The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1865-05-12
decorating Martinstower for his re-


ception, and -
"He must be a very fine young
gentleman if the old furniture isn't
good enough" said Iizzy, elevating
her little nose.
"Will you hold your saucy tongue,
Miss? How dare you speak in that
way of a man who must be worth, at
the very least computation, a quarter
of a million? was going to say, that
! hope Mr.. Martin will make it his
home at our house for day or two,
before he takes possession of his new
residence. Viola is very pretty girl
and it maynt be bad idea to establish
some little intimacy between our place
and Martinstower before--"
81 understand, f." said Lizzy, nodding
her head knowingly. Viola would
make splendid, fine lady, and so
would Blanche Mrs Martin Of Mar
tinstower wouldn't it be gloriousw
"Lizzy !" said her father, sharply,
"you will oblige me by moderating
your tone somewhat. There is some
one coming down the road-hush r.
The words were yet on his lips as a
tall, well built young man, in coarse
gray over-coat and a soft felt hat
came up.
Can you tell me the way to Mar
tinstower, sir ?"
"Martinstower, " repeated Mr. Elliot.
staring at the stranger Upon my
word this is strange coincidence,
young sir. You are undoubtedly Mr.
Hartwell, referred to in the letter /
this morning received from Maurice
Martin and l beg leave to introduce
myself as Job Elliott, agent for the
Martinstower estates"
While Lizzys black eyes dilated
wider than ever,
Letter y repeated the young man,
has the letter but just arrived ?"
This morning" returned Mr.. Eli
OFT, courteously. Perhaps you will
return home with me tonight, MIR
Hartwell, and we can 90 over to the
property tomorrow. / have the less
hesitation in extending an invitation
to you, young man, as your employer
gives me to understand that you are
an exceedingly worthy person, al
though-ahem-of commonplace ex-
traction
The stranger had removed his soft
hat, probably out of compliment to the
red-fngered young lady, and stood
with pair Of large blue eyes fixed
full on Mr. Elliott's rather pompous
face
THANK you, sir, he said com
posedly.
CAS- it is late and l am totally un-
acquainted in this vicinity, 1 shall nc
cept your hospitable Offer"
Viola Elliott, handsome olive
checked gill of about twenty, was
eagerly awaiting her father just with
in the threshold Of the cosy though
plainly furnished family apartment.
ooh, papa is it true that Mr. Mar
tin is
She stopped short, and Blanche, a
plump, languishing blonde who was
curled upon the sofa, with novel
in her hand, burst into giggle, as
the confidential clerks tall figure
doomed up behind her portly parent.
my dear, said Mr. Elliott, -four
ishing his hand, this is Mr. Hart
well, the secretary clerk-I scarcely
know what to call him dispatched by
Mr. Martin to prepare Martinstower
for his fitting reception"
Viola bent her head stiffly. Blanche
Just nodded her yellow ringlets. Tru-
" the confidential clerk felt that this
greeting could scarcely be character
lied as over warm.
"Papa," whispered Viola, following
her father into the dining-room,
what made you ask him home with
you, Just when we were SO hurried :?
Hurried, Viola p
That's just a mans view OF things,
pouted the young lady. "You might
have known that Blanche and / have
nothing fit to wear-we must have
our new pink dresses made against
Mr.. Martins return-and the best
bed room must be re-papered and the
parlor paint is shocking, and here you
bring a great staring fellow to lounge
round in the way. Why couldn't he
go to the village tavern p
"My dear. you forget that he is
Maurice Martins confidential clerk.
'No, papa, don't forget anything
- +ho cont - retorted Miss Viola