The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1870-03-24


scent Of the fowors,the dazzling lights,
the low murmur Of many voices, were
all mingliBg in confusion, and Aimee
began to feel faint, when some one
quietly took the empty chair at her
right hand, and a low voice said half
laughingly, "Good evening Miss Bar
low"
She looked round to see Sir Stephens
handsome facei but before she had time
to speak Mrs. Harewood interrupted,
"Did you lose your way, Sir Stepheni"
"Of course" he answered in a re-
signed tone, 81 ought to know my
way by this time, but somehow in the
dark l missed turn, and got here only
half an hour ago"
"How wet you must have been -
Aimee exclaimed, as Mrs. Harewood's
next neighbor claimed her attention, in
voice of immense pity, which made
Sir Stephen smile.
"That does not hurt much. sup
pose you got here before it began?"
at was just beginning"
"A cold greeting Well, how do
you like Birchleigh?" ...
81 am frightened" a
"What Off" qa
Everything. l did so beg Miss
Hardwood to let me have tea in the
nursery" So Of .a
am very glad she refused such an
absurd request. But please do eat
something; for the idea of eating bad
not occurred to Aimee,
Here's bill of fare. There, Tree
ommend that,, he continued, pointing
to a long French name, which convey
ed no idea to Aimee's ignorant mind.
However, the dish warranted Sir Ste.
phen's encomium, and she felt better
and very grateful to. him for his kind
manner to her.--so grateful, that at
last she said, "You are SO kind to me !
| should be SO miserable just now if
you were not here" .H sH r-
"Rather strong" thought Sir Ste
phen. "What a dear little innocent
child she is," continuing, aloud, i am
very glad. You see was quite right
when told you this morning we
ought not to be strangers" ="
Il am afraid l was very rude" All
NEE said, timidly, with fascinating
blush. 81 never travelled alone before,
and was so frightened"
"You were not in the least rude. l
am very glad we did make each others
acquaintance before we arrived here, for
now feel quite an old friend"
40 YES p said Aimee, venturing to
raise her eyes timidly to his face. 81
never can thank you enough for being
so kind to me. When you see papa
again he will thank you properly"
81 am quite satisfied with your thanks
for the present"
II shall write to mamma tomorrow,
and tell her how kind you have been.
And you will take care of me please,
won't you, all lifetime you are here r.
"WitA all my heart!" Sir Stephen
answered with such fervor that she
looked up surprised while he won
dered what there was about this timid
child which had so bewitched him. g
"How is the election likely TO go in
your part of the world, Dashwood r.
y -
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 po-
litical, joined in the conversation, and
for some time animated talk went on
amongst the people nearest their host
ess. Aimee listened eagerly, feeling
proud Of the way all seemed to refer to
Sir Stephen, and much struck by the
easy way, yet not boastfully, in which
he talked OF men and measures. ~. 81.
Much to her annoyance, Jack Ashley
now took courage and made his first
observation to her. 1t was the stock
question, 'Have yon come far to- day7"
followed up, on her answering, eyes,
rather" by the usual second question in
country houses, ''Did you drive? ?"
Aimee's answer, 81 came from M" 4"
surprised him, and he thought of ask
ing if she lived in that horrid place but
thought it might be rude. SO he OBJ
served, "Yery pretty 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 talk
ing politics, hoping he might in that
case speak to hers then wondered if
she ought to speak TO Jack, but could
think Of nothing to say Dinner 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 well as her terror OF
the fine ladies in the drawing-rooln
afterwards. She looked towards Jack
now and then, hoping he would speak
and break the stupid silence, bpt in
vain. aI lHa 81.
At last Mrs. Harewood rose. Marys
numerous young-lady friends crowded
round her as soon as they were in the
hall, but she smiled good naturedly al
Aimee, who had shrunk into corner
and introduced her to one or two Of
them. .a 4le..a w.,
"Mary, how can you stay in this
cold !" exclaimed Miss Ashley, after 3
minute or two had passed. she looked
so regally handsome in her rich even
ing dress that Aimee barely recognized