The weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1869-18??, 1869-12-08
SELECTED STORIES.
How | Made a Fool of Myself.

How | Made Fool Of Myself.
As sat alone at breakfast I was some
what surprised on receiving a most courte-
Gus and pressing invitation from my uncle
Jeremy to spend short time with himself
and family at his seat in Warwickshire, pre-
vious to my leaving England. The old gen.
tleman and my father had been estranged
from each other for many years through
some family quarrel, so had not seen my
uncle Jeremy, save on one occasion since my
boyhood.
In consequence of my fathers death, 1
had been summoned from America, where
I had been pushing my fortune with success
for considerable time, and now, having
settled my affairs, l was preparing to cross
the Atlantic when my uncle's letter reached
me.
My mother and elder brother with whom
she now resided, were the only near relatives
Ihad in London. Fred had long since set
tied down in the world with good kind
wife, and well knowing my mother would
be sure to receive every attention under his
happy roof, 1 cared little to remain in
England homeless bachelor, while
anything in the shape of marriage was
still further from my rambling thoughts.
Of course my brother was extremely
obliging, would do anything to oblige me,
and expressed himself open at any moment
to stake handsome wager that he could
introduce me to at least half dozen angel
ic creatures, the possession of any one of
whom would prove fortune in ITSELF but
90 oil
ear. Liberty was sweet, and I felt in no
haste to sacrifice it on the altar of Hymen.
Not that Twas wild young gentleman, who
did not care for the comforts and attrac-
tions of home, but I didn't wish to have
the onus of household thrust upon me
SO long as I felt happy and contented
alone
Six and twenty and alone Ha ha No
one to bother and worry you-no shopping
no midsummer and Christmas bills to meet
short reckonings and long triends-free
as air-capital
l rose from my chair, put my back to the
mantelpiece, Lit cigar and smoked away
for couple of minutes most furiously, then
l consulted my watch, rang the BELL ordered
a hanson, resolving to see my brother Fred
before Iaccepted or declined my uncle's in
vitation,
"Here's an unexpected epistle received
at my hotel this morning, Fred and want
your advice upon it." said I on entering his
office.
"What are you going to get married, at.
terall?"
"Are you going to drown yourself, sir sn
said I.
"No thank YOU" replied Fred laughing
ly.
swell then" said l, don't ask NONSENSE
cal questions. Uncle Jeremy has sent me a
very polite invitation to spend week or |
two with him in Warwickshire before | |
leave England, and thought would lust |
run down and ask you what should do in |
the matter"
" Why, accept it, of course" said Fred |
erick.
"Well, but does it not seem strange ?,
l asked; "for l always thought that he
and our father were never on very good
terms"
Motley were not for many years. re-
piled Fred; shut matters were put right be-
tween them some time ago by Uncle Jeremy
apologizing and otherwise behaving like a
gentleman"
'You never told me that, Frederick"
said /.
'.No, because thought you would come
to know all about it in due time. But see
here Tom," continued my brother, returning
the letter, she even offers you friendship,
should you ever settle in England; and that
wonld be something worth having can tell
you"
eyes doubtless it would said l, "but
Eve got balance at my bankers and can
manage very well over the water. Besides
don't think should like to remain in Eng
and, now that I've got so used to the Yam.
zee fashions
"Bosh, all bosh, Tom; you'd become an |
again in no time, "rejoined Fred,
milling.
"Perhaps So" said 1, shut doubt it,.
However, I'll follow your advice and tele-
,raph to Uncle Jeremy, saying will be at |
darston Hall tomorrow" |,
but won't you dine with US this EVENING"
sked Fred.
"Oh, certainly" replied; ''at six as usu-
lp
"Yes, at six" said he.
And we did dine at six, and Jolly even
g we had, but strange to say not the least 1
fusion was made to my intended visit to | d,
ncle Jeremy's until l preached the subject
yself, by asking my brother if he thought
should enjoy the excursion and what sort /
people might expect to meet there. Y
well, not many of any SORT" he replied
or l don't think they keep much company:
1t you will have kind hostess, and their t
lughter Agnes, who will. l suppose.
we to do duty as your companion.in. | fl
lief.n l.
Daughter Agnes !" 1 exclaimed, "why fl
e was mere child when I left Eng
nd" ~
"Quite true, Tom," continued nv brother tr
ut she Is woman now, and if | dare haz. Sc
4 an opinion, very fine one, too" Then, je
.ncing mischievously across the table, he
ded, "but of course we take you to be sa
,of against even feminine perfection it. tn
"At any rate, Fred" observed rather =
appishly, "Pm proof against any assaults pl
I'm that quarter. r.
" All right, Tom, only don't make a en-
oil OF yourself, that's all" said my bro fe
er. If
mo fear of that" replied, almost wish al
3 uesu ucCuucu tuc lnflLaIlOn. t.... 81
Nothing more was said on the subject | q
1ring the evening, and when took leave D
my brother and his family determined Al
ot to afford my fair cousin the least rea-
N to suppose that had come to Marston fl
all with the intention of falling into love =
it'll her.
On my arrival at the railway station. O
here my uncle had promised to join me, / 1
as disappointed at not finding him, and Il
as about to hire conveyance to convey D
lie to my destination, when up dashed a
ark ph@ton, driven by remarkably hand c
ome young lady. She drew up and beck f
ned me toward her. v
aMr. Lawson, I presume 2" said the b
sdy. f.U d
Eyes, that's my name, VI replied, bow j
ng. .s,g. - "
She at once introduced herselfin the most
manner, excused the absence of j
er father, on account of indisposition, hop | +
q had enjoyed my journey, was very glad
had come, because they saw SO little com {
AMY and in fact behaved herself Just as if |
ge had long been familiar with each other. {