The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1871-03-25

CHAPTER II.
When l first set my foot on the threshold
of Frog smere Manor House, it seemed to
me like the entrance to a region hitherto
unknown to my experience. How different
to the mean little entrance of my own
home were the massive portals of this old
mansion, the wide hail, brilliantly lighted
and warm, the glowing carpet on the stair
case, and the graceful figures of my ele-
gantly -attired aunt and cousins, who had
thronged to meet me with cordialty
scarcely expected.
was alone, too Flora had still week
of her term to expire before she could be
at liberty to join me. This l had before
explained by letter to my relations, there
fore ne one else was expected.
OF my cousins l will briefly speak The
eldest was Guy, who was very unlike what
l had pictured him, being grave, gentle
manly man, of about thirty, instead of the
perfumed, languid young collesian had
expected TO see. At my first glimpse of
my mothers hopes. Guys fancy would
never fix on my pretty little sister. Moth
ing short of an imperial woman, whose
lips were never framed for smiling, would
suit him SO thought l.
Marion was the next. She was graceful
and moderately pretty, besides being more
than usually amiable. Then came Wilfred,
who was a Navy lieutenant, at present
away Oh a Mediterranean cruise and the
fourth, and last, my namesake, Sara, who
was the beauty of the family.
That evening, sitting in luxurious
chair under the centre chandelier of the
grand drawing room, carefully studied
my two cousins and, with one exception,
the conclusions l drew concerning them
proved correct.
was not neglected but, supposing me
to be rather tired with my travelling, my
cousins abstained from teasing me with
talking, or requests for music. Uncle
Blamford sat by me most of the time, and
when he left me my cousin Guy sauntered
said that with one exception formed
fair estimates of my cousins characters
the exception was Guy. I thought him
habitually grave but in less than ten min
utes discovered that his serious eyes could
light up with infinite mirth, and his austere
| lips relax with ripping smiles. AS soon as
l made this discovery my hopes rose, and l
resolved to pave golden way for Flora by
sounding her praises as much as possible
in all the conversations might have with
him.
Guy asked me if was good actress;
and said, modestly, that had never taken
any part in drawing room plays.
"You must certainly try" said Guy.
"My sisters are very fond of private plays.
They are getting some up now, and we
shall want rather q long staff
Here was an opportunity!
"Then,' said I, "Flora will be some
help, for she often assists in the historical
plays the young ladies perform at the school
she attends. Ny sister Flora is very
CLEVER
Guy smiled, and said he did not doubt it
and in all our conversations | managed to
turn the subject to Flora benefit, but with
very questionable wisdom, it must be con.
fessed. l doubt much whether my sister
would have thanked me.
The staple subject of talk at Frog smere
was private theatricals. Marion was very
good natured, and she took me into hel
confidence concerning the arrangements.
The play selected was Kenaworh. Sara
was to play Elizabeth, and Marion said
and proposed Flora, as I guessed Guy wa.
to play Leicester. cit will bring then
together famously,' thought |.
The next day at luncheon l was rather
surprised to see gentleman opposite me-
sitting beside my Cousin Sara. At first
guessed it must be Wilfrid, but thought
he must be younger. Then with no usua
Straightforward impulsveness, | asked Mar
ion, who sat next to me, who he was. She
looked rather surprised.
"That is Cyril Anesley," she said; Cap
tain Anesley.
"Who is Captain Anesley3" 1 per
severed, for something | could not explain
had aroused my curiosity.
Gle is Sara's sweetheart" said Marion
laughingly.
els Sara engagcd?" said l, surprised il
my turn.
YES" said Marion. "Did you no
know it %
How long I asked, in the some tone
cages" replied Marion. "They will
not be married till Sara comes of age, ant