The Van Buren press., 1871-07-11

how 1t would be possible 70 OBTAIN pr
vate interview,
Philip stared.
Il believe, she said coolly. "tha
there has been some arrangement made
concerning us, by those two old meat
your much honored father and my highly
respectable uncle-a little matrimonial
scheme, if | am not mistaken. Very kint
Of them, doubtless, though it might have
been kinder to have left us to choose FOL
ourselves, and be happy in our own way.
A faint gleam of hope began to dawl
on Philip.
81 want to tell you secret, MI Chss
ter; may trust you"
Z" If you will do me the honor, he re
piled, still coldly.
"Ah, see you don't like me, but yo'
will after a while, This, then, is my Sc
cret: am in love-pray don'tbe alarm
ed-not with you"
Thank your said he, almost invol
unfairly.
with very handsome, very clever
very worthy and deserving young man,
resumed Miss Dashwood, with unmove(
seriousness, "but poor. And you arr
in love with one equally perfect, but sui
fering under the same stigma,
She looked at him seriously now, Will
her dark eyes, and he met the gaze frank
ly.
"Now we understand each other sh'
said, resuming her former tone and man
ner; :" and now we can act rs seems bcs
t. us, under the circumstances 1t won
do to rebel openly against these old 10
gies-beg their pardon--those wise anC
venerable old gentlemen; but we car
manage quietly to crcumvent them, ahC
have our own way, can't way2'
Perhaps you nave formed some plai
to that effect p SAID Philip, half amused
and Ealfintereslod,
" You shall hear, she answered. g.
am told that your dear, delightful iatheI
atmires dashing ladies-wants dasbins
daughter.in law and mistress Of his es
tablishment. You will dine tomorrow
at Elmwood, BE sure and not disappoin
Mrs Page, who knows all about 1t, anC
takes a tende- and motherly interest II
the affair We will see whether the oIC
gentleman is satisfied with his chosel
daughter law. Bat whatever occurs
your role, remember, is to be perfectly
charmed. viii you accept your part
Mr.. Chester"
Half laughing, half wondering, h
agreed, And go they rode on togethe
through the shadowy wood path, PhiliI
Chester liking his companion far bette
than he had previously thought possible
of Miss Dashwood.
Scene second, act first, transports Il
to the drawing room, where sat that GOO
lady, Mrs. Page, in ali the formal dignI
ty Of country dinner dress, endeavoI
ing to entertain some half dozen guests
of whom Squire Chester was one SEATED
near an open window be was anxlousi.
awaiting the appearance of Miss Dash
wood, with vague hope as to the eiiec
which thereby might be produced upol
his undutifu son. That self-wilIed youn!
man lounged near checrfully conyersina
with young lady, while Lena Cameron
very pale and quiet, was bending over
bit of embroidery. with fingers that trem
bed a little, and eyes that were rarely up
lifted.
Suddenly the sharp notes Of a bugl'
pierced the ears of that assembled com
pany.
"There is Joe! said Mrs, Page g.
am glad that she has come, as now W.
can have dinner,
"Joe ?" doubtfully inquired one ofth'
lady guests.
The Squire looked from the window
as invited, and beheld figure in man.
hat and coat, as he thought, and wo
mans skirt, dashing full speed up tn
avenue, toward the house, with half
dozen dogs accompanying, SprlngIni
unassisted to the ground, she unloose'
the saddle and threw it to the ground
she then walked several times around Tn
horse, evidently examining into its cen
dition, and discussing the same with tn
groom, who had now appeared.
If Squire Chester regarded this uneN
pected appearance Of his sons chose'
wife with any emotions ofsurprise or dis
appointment, he did not at least expires
it. On the contrary he bowed and shooI
hands with the true old school gallantr.
and courtesy, rs that young lady entcre
the room, followed by two Of the dog
aforesaid. TO whom she whistlcd al Ell
couragemcnt to enter
"Oh, my dear, the dogs |" remonstra
ted Mrs. Page, pitiously; "we are no
accustomed to have them in the drawing
room.
"Dcar me, not have dog, in the draw
ing room. Why, | have mine with IN
everywhere, and all over the house
Couldn't do without them, | declare
Like dogs. sirY' she inquired, with
drawl, Of her future father in-law.
Very much--in their proper place,
the old gentleman was constrained to Say
To which Miss Dashwood replied, wit
Just perccptible shrug Of her gracefI
shoulders and then they went in to din
ner.
"No turkey, thank you, said she
81 never take fowl--its ouly fit for inv;
lids and babies $50 in'ipid. I'll TAX
roast beef, rare, if you plecsc, though
prefer steak and onions.
And besprnkling the CORY slice wit
an'abundance Of cayene sauce, Miss Dasl
wood commenced her repast, while tt
Squire turned away his eyes, meetin
those of Lena Cameron, his wife's neic
who had been regarding these proceed
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