Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1860-09-21

NN NHNHh AhNltN hlu HNN appear 70 near
Mr.. Woitloy followed Fred
1t is really beautiful 9 he said. Ladies,
! think you will not regret your trouble. Miss
Hudson, allow me to assist YOU offering his
hand
Isabel drew back in the greatest embarrass-
ments, without saying a word
The other gentlemen also offered their SER
vices to the other ladies.
Indeed, gentlemen. you must excuse us
we are really unable To take a step more than
is necessary said Maggie, with a distressed
look
The gentlemen looked at each other in sur
prise, while Fred exclaimed
why, what has come over you all | new
or saw such a solemn, stupid set in my lfel I
never heard one Of you say word about being
tired before, and you have been harping upon
it ever since we came. There's Bel, who has
walked miles without dreaming of being tir-
ed is all at once too delicate to walk half a
mile without being tired to death.
DO be quiet, Fred said Isabel, pettshly
you don't know how far we have been
Helen gave her a warning look, and Mag
gle impressed a warning pinch upon her arm.
'Oh, yes. the tremendous distance Of half
a mile No wonder you are overcome IL is
wonderful you have borne it so we'll. You
did not come the way we did, and there is no
othef--unle's- A sudden thought darted
into his mind.
just then Mr.. Wortley's dog came bound
ing and frisking along, holding proudly in
hi, mouth small, black boot. He made di-
rectly toward Helen, who had made pct of
him, perhaps for his masters sake. She
sprang up quickly to avoid him; but sud
uen I'c''iee'''n made her as preeipltativcly
so,, neISe,' ana ',r wItn a Iook OF great sat
lSlac"on' deposited nus dripping burden IN her
lap. This was too irresistIby ridiculous, and
Maggie and Helen lauuhed merrily
Bat Fred. whose quick eve had caught a
glimpse of llclcns tiny foot when she rose.
was enlightened as to the before incompre.
hensiblc conduct Of the girls. With a face
beaming with mischief he caught the boot.
and holding it high, cried, in stontorian tones
"A second Cinderella wanted |, Frederic
Hudson. Crown Prince of ". do hereby
proclaim throughout this my kingdom. that
whoever-high or low, rich or poor-this boot
shall fit, shall within threo DAYS have the dis
inguishcd honor of becoming nv bride
Now, ladies', don't be in too great hurry
each shall have her turn. Helen, YOU are the
first think it will fit YOU"
Helen was quite sure it would, being her
own property.
But. Fred have no particular fancy for
trying on wet boots besides, have no fairy
godmother to prepare my bridal trousseat. in
three days, if it should fit, so | must posi-
lively decline
oh she'll turn up somewhere. If she
don't. never mind the tropseau. We should
be above triAes. you know.
'Well. dry the boot. and then | shall be
only too happy. Cannot YOU lend US a knife
to-
"Pare on our heels
Pare off our toes
in case we find it necessary?
Oh certainly with the graatest pleasure.
| am afraid there is no hope o. you. Now,
Maggie, you shall have chance to better
your lot.
i shouldn't like to get into quarrel with
little Mary Lincoln, and have my eyes scratch
ed out so, l also decline.
Fred colored little at this sally but, mo-
wise da"nted, continued to torment the girls.
NOW, BEL 1t is your turn. cant mar
ry my sister to be sure and shouldn't want
TO- II could but can resign my kingdom
to somebody who will perhaps ! am afraid,
however 1t Is hopeless to think of its fitting
you but come ! out with your foot don't
be ashamed OF 1t, If It is large.
Fred, do behave said Isabel, angrily, in
a low voice you have made yourself sut-
hciently ridiculous already
What a Aantippe-tongue this sister Of
mine cried Fred, aloud but will behave
oeauti1lly, BEL IT you will only try It on.
ANA ne insisted upon 1t, I'LL poor Isabel,
PROVOKED beyond control snatched 1t from
h'hl, ana threw II as lar as she could.
am becoming desperate whispered
Magge' Heieh' go" ask MI "ortley to
"''nura" ms irienas-you are so much better
"'qua'nteu win him than l am, ana you sit
so huch nearer TO him' lie wlll think 1t so
queer 40 ask him-that darling Whl
you
Helen color went ana came and she was
aoou' 70 say she Uoulu not, would not. she
glahceu at Mt' "ortley' lie had evidently
neafu part oi Maggie words Tor he was look
ing at her eApecuhuy'
deepest oiushes dyed her lace heighten-
ing-at ieast' IN the young man 8 eye-her
beauty teniold' as she spoke his name in a
low voice.
In an instant he was beside her and one
VINO had scen the look nc bent on her, would
not have doubted that anything in the power
OF man to accomplish would be done at her
bidding.