Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-02-23
COUSIN JONATHAN
BY CORA LYNN.


something soft and white, that foated round
heralke mist; and in her nut brown hair
nestled half blown rose.
Tier companion was man, past the prime of
young manhood; and, perhaps, the first i'm
preston his appearance gave was that of awk-
~ardnesS only. Short and ungracefully, yet
powerfully made, with features far from reou-
lar, 1t would be difficult to describe him a.
other tnan plain man, some 6ve-and forty
years OF age Yet he had one charm-a voice
ot wonderful richness and depth; soft and gen.
lie, too, when speaking to his fair companion.
L nope you will enjoy it as much as you ex-
:. hope shall; but, cousin, why are YOU
not going with US ,"
You will not miss me, and have letters
70 write this evening; besides, what should an
old fellow like me do at ball ?"
Alice turned round and gave him a very
saacy little look out Of her brown eyes.
than ~
At that moment a tall, hearty looking old
gentleman entered the room, evidently enjoy
lpg some joke, much to his own satisfaction.
lie carried parcel in his hand
See, Miss Alice, here's a queer sort of a
thIng come Tor you; can you imagine what it
ehe unfolded the silver paper, and brought
70 light an exquisite bouquet of hot-house
flowers.
oh! how lovely, how very lovely, But
who can have sent them! ?"
She glanced at her cousin as she smoke
laughing.
Not Jonathan, L m sure" said her father
" he's old enough to have more sense
Did you send them ?" persisted Alice.
moving nearer to him, and her voice faltering
little.
Il no; is it likely See, here is card in
the paper"
She took it up, and read aloud: 50 With Cap
tain Rays compliments"
Very polite-yery proper-very kind"
said her father, rubbing his hands" very
much so, indeed
Cousin Jonathan had moved avay.
Mr. BraybroOk took his daughters hand,
and turning her deliberately round, examined
her with great apparent satisfaction.
Not smiss, is it, Jonathan? ?r said he ap-
pealing to their quiet companion.
That gentleman was reading a letter and,
looking up for moment, replied: Certainly
not, sir
He bent over the paper again, but any one
near might have seen it tremble in his hand
Alice grew very rosy and drew up her slen-
der figure to its full height
Pray, papa, don't ask Mr.. Waring to ad-
mlre poor me, you disturb him from his letter.
and besdes-l-I'm m sure is Doesn't don't
My opinion can be Of no value, l know"
said her cousin, with another glance from his
occupation
Never mind him, Puss, T." added Mr.. Bray
brook, as ne thought he saw Alices lip culver,
these old bachelors always arc cross and ILL
tempered"
. The carriage is at the door," cried the
footman, entering very OppOrtunely.
Mr.. BraybrOOk left the room, and Alice's
mad came in with a warm cloak of white and
cherry-colored silk
Good night" said the little lady. Then
this charming affair was properly put on, and
black lace veil was thrown over her bead
- Mr. Waring looked up. She stood beside
hlm, holding out tiny white gloved hand
lie took it, saying: Z" Good night; hope your
first BALI will be a merry one, Alice. {"
The hand fingered in his.
Ii you were only coming, Cousin Jona-
lie interrupted her quickly, almost harshly.
- But LII not, so good night
She went away silently, but turning at the
door TO say ''GoOd nj ght once more, he fancied
ne saw tears glistening through the shadowy
black veil over her face
lie started to his feet; but thought seemed
10 strike him, and he sat down TO his papers
sgain, mutterlng: . She'll make Inc make a
fool OF myself whether will or no. with that
voice and those pleading eyes. Pshaw, man
d my age-rldlculous. And on went his pen
faster than ever
Hour after hour passed on, and still he was
ouslIy at work. One-two-three o'clock
IneIe was eOund OF DuStle and hurry
IN the hall below. He heard Alice's clear,
ringing laugh-that laugh that was like no
Otner, He heard Mr.. Braybrook's hearty
voice, and anOther-a voice he did not know
Iney came up stairs-Alice her father and
ta,i' eiesant-looking young man in uniform
MI Warlng, Captain Ray, " said Mr.. Bray
,s 1soTh, S and then the three began to talk over
me pail, and apparently forgot the very exis-
tsnce OF the writer at the sofa table
Jonathan Warnings heart grew full of bitter
heSs Alice glanced towards him, saw him
pale and with compressed lips
her eye grew brighter, her laugh more Joy
o.S CaPtaih nay thought her each moment
more and more lovely.
heiIesn ments were brought in, and soon
stter the Captain took leave; not, however. be-
ioiS ne nad promised to call on the morrow
ana 9rlDg Alice book he felt quite sure she
am sorry you sat up for us" said Alice.
as Mr.. Waring was leaving the room, letters in
manu-; u, you look quite tired OUT
Ihank you, but do not feel so.''
g., W., =. must nave been long, lonely evening
c Not at all; was too busy to find it either
,.i nGCOd I night, cousin. How do you like Cap
think he is very elegant man."
80 do |; very fascinating, too2"
can we'll fancy it,
enc ran up the stairs half way, then turned
and ran down to him again. :
,b;nI ufn lcnnns SSnnasshan, win you tell me if you
mean '
10 me you looked just as USUAL,
Well, many people told me ~,
Looked lovely, no Doubt and as plentv q,
others told you 80, there is all the less need fo,
me to do it. Now, good night; 90 nm stsirs
you will be quite tired out tomorrow il you DC
not"
Alice, when in her own room went bitterly
He sees that you care for him and sbun,
you. He wants to guard you from yourself.
whispered pride.
Some weeks had passed away since the tim,
of Alice's first ball. 1t was the hight of th,
London season. and Of all the beauties autter
ing nightly from one scene Of gayety to an
other. none was more admired, more courtet
than the lovely Alice Braybrook. People d,o
say she was :. bit of a firt''-and perhap
were not very far wrong; certainly it seemed
90. Legion" was the name Of her lovers, anS
she apparently enjoyed their alteration to n,
all