she mentally exclaimed ;
and perceiving that the stranger seemed much
embarrassed, she began conversation which
ry soon set him at his ease.
When Mr. Revere entered the room, he found
the trio in the window seat shaking with laugh
ter and his little sister in earnest conversation
with his visitor.
"Ha my friend" he exclaimed, 81 am happy
to see you. Lizzie, this is Mr.. TheOphilus
Boggs, college chum of mine, and highly
valued friend. Introduce him to your compan-
ions" 1
Poor Lizzie performed with infinite grace, the
not very enviable task of introducing Mr. Boggs
to the proud village beauties, who returned his
low bow with a scornful curl of the lip. Mr..
Revere led off bis friend to his Office, on bust
ness matters, but stopped an instant at the door
to whisper to Lizzie, '.Mr. Boggs is a school
| master from New England. hope you viii
pay him every attention"
When Lizzie communicated this piece of in
formation to her visitors they declared Wiih one
voice, that it was shameful for Mr. Revere TO
| make such q fuss with a mere schoolmaster.
Miss Julia, with toss Of the head, ''wonder-
Yankees were allowed to mingle in genteei So
ciety.
'.He is not vulgar" retorted Lizzie, 'though
he hss an ugly name, and is not very prepos-
| sessing in appearance; yet his conversation be-
| tokens him gentleman"
Il wonder if he is to stay here altogether"
said Mary Maurice. "1know my brothers won't
let me come to see you, Lizzie, if be does"
''Why, Lizzie" cried Maggie Atwood, show
could you keep your countenance with those
great green eyes staring at you all the timel-
And such hair, and such shocking coat" and
the merry girl flung herself on chair, laughing
heartily.
The gentlemen soon returned, and Mr.. Revere
apologized for leaving his guest to the tender
mereies of the young ladies, as he had promised
his wife to spend the afternoon with her, in
visit to lady who lived ten miles from Somer
ton.
An awkward pause followed his departure.
Mr. Boggs essayed to draw Miss LawtOn into
a conversation, but her cold sneer and reserved
manners chided him into silence. Mary Maurice
hsd thrown herself upon the rug, and was busily
caressing the kitten, when Mr.. Boggs, drawing
his chair close to the fire, remarked upon the
beauty Of the animal, and enquired whether
she was fond Of pets She shook back the
cloud of ringlets from the fair forehead, and,
gazing childlessly. up in his face, made him no
answer. SIR. Boggs repeated bis remark in
louder voice, thinking that perhaps the young
lady might be deaf. A silyery laugh was his
only answer, and "baby Mary" TUNED to the kit
ten again.
Almost despsiring. Mr.. Boggs approached the
piano, where Maggie Atwood was seated rafting
over the keys. She inquired if be liked music,
and upon his answering in the affirmative, vol
unteered to play for him. He was evidently
gratifed, and, when the piece was ended, was
about to ask for another, when the lively girl,
L.--aIf .-....,i