The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1870-03-31
From Every Saturday. ]
MATCH-MAKING.
IN FIVE CHAPTERS. CHATTER ~


80 my dear Mrs Hardwood, such
dreadful news Caroline tells me Sir
Stephen is in love with Miss Barlow"
aWhat nonsense." Mrs. Harewood
calmly answered, adding, rather sharply,
GLOW came she to say anything on
such a subjects"
"Why, her manner to him is so cold,
| thought had better speak to her be-
fore tonight, and then she said that. 3"
"The idea is absurd, He has far too
much sense even to have thought of
anything so ridiculous p
-"Mrs. Hardwood spoke seyerely,an
lookedso naughty and unsympathetic
that Mrs. Ashley left the room is des-
pair, feeling rather ashamed, and not
in the least convinced
Down stairs Mary, Caroline, Aimee,
and one or two favored young ladies
were experimenting, and, indeed,
working hard themselves, in the rear
rangement Of the flowers Mrs Hare
wood had desired. Very lovely the
room looked when it was all done, and
then Caroline, prompted by some kindly
impulse, turned to Aimee and asked,
"Whatare going to wear tonight"
"My clean white muslin. l have
nothing else" Aimee answered; add
ing timidly, "Do you thinks it rery
dreadful to wear high dress 2"
Caroline laughed good. naturedlN
"No, indeed; you will only look as
ifyou were not out"
Sand, please-you are so kind--do
you think / might have some flowers
for my hair? l was afraid to ask Mrs.
Harewood."
r''Certainly. I'll manage that, and
bring them to your room and put them
in for you, if you like"
Aimee's thanks were ferVent.
She did not speak to Sir Stephen
either before or during dinner; but the
moment she entered the ballroom he
came up to her
She really looked very beautiful The
simple white dress suited her quiet
style of beauty, and her hair did credit
to Miss Ashley, who had felt a little
sad and very much amused, as she
wreathed those white roses for her un-
suspecting rival.
Aimee had seated herself on a sofa
by her side now, and Mrs. Ashley who
was close to her daughter, saw with
horror that Sir Stephen drew a chair
behind the sofa, and half turning his
back on Caroline, began to talk to Al
NEE, and in such low voice that she
could not hear what he said, which was
a great aggravation.
The 6rst thing he did was to give
Aimee a card saying, 81 am SO glad
Mary insisted on having cards, to be
quite like real ball. Now may l
put my name down :"
He held out his hand and took it as
he spoke, and when he restored it
Aimee was surprised to see how often
he had written his name.
"YOu do not think it too many, l
hope" he asked as he saw her ex-
preston.
II did not know if it was right.
Thtsis my first ball, you know. Is it
Tipht?"she asked suddenly, looking him
full in the face. nN
S"Quite," he answered, adding to
himself, 81 will make it So"
"How little we have seen of each
other the last few days." he continued,
after looking round and seeing Miss
Ashley was talking to some one. 81
am afraid l have not been of much use
to you"
II think it is very stupid of gentle
men to shoot all day." Aimee answer
ed, candidly.
''Not always. But did think it
horrid bore to-day and yesterday" he
said, in marked tone that Aimee was
too ignorant to appreciate.
"To-moorrow, believe, the ladies
are coming out to lunch with us, SO
that will be degree better And,
alas it is my last day for find must
90 home on Friday"
This was quite true, but he men,
toned it now to see how Aimee would
take it.
Tears dimmed her eyes for mo-
ment, but she said bravely, 81 am 80
sorry; | shall miss you so much"
''Don't let us think Of it now. To-
night happily, l need not play at whist,
SO l mean to enjoy myself Will you
come : They are going to begin the
first dance"
That night was strange bliss to All
NEE. She danced beautifully; and Sir
Stephen, who had done the same in his
early youth, found he had not forgot
ten the art.
Dance followed dance. Sir Stephen
cast all scruples TO the wind, and Al
NEE, cbildishIy trustful in him, made
no remonstrance.
OF course they were remarked. Mrs
! Ashley, before much time had passed.
came eagerly to Mrs. Hardwood. "ll
is Just as told you! He has danced
three times with her already"
"Who is 'he 2" asked Mrs. Hare
wood, rather provokingly.
"Sir Stephen Dashwood, OF course"
3. ooh! and 'sbe?"
@why, of course, Miss Barlow"
"Three times already that is rathe,
strong" And with a laugh she turned
to some one else