Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-11-27


loving way to give the whole history Of
their purchase.
Plain French merinos were then all
the fashion, and the cousins were both so
dressed-Isabella, in dark becoming
blue, and Mary in rich red brown
They were both much more on par in
good looks than Mary was inclined TO be-
lieve, but though she accepted her own
low opinion of herself, she did not dis
play any i'll humor. Yet who could fail |
to be depressed2 Had not her golden
dream past away as the rosy hues of
deceptive sunrise and was not her day
dark and rainy, though her fair face
looked out so sweet and calm?
Mrs. Pembroke prepared unwiingly |
to accompany them, and had not Mary
asked her, nothing would have induced
he- to 60 to see her sacrificed, as she in
wardly termed it.
Mr.. Sandtord came to fetch them, as
Isabella said be had promised to do, and
taking her and her sables safe under his
umbrella, he would also have taken Mary,
but she had already secured her fathers
arm, aud was talking cheerfully to HIM
of some of the little incidents Of the night
before, for Mr.. Pembroke was sensitive,
and often liked to know whether, in the
opinion of his wife and daughter, his
friends had been as kind and attentive as
usual.
In this manner they went along the
snowy road, amidst trees nodding with
heavy drifts of snow, and ever and again
the light laughter Of Mr.. Sandford and
his companion came back to the more So
Der party behind. Presently they reach
ed the pretty new house, surrounded by
trees, which in the coming spring would
so adorn it, and entered the little hall
which formed SO nice an entrance. A
steady, middle aged woman, well known
to the Pembrokes, and by them recon-
mended to Mr.. SANFORD, came forward
to receive them, and took them to the
dining room, where a substantial supper
lay waiting for them. Mr. Pembroke
wished the meal at the aniipodes, but ev- !
cry feeling Of delicacy, as well as inter-
est, prevented his taking offense at any
line Of conduct not positively aggressive
on the part of bis junior but richer parts
ner. !,
Dear aunt said Isabella, saucily, and
with well assured ease, 'let me see how }
the seat of honor suits me. May !, Mr..
Sandlord? r
Miss Vaugban's word is law replied q
the host who, nevertheless, Mary thl',
looked pale and thoughtful; and Isabella, y
with her handsome sables thrown slight
ly back, took the head of the table, and
proceeded to do the honors with mock 5
solemnity.
Surely they are engaged, and we must
make the best Of it, thought Mrs. Penn p
broke; and she felt as if the breast of
the partridge, which Isabella SO coquet-
tishly carved for her, would choke her.
Mary, only, was calm, easy, and LADY, /
like. How proud her father felt of her
self command at a time when he was
obliged to steady himself by taking an
extra glass of wine. .
What do you think, aunt, of me as
hostess-shall do 2 said Isabella. Ia
Time enough, my dear, to give an {
opinion, when we see you perform the
part in earnest, replied Mrs. Pembroke
Was she mistaken, or did Mr. Sand S
ford and Isabella really exchange CLAN h'
ces? Certainly, Mr.. Sandford rose, and
proposed looking over the house and h,
they started on the tour of The rooms,
giving what admiration they could to the Sc
snug library, the pretty drawing room %ps %
and the masters study. r;.
Mrs. Pembroke had duly interested
herself in a newly invented kitchen range,
| small house manele, and many bache- I'' I
or eontrivances for comfort and econo> N,
ny, and even penetrated to the stable, asl
,etted Mr.. Sandford's well known horse, fur
nd admired the carriage made for the WI
wo little ponies, which looked a great
cal too much like lady's equipage to up
c fitted for bachelors establishments; wi
nd when they had all done this, and re-
lrned again to the cheerful fireSthey be- -
an to think their duty and courtesy had nec
ell been ended, and they might think Of
stunning home. not
You approve Of my house? asked MIR.
andford Of Mrs. Pembroke. In,
'All very comfortable and appropriate, Wi
i'd Mrs. Pembroke very lhoughtluly hin
nd nicely furnished, and wish you as o'h
uch happiness as you deserve 6.
Thank YOU he said, turning 10 Mary. liz,