The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-06-26

This is from my Uncle, Miss Curiosity
hc thinks it high time his lingering nephew
returned to the halls OF his childhood
cs me to minglc in general society this winter,
and-liallo! what's this-the young heir.
ess he has so often mentioned to me, Miss
Vernon, will be in town staying Mt Mrs. Cler-
ington's; he hopes will at least enter the
lists for this charming prize! BY his leave,
| shall do nothing of the sort Don't look
at me with such wistfnl. mournful, eyes,
dearest. was wrong to allow you to see the
letter, for my uncle knows nothing OF the
precious treasure have won among these
words?'
And will you really love the little coun-
try girl as truly as ever, in all that atmos-
phcrc of wealth and gaiety? she asked al
most sadly.
Can yon doubt mo, dear love? What is
MiSs-Miss, What's-her-name to me? Do
you suppose oil her money bags arc worth
ono of your smiles? Nay, there is that
doubtful look again Mary, wish you
would let me take you back as my cherished
wJcr
No. she said, quietly; 'next spring will
be quite soon enough. Only, Kenneth, l
feel an absolute certainty that you will, SOON
er or later, marry that hciress.
NEVER said Clyde, with resolutc deter
mination.
Ii was ono of the clearest and coolest Of
January nghts-thc stars all winking in the
freezing concave of heaven, and the winds
whistling down the gas.lighted thoroughfares
of New York-when Kenneth Clyde sat
reading in the library Of his uncle's luxu.
rious dwelling.
Come, my boy-it's high time that we
were en- route for Mrs. Clerington g. ex.
claimed brisk, cheerful voice, and MIR. Jon.
es Clyde entered the room. lie stopped short
in dismay at the sight of his nephew in dress
ing.gown and cigar. Not ready yet? what
does this mcan?'
Il had concluded to remain at homo, un-
Gle - said Kenneth ,lazily lifting his handsome
eyes.
.Nonscnse-pshaw! calculated the old
gentleman. go and dress--it won't take
you five minutes, and I'm particularly anxious
that you should accompany me this evening.
Miss Vernon is to be there, you know?'
That's the very reason had wished to re-
main at home, uncle. do not desire to be-
come acquitted with the popular heircss.'
And why not, young man, I'D like to
know?
Because, uncle, all tho love have to be-
stow is in the keeping of Mary Tracy; and,
as you wish to introduce me to Miss Vernon
as on aspirant to her hand und fortune,
think it well to foreworn you that it is ut.
tcrly useless, | love Mary Tracy and intend
to marry her?'
Mr.. Jones Clyde twisted his white gloves
wrathrully round and round.
"My dear boy, you'll get over that fancy
Of YOURS in q few weeks! | wish Selim's
neck had been broken before he galloped you
into such confounded cntanglcment BE
reasonable? BE sensible!'
Il am both, uncle!'
But you must 90 with mo to night. Mrs.
Clcrington specially asked me to bring you,
and promised that would For my sake,
Kenneth y
We'll, sir, if il is really essential to your
bappiness-but give you notice that shall
avoid Miss Vernon rs systematically as eti-
quettc will allow =
And so tho old gentleman had his way,
after all.
AS Kenneth Clyde sauntered through the
crowd that throngcd Mrs. Clcrington's hand.
some rooms, it would have been difficult to
find better type of utter Indifference and
ennui than his countenance presented How
gladly would he have exchanged the delicious
music of the band for the chirping OF the
cricket in Mrs. Patty Brewster's chimney
corner-the blazing chandelier for the flick
ering freight. AT length Mrs. Clerington
laid her jcweled fan on his arm.
Mr.. Clyde, want to present you to Miss
Vernon.
III Miss Vernon would only excuse mo =
he s,id, with slight shrug Of his shoul
ders.
.Out of the question. recrcant cavalier'
said his hostess. gaily. Il have promised to
bring you to her; GOMEZ
And she led him through one or two rooms
to quiet little apartment, where u single
gas!ight shone through white glass shade
There was only one lady in the semi twilight
of the room, and she stood by the mantel, her
face half avcrted.
Miss Vernon-Mr. Clydo' pronounced
Mrs Clerngton, in low, distinct toncs-and
vanished.
The lady turned fuli towards hiip-her
cheek flushed, and her lips dimpled with
half.repressed smiles.
Kenneth
Mary
The reader need not expect verbatim a
hieratim account ofthe nexti FIVE minutes pro.
ceedipgs
But. Mary said Kenneth, when he had
satisfied himself that the lovely vision in the
diamonds and white tullo was really tho
blacklashed beauty Of the farmhouse, and
that no deception had been practiscd on his
senses, 'thcy told me you were Miss Vernon =
so l am--my name is Mary Tracy Yer
non.'
But how
.How did happen to play bella incogniia?
will tell you. Aunt Patty is no relative. on
" nv dear old nurse and the freak seized me
to 20 there, last autumn, instead Of joining
Mrs. Clerington's party on tour through
Canada. would not lot Aunt Polly tell
YOU who was. and accordingly ignored my
last name, for was so tired of being Miss
Vernon Set that down as another freak IL
NJ .ls.. Kcnoctb sha nddcd