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


tuition I soon learned to manage horse
well. Guy was generally my cavalier.
Uncle Blamford rode with Marion, and
Captain Anesley with Sara.
Often found myself watching this pain
curiously; for, beyond the usual courtesy
between lady and gentleman, there ex-
listed nothing in the captains behavior to
denote the lover, not in Sara's to resemble
that of his finance. They were scrupu
lousy cold, yet no quarrel had occurred
between them.
think have said that was very keen
in drawing conclusions respecting the
characters and dispositions with those whom
| was thrown in contact; and ere week
had passed of my acquaintance with Cyril
Anesley felt convinced that, acting upon
impulse-as his warm, excitable tempera-
ment was prone to do-he had engaged
himself to my cousin Sarah in haste, and
had since repcnted at leisure; while she
had it not in her to bestow much affection
upon, or feel interest in, any human being
but herself.
Nothing in his behavior went to prove
my suspicious were correct, for he was too
honorable to draw back from the fulfilment
Of any duty his engagement involved.
Often thinking these things, 1 let my
eyes dwell upon the pair as they sat alone
together, yet to my fancy SO far apart; and
l often found Captain Anesley studying
me, with apparently us great an interest as
displayed in studying himself.
Sara seldom evinced any liveliness in the
preparations for amusement or festivity,
save an overweening anxiety concerning
her attire. She was thorough actress,
and threw more animation into her per-
Torrance than | should have believed her
capable of. l could not say so much for
the captain; he was decidedly apathetic.
At the end of week Flora arrived.
Marion had reserved the role of Amy Rob
sart for her, and Flo set to work upon it
Immediately, as the rest were already
nearly perfect in their parts. Flora was in
her element, and | had never seen her look
so beautiful; happiness lent a glow to hei
cheek and sparkle to her eye. l darted
frequent glances at Guy, to see whether lie
wore the same spectacles as | did, but
always failed to penetrate his thoughts.
The expression on his sedatc face, while in
repose, was unreliable.
a good many guests came to the Manor
during the shooting season, at the expira-
ton of which my uncle's family usually
left Frog 'smere to spend Christmas in
town; most of them aristocratic friends OF
my aunt's.
At last the night of the play arrived. I
was dressed early and assisted my aunt in
receiving the guests, as the rest were all
fully occupied in the green-room.
Most of the people had arrived. My
aunt's feathers were nodding theoretically
as she conversed with Il little knot of dowa.
gers on the sofa.
"Come with me, Sara," whispered Guy,
over my shoulder.
rose and took his proffered arm. He
little room communicating by door witt
the aforesaid green-room. Half of the door
was glass, which was covered with rec
moreen curtain.
"See here" said Guy, laughingly, as he
drew the curtain slightly aside.
There was considerable noise going or
within. and a comical scene met our ewes.
The performers, full of nervous eagerness
were having q hurried rehearsal. Theil
costumes were more peculiar than beauti
ful-Flora alone being attired in velvet
dress, with lace rutfles Leicester was per
forming with apathy, and appeared equally
Indifferent to the charms of the queen o
Amy. This struck me at the time vaguely
very soon afterwards it came back to mt
forcible. l looked and laughed at the dis
orderly scene.
GLOW we'll our Amy looks ~ remarked
Guy.
"Does she noto The blue become:
Flora I said, approvingly, for I though
that Guys obduracy towards Flora wa:
beginning to melt before her beauty. &c
knew you would think so.''
Guy turned his grave eyes on me, ant
dropped the curtain.
Sara he said suddenly, "you seemed
annoyed that l do not sufficiently appreciat,
your sister, but you are to blame for it.
have no eyes for Flora when you ar
present"
This little TRADE took me rather by sur
prise, and l dropped my corner of the rec
curtain to look at him. Guy appeared
unusually agitated. You guess what
mean, Sara" he said; evil my cousin b.
my wife,
Then-how or why could not tell-ther
came to me suddenly knowledge that
loved.-not this man, but another;- tina
other who was betrothed to my cousin Sara
| was neither confused nor agitated; an,
think my voice must have been clear an,
hard when replied, for Guys face was St
sad.
81 cannot, Guy" said, edo not asl
me-"
"That is all, Sara said he.
He went away slowly, and left me there
What strange evening that was? Their
seemed such a shadow on Guys face ant
on Cyril Anesey's. knew too we'll Their
was one on mine; the rest were all S
bright felt like one in dream, movin!
about among lights, and flowers, ant
happy people, without the faintest echo G
happiness in my own heart.
The play was over, and there was muc
noise and applause; then some one pre-
posed dancing, and very soon l foun
myself dancing with the gayest of them
for | thought it would be good thing t
deceive others, and myself too, if coulG
Guy was also dancing. No one coul
have guessed he was suffering a pang @
disappointed love. His face was serious
as usual; mine was wreathed in smile.