The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-10-03

markably sensitive to the worlds ccnsure.
Charley glittered in, in full regimentals /;
one Of the handsomest young fellows that
had ever bowed before her Majesty at St.
James. Aud he had no objection that some.
body else should see him and think so.
Where's Georgina ? he asked.
'Georsiua's out, snappish!y replied Lady
Anneslcy. What are you dressed up fory
Il have just come from the leyee. Did you
forget it?' he returned, taking up mechanic.
ally the little jcwel.box and opening it.
Charlcy's fingers had trick Of touching
things, and he often got rap on the knuck-
les for it, literally and mataphorically, from
my lady. What splendid ring, he uttered.
Sir Philips present to Mary. But it is
to be changed; 1t is too large
Charley put it on his little finger and turn
ed it round admiringly, us they had all done.
a charming ring he repeated, 1T is real
ly beautiiul'
DO you not wish 1t was yours?' laughed
Maria. from her distant window.
Il wish had the cost Of it, he said.--
That would be of more use to me, What
was it?--fity gulueasI'
Not bad guess said Lady Annesley.
who actually liked Charley, and his good
looks, and his good nature, du fond, when
she could forget the fear and trouble touch
ing Miss Gcorgina.
They stood together, singing praises of the
ring now she had il on-now he. Lady
Annesley at length took it from him, and
held it over the open box, as If taking a
farewell of it before she dropped it in.
'Oh dear = cried Mrs. Anncsley.
Lady Annesley hastily put tho lid on, left
the box on the table by Charley, and ran to
her mother.in law. The old lady hadlct the
sack fall upon the hearth rug, and some Of
the ammunition was falling out.
Don't trouble yourself, my dear. she said,
as Lady Annesley began pushing it in. Put
it on my lap again; won't be so clumsy
second time. It's nearly full you sec.'
Lady Anneslcy did as requested. and re-
turned t. the table. Charley, reckless Char
ley, was then standing by Maria, and the
two were whispering together. Lady Annes-
ley took sheet Of white paper and wrapped
up the little box, without again looking at
ii. lighted wax match and sealed it.
We'll, / must bc of, cried Charles. Shall
you be at home this EVENING" aia-a..
Il shall. laughed grandmamna. from her
place on the sofa. Il don't suppose many of
the Others will be OUT They had not peno-
trated to Lady Anueslcy's fear; and Charley
was a wonderful favorite Of hers.
Look .Nlaria,' said Lady Annesley, as they
heard Charley and his sword Gathering down
the stairs, four at time-'I will put it here.
If Philip should come for it, you can tell
him where il is
She lifted the lid of her desk and put It in
the lite box. Then she approached Mrs.
Annesley and took hold of her arm to lead
her from the room. I'VE shall have no drive
to-day unless we make haste. Maria will
finish that
Its finished all but tacking said the old
lady, 1T is as full as it ought to be. Maria
my dear. come and do it at once.
Maria carried the velvet to the sofa and
set about completing the cushion, kneeling
down for convenience sake. She had got the
velvet cover on to it, and was beginning to
put round the gold cord and to sew on the
tassels, when Sir Philip entered. lie rested
his arm on the back of the sofa, and looked
down at her and her work--a fair girl she,
with gentle face.
u wonder If folks would send me presents
If set up housekeeping on my own score"
cried he.
You had better try them said Maria
But she spoke the words without thought,
and iclt the moment they had left her lips,
that she had rather have bitten out her tongue
than uttered them.
But tlitting from the house Of Of all OF
YOU, what u trouble it would be- returned
he IN a tone OF reinonstrance. Il don'tknow
that every ono Of you would have to go,
though, he continued, while the too con.
scious crimson dyed her face, and she played
pervously with the gold cord.
Certainly not, If Lady Annesley had her
way he resumed. Maria astonshed at the
words, glanced at him in amazement. Don't
you see it all, Maria?'
SEQ what = she exclaimed.
NAY, shall not tell you. So much the
better IL you have not sccn 1t. thought it
had been patent to the house. My vanity,
may be In error after ALL
What do you mean, Sir Philip"
He was gazing hard at her, with his deep
blue eyes-vain and saucY enough they were
lust then. She felt completely at sea.
.Give me your opinion Maria? II I did
resolve to set up housekeeping for myself, do
you think that any Of you could be induced
to stop and help me not to do III?
Her heart beat violently her eyes fell.
The gold cord in her fingers was wrcathins
itself into knots. Sir Philip camo round
and laid his hand upor her shoulder as she
knelt. making her turn her face to him.
,po..,.a \ NAV be asking tho ou.stion