Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1868-02-15
aYou.will be in Merville 2" she said,

removed as possible from her dreaded
guardian, and his occasional society
would certainly afford her great relief.
Certainly" answered Fred. Mark
ham, with avidity. II am happy to say
shall be there until September
Mr.. Fred. Markham had fallen in love
with Violet even more deeply than was
the wont Of his somewhat susceptible
nature upon the first sight of an uncom-
monty pretty face and as for Violet she
was certainly greatly pleased with her
new acquaintance, with whose exertions
to please her the usually tiresome rail
way journey pass all too quickly.
At the Merville Station, Judge Dash
leigh's carriage stood in readiness for his
ward, while the judge himself, accompa-
MED by his legal friend Stockbridge,
stood awaiting the arrival of the train,
which was little behind the due time.
"If there has been an accident" sug-
gested Stockbridge, cheerfully, "it is
quite possible you will be saved your
trouble"
The whistle of the incoming train
here negatived the lawyers suggestion.
"There's pretty face, friend Dash
leigh. If your ward only looked like
that it would be worth while. AS it is,
I'll wager she's a-''
"No, she isn't" said the judge, cut
ting short his friends uncomplimentary
remarks. Gas it happens, that is Miss
Violet Reed herself. I recognize hes
first, from her likeness to her father,
Charley Reed secondly, from her own
photograph, taken three years ago."
"And there's that young puppy,
Markham, with her, as I'm sinner.
Take my word for it, you'll have any
amount of trouble with that girl"
With this opinion the judge was not
exactly inclined to coincide; or, at any
rate it was trouble that would bring its
own antidote with it, he thought, as day
by day Violet's presence frightened his
house, like a regular sunbeam" avered
worthy Mrs. Holden, his housekeeper,
whose heart had been utterly won by
Violet's sweet gayety.
Nor was hers the only heart SO won
Among the young men of Merville, Vic.
let soon wrought sad havoc. There was
about her something irresistible, and
much hard feeling was secretly enter
tanned toward the fortunate Markham
who possessed the advantage of the ear
+ liest acquaintance, an advantage ot
which he certainly availed himself to its
utmost.
On one pretext or another he was
constantly coming to the Judges house
For instance he developed the greatest
possible love for chess, and of course in.
sisted on teaching Violet. And we all
know what cover for Irritation chess
may become in skillful hands.
Mr.. Fred Markham was thorough
adept in that gentle science which deals
SO lavishly in soft words and tender
glances. He knew how to talk thai
language which to a casual listener
means nothing. but to one is fraught
with the deepest signifcation.
g What do you think of my descrip
toni" he asked Violet one evening, in
low voice, with covered glance al
the judge, who sat discussing legal mat
ters with his inseperable friend Stock
bridge.
Violet looked down at her pawn
which seemed in danger.
"Not a bit like what I thought. Just
as kind as possible" she answered.
She didnot say, as a father, Markham
noticed. He had that day heard con
lectures not improving to his temper
besides which. Violet's attention was
wandering. The legal discussion in tn,
other part of the room seemed to Interest
her: He grew sulky. The remainder
of the game was played somewhat si
lently, and Mr.. Markh took an early
leave.
The next day Violet attended pic
mic, in the course of which, somewhat tt
her surprise, and greatly to her embar
rassment, she received an offer of Mr.
Frederick Markham's heart. hand ant
possessions, which latter were not incon
siderable.
She would take day for considera
tion, and give him his answer to-mor
row. That evening after tea she was
sitting in the library, when Judge Dash
leigh entered.
Sitting down on the sofa beside her
he looked at her for some moments with
out speaking, then said. slowly:
"Violet, my dear, you are looking
little pale this evening. Now, mind
| you are not to lose that beautiful colo
you had when you came. l don't lik
to think that my care is not equal t.
madam --'s. What is the matter2
Violet was new to excuses as to sick
| ness, so hesitated.
"Not getting lonely ?" asked tn
| judge, with a sly smile. "Perhaps yo'
miss your evening game of chess. Il
that case I must do my best to suppl,
| the place of the. absent, I suppose,
taking up the chess-board as he spoke
So to night Violet enjoyed the privil
| ege of witnessing scientific chess-play
ing, a very different sort from the bril-
liant but. superficial play of Fred Mark
ham, and very early in the game sh
found herself really interested in its pro
| gress.
80 dear!" said Violet, presently.
"What is it?" asked the Judge
looking up from the board.
:" Nothing, only | wish I understood
legal terms"
Legal terms {" repeated the Judge
laughing. " You what an idea Blu
if you are really desirous of learnin,
law. 1 will take yon as student. Blu
what new crochet is it2" a..t9a ~
| "Was your conversation with MI
| Stockbridge. last night, strictly legal?
I F" Strictly SO. Why do you ask . =,
| "What was it about. young puppy
/ and little school girl that Mr.. Stock
bridge was laughing about 2 Has h
clients of that description :" pursue
| Violet. f1el Z.
| "No," reulied the ,Judpe. "but h