The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-11-14

| forts, but not with his usual spirit. CHG
son talked at everybody in jargon pecu-
liar to himself. Edith seemed intent only
upon her duties as mistress of hospitable
mansion. A generous lunch was served by
her directiOn-an event of consequence to
at least one of the party. The Utilization
of his palate was certainly matter of
prime importance to Mr.. Chigson. When
fed, he became quiet for a little while, as is
the nature of animals. If Edith knew his
propensities and had counted upon freeing
herself so, from his impertinences, hers was
a signal success. Not long after lunch
was over, Isla said to Edith:
You ought to show Uncle Lem your
collection. 1t may shake his belief in the
incapacity of girls"
Edith rose at once, movement initiated
by all but Mr.. Chigson. He was stretched
at full length upon sofa, and seemed much
too comfortable to be disturbed, l thought.
Edith, however, asked him if he would go
with us.
81 guess l can trust you with the old
man, can't l. uncle Lem? ?" was his ingenu-
Gus and confding answer.
For Edith's sake, l took no notice of his
impertinence, but followed the others up
stairs. The collection was ornithological,
occupying a cabinet in an upper hall. The
display of birds was very fine, and these
had all been stuffed by Edith, as Isla as
sured us, with evident pride in her sisters
skill. There was also goodly sprinkling
of bright plumaged foreign birds, procured
in exchange from various correspondents.
With most of the native specimens, eggs
and nest were shown. They were arranged
according to their classes, exhibiting skill
and intelligence highly creditable to girl
like Edith.
"I must show you my collection now,
Uncle Lem" said Isla. 'No Mr.. Hartz,
not you. 1t is only few butterflies and
caterpillar or two not at all worth your
inspection"
She opened the door of small room
connected with the hall, shut it carefully
when we were within, and said with sup
pressed impetuosity:
"No matter about the caterpillars and
that rubbish What does it mean, Uncle
Lem? Did you sec him-that boa constric-
tor, Chigson-put his arms across Edith's
chair-back? And once the vampire leaned
upon her lap. And she let him Before
Mr. Hartz, too, and you. Has the snake
gone crazy, and is she afraid of offending
him, or what is it that makes him so outra-
geously bold?"
"Do you not know? Has she told you
nothing?"
"Not word"
"How long has Mr.. Chigson been COM
ing here SO familiarly?'
81 have never seen him so insultingly IA
miliar before, but it is about a month since
he first began coming here. 1t was just
after Edith came home from Saratoga.
did not go with her to the Springs. The
Harleigh's were going to their country
seat, and wanted me with them, but Edith
had promised the Fentons to join their
party, and they would not let her OFF. 1t
was the first time we were ever separated,
and it seems as if we are never coming to-
gether again as before"
"Had you ever known Chigson at all,
previous to the time you speak of?''
"a very little. He was an understrap-
per of some sort in Mr.. Dodson's law Of
flee. / believe he claims to have been
partner, but that is too preposterous. We
met him once or twice at public receptions,
and he pushed his way to an introduction.
don't know, am sure, but he was never
at all troublesome until about month ago.
Before to-day he has not been here
for four Or five days, and was beginning
to hope that we had got rid of that thorn in
the flesh, but it seems that IL was only driv-
en- in little deeper"
"Have you talked with Edith about
him?"
81 have tried but she always puts me
down with the calm unassailable way she
has got lately. So have given that up
believe now that shall never speak his
name to her again, though with my tow
and-fre temperament can't be sure. l
suppose would bo frank and open with
her, If she would let me: but there's little
comfort in taking block of marble into
ones confidence"
"what if she were intending to marry
him?"
Isla stiffened into stateliness, and an