The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1870-04-01

jTWSIy t0oA tEs empty GUAR dL bCf
right hand, and a low voice said,
alf,laughing!y, Good evening, Miss
Barlow"
She looked round to sec Sir Steph-
ems handsome face; but before she
had time to speak, Mrs. Harewood
interrupted, "Did you lose Jour way
Sir Stephen!"
"Of course" he answered in a
resigned tone. II ought to know
my way by this time, but somehow
in the dusk | missed turn. and got
here only half an hour ago.
elbow wet you must hayo been!"
Aimee exclaimed, as Mrs. Harwsod' s
next neighbor claimed her attention,
in voice of immense pity, which
made Sir Stephen smile.
''That does not hurt much. Isup-
pose you got here before it begsn?''
''lt was just beginning"
"a cold greeting! Well how do
you like Bircbleigh?''
81 am frightened"
What at?"
|. '-Evcrytbing. I did so beg Mrs.
Harewood to let mo have tea in the
nursery"
II am very glad she refused such
an absurd request. But please do
eaI som ethipg," for the idea of eat
int had not occurred to Aimee.
''Here's bill of fare. There, l
res ommend that" he continued,
pointing to a long French name;
which conveyed no idea to Aimee .
ignorant mind. However, the dish
warranted Sir Stephens eeomium,
and she felt better, and very CRATE
full to him for his kind manner to her
so grateful that at last she said,
"You are so kind to me! l should
be so miserable just now if you were
not here.
:" Rather strong" thought Sir
Stephen. "What a dear little in
nocent child she ISL continuing
aloud, II am very glad. You see |
was quite right when told you this
morning We ought not to be strang-
ers
Il am afraid was very rude" "
Aimee said, timidly, with fascinat-
/ ing blush. Il never travelled alone
before, and I was SO frightened"
"You were not in tho least rude.
I am very glad we did make each
others acquaintance before we ar
rived here, for now l feel quite an
old friend"
80 yes!' said Aimee, venturing to
raise her eyes timidly to his face.
II never can thank you epeugh for
being so kind TO me. When you see
papa again he will thank you proper
II am quite satisfied with your
thanks for the present.
~ shall write to mamma to-mor-
row, and tell her how kind you haye
been. And you will take care of me
please, won't you, all the time you
are herc?"
"Wirh all my hearth Sir Stephen
answered with so much fsrvor that
she looked up surprised; while he
wondered what there was abont this
timid child which had so bewitched
him.
'.How is tae election likely to go
in your part Of the world, Dash wood?
here asked an old gentleman across
the table, an eager politician, who
seized the first pause to make this
inquiry; and Mrs. Hardwood, who
was very political, Joined in the con-
versation, and for some time animat-
ed talk went on amongst the people
nearest their hostess. Aimee list
ened eagerly, feeling proud of the
way all seemed to refer to Sir Steph-
en-, and much struck by the easy
way, yet not boastfully, in which be-
talked of men and measures.
Much to her annoyance. Jack Ash
ley now took courage and made bis
first observation to her. 1t was the
stock question, Have you come far
today" followed up, on her answer
ing, Yes. rather,' by the usual
second question in country houses,
"Did you drive!"
Ainee's answer, Il came from
NJ" surprised him, and he
thought of asking if she lived in that
horrid place, bnt thought it might be
rude. So he observed, "Very pret-
ty plant that is.
eyes, very,' said Aimee, who
felt more shy with this stupid boy
than with Sir Stephen.
She began to wonder why this was;
then wished they would leave off
talking politics, hoping he might in
that ca SO speak to her; then wonder
ed if she ought to speak to Jack. but
could think of nothing to say. Din
ncr seemed at last as if it never
would end. She might have enjoyed
the novel scene; however, if Jack
had not been sadly on her mind, as
wdl as her terror Of the 1ne ladies
in the drawing-room afterwards. She
looked towards Jack now and then.
hoping he would speak and break their
stupid silence but in vain.
At last Mrs. Harewood rose.-
Mary numerous youag-lady friends
crowded round her a. soon as they
were in the hall, but she smiled good
naturedly at Aimee, who had shrunk
into q corner, and introduced her to
one or two Of them.
Mary. how can you stay in this
cold!' exclaimed Miss Ashley, after
a minute or two had passed; she
looked 50 regally handsome in her
rich AYenino dress that Aimaa har.ll y