The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-06-01


one, and, to make the attendance more
efficient, the several Wallets, &C., of those
staying in the house were enrolled as at
tendants. Looking round on the company
as l made this remark, my eyes suddenly
fell on the face and figure. 1 was so taker
back, l gave start that was evident to all
Never see him again? Why, there, be-
hind the chairs, with quiet, grave face,
and white tie, stood the being who had
travelled with me in the railway! To say
that started from my chair, or was aston
ished, was nothing. l was aghast. And,
forgetting to speak or finish the sentence,
with all the company waiting, / sat agape,
with my eyes fixed on his face. Feather
stone was the first to understand. lie
looked round sharply at his man, then al
me, with sudden smile.
"You are not well, my dear Quenton.
said the host. Is anything the matter??"
"Nothipg," said, with CHASTITY laugh
81 am tired; I was not well this morning.
The miserable Featherstone enjoyed my
position-revelled in it. He even said,
maliciously, 81 can fancy 1 can under,
stand what is the matter"
There was little curiosity and surprise
on her face. She thought l was odd, nc
doubt. Imade this impression worse by
my abstraction and confusion during the
rest of dinner, for was thinking what
was to do.
At last the ladies went away. As yet
she could know nothing for certain, though
she might guess. When the wine had
been taken, and we rose to join the ladies,
my resolution was formed-a desperate
one. I stole away to my own room, and
hastily rang the bell. l told the man that
answered it to ask Mr.. Featherstone's ser
want to come to me. That person soon
presented himself. He entered respect
fully, but with the same perfect air of
equality.
eve meet again." sajd with an affec-
tation of cordiality. elbow curious, isn't
it? But you never told ME that yon were
-er-attached to Mr. Feathnrstone, or
engaged in those duties
He answered I was not called on to do
so. You sent for me l think?
sit is really like a play" went on
s'But you heard how spoke of you; and
l assure you my opinion is not in the least
exaggerated. He bowed again. "Now,
l went on confdentially, "you keep your
reserve with me. will deal quite frankly
with you. should not like the fact of my
mistake to get abroad. There is no Deces-
sity for it. People are so malicious, and SO
fond of having a laugh" He bowed again.
"People are malicious, and fond of laugh,
no doubt. Well" | said, "this is to be
a secret between us. Promise me. There
is tritle-all 1 can spare''--Q could spare
none of it, and l tried to put half a SOW
erign into his hand.
He drew back
s.Pray don't, Sir-no need of that-the
matter is mere tri1e. The truth is, it
has been mentioned. You see, you did
not scruple to mention it at dinner; why
should 1 scruple to mention it below stairs:
did so when saw you had violated our
implied confidence"
"But to your master l mean. Then, do
take this-oblige me ?"
"Please don't offer me money. No; you
magnify mere trifle. Believe me. the
best way is to leave the thing as it Isl
And he made final bew, and left me.
was in despair. There was nothing
for it but to 60 down again and face the
company. There found Featherstone in
the ascendant. He was proposing small
plays. He was riotous.
"Ceme," he said, "let us put our friend
here OH the stool of repentance, and sub.
nit him to severe and searching cross
examination. Come, sir, prepare to
amuse the ladies. Do you hesitate?
should like to examine you about your
travels? ell, Mr.. Quenton!'
| had to bear with this insolence, and
was put through all the stages of the
odious game.
Burning with anger at the ridiculous
figure | was made to cut, when my turn
came, l was ready to make an example of
him. But, as began with fury, he coolly
took his seat and said, CHOW, take care
that you behave-or-'
1t was evident that he was going to keep
this hanging over my head like sword of
Damoches. The only chance for me was
to be quick, and strike that very night,
before he had time to attack.
She was still interested in me, and, at
the first opportunity, l said to her, 81
must go tomorrow.
eco to morrow 90 she said, "And why ?
You were to stay fortnight. We have
offended you? / saw it at dinner.
'No, no, no. Not you.
"But surely you don't mind that Mr.,
Featherstone and his jokes. But that
is only his fun
eyes, said as sudden inspiration
came upon me, 81 do mind him because
others mind him. cannot endure to see
him preferred. But that is nothing, SO
had better CO.
elf that be the reason, we can easily
remove it. If assure you or can show
you that there is no such preference, either
on fathers side or OH mine
"Ah! if you will show me that
"You shall see," she said. find you
are of jealous turn
At this moment came up Featherstone,
full of his "horse" spirits. He wanted
some other piece of fooling to be set on
foot. 1t was delightful to see how she set
him down-withered him with coldness.-
She was a curious girl, and firmly believe
liked me; only for. But must hurry
on. He saw my look of triumph, but said,
ooh! very we'll" He was really taken
l,,oI, b1, tho firm, pncifion I held with her.