The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-10-24
BIDDEFoRD, MAINE FRIDAY MORNING,

aud the jewelcd fingers Of the tiny alabastei
clock on the mantel pointed to late hour
when the peal Of the door-bell announced
new incursion Of guests, and NJ. Fitz Aubyr
entered, surrounded by a gay party OF young
men.
Good evening, Miss Milne! surely am
not too late to wish you the happiest OF all
imaginable New Years? Whom DO you sup
pose saw steering in the direction of your
hospitablo mansion just now' o, here he
comes to speak for himself-the Chevalicl
Charley Stanton!"
Agatha turned calmly to welcome the new
conner, and the keepest eye could scarcely
have disccrned the deeper shade OF color
that c.owed on her delicate cheek, as he
quietly came forward to greet her.
'Fill your glasses, gentlemen, exclaimed
Fitl Auhyn, holding high above his head a
tiny chalice OF engraven Bohemian glass
brimmins with crimson wine, 'and let MS
drink 10 the health of oUr fair hostess, Miss
Agatha Milne"
The impromptu toast was received with
general acclanations Of satisfaction, and
Fitz Aubyn glanced around second time to
see il all had followed his injunctions, err
he touched his lips to the glass.
Come, Stanton, no lack Of chiyaIry here
where's your glass"
i will drink Miss Mines health in clear
iced-water with the greatest pleasure said
Stanton, smiling: but never touch wine'
Never touch wine? and pray why not p
Because it is against my principles, said
Stanton, with qnet frmness.
Fitz Aubyncurled his lips IN consemptuon'
silence, that was several degrees harder when
young man leaped forward to interpose his
word.
.OGer i, to him yourself, Miss Milne
surely he cannot be so lost to all sense OF
gallantry as to refuse it from your fair hand.
Agatha had grown very pale. but without
speaking she filed one Of the tiny goblcts
and held il towards Charles Stanton.
'Will you not take it from me"
Stanton looked at her with calm gravity.
Miss Milne, should be coward indeed
did allow your pcrsuasions to sway me
from the fixed principles which are the guild
ing stars Of my whole life.
He bowed and withdrew. The glass fell
from Agstha's hand, and shiyered into a
thousand sparkling fragments |; she bit her
scarlet lip until the blood started, with a
strange sympathetic thrill of exulation.--
Had he wayered for an instant in his deter
mination, she would have despised him.
a very poor investment those horses o.
mine, and all this behavior a-la.goOd-boy-ir
story books, 'muttcred Fitz Aubyu, about foul
weeks subsequently,, as he strobe into the
brilliantly illuminated saloons Of the Clut
House. Here, waiter, glass Of brandy and
water-quick!
What's the matter Fitz? You look a,
black US a thunder cloud : observed by
st.nier, who was leaning against marble
pillar.Gnd picking his teeth in q most leis
urlly and epicurean manner.
This matter? Do you remember sha
magnificent Agatha Milne, the Queen Of al
the Boauties?'
.Of course | do; sha hasn't lost her wit
nor her property, hopoT
NO; but I've lost the latter item pretty
cirectually. Who DO you suppose she is go
ins to marryr
Il am sure cannot guess. Do tell yonl
news at once. and don't keep fellow in sus
pense this sort OF way.
We'll, she is going to become Mrs. Char
ley Stanton; actually going to marry mar
with fossil aunt, and principles that won
allow him TO drink glass OF wine +! Bah
the humbug that pass,s current in thi
world
L could have prophesied as much before
my dear hoy, if you would only have dom
me the honor to listen to me- observed tn,
other, cody unfolding the newspaper, so a
TO get at the inside columns. You gay
das',ins young fellows are all very well a
long as girl wants to amuss herself; bu
when it comes to life long question. She
apt 10 prefer safe man for her husband"
Fitz Aubyn groaned deeply, but considere'
his position too prccarious to be worth argu
Ing.
Meanwhile little Ruth Ellenwood was a
busy as bsO working at her cousins wed
ding robe of spotless white satin, and askinI
ten thousand questions, the final Of whicl
always was;
But, Agatha, you never told mo why yo'
didn't like him, and now you're just as bad
Tell me, that's darling, why you changes
your mind?'
Aud Agatha only laughed and crimsoned
and made the same old provoking answer
'0h-Jecause
y A gentleman somewhat distinguishe