Wilmington daily commercial., 1872-02-10
THE HAT EFUL MATCH.

place for few weeks, and thought that might
AZ well go now any time.
Il should say that 1t was very strange time
to be leaving home Your aunt and cousin Will
consider il a personal affront, sir
at is not intended as such, sir Though, to be
frank, considering the object Of Jennie's visit,
prefer not to see her, And L must say that
think she would have shown more sense Of deli
cacy il she had stayed away"
'Your cousin is very lovely girl, Mr.. Impu-
dence, and won't be likely to go begging"
II don't doubt it in the least. But for all that
she won't suit me for a wife, uncle"
''How do you know that, you concelted young
donkey, when you have never seen her 2 inquir-
ed the irate old man, bringing his cane down
upon the floor with startling emphasis.
Common seuse teaches me that no marriage
can be happy that does not spring from mutual
love. And on one thing am resolved, that
will never marry for mercenary motives"
''Nobody wants You to marry the girl unless
yon like her !" roared Mt. Wilder, his face grow
ing purple with rage and yexation at his nephew's
pefversity IAN ask is that you will stay and
see her. And this is point that 1 insist upon
yes sir, insist upon it."
II am sorry to disobey you, uncle but il
should stay it will only give rise to conclusions
that am anxious to avoid. But will tell you
what will do; will relinquish all claim to the
property that you are 80 anxious should not be
divided. AS that seems TO be the main object.
| think that it ought to be satisfactory to all
parties"
A few minutes later Russell passed by the win
dow, vase in hand.
He nodded good humoredy to his uncle, az he
glanced in, who glared after him in speechess
rage.
'.Ho shant have peuny-not penny" lie
growled, as, sinking back in his chair, he wiped
the Precipitation from bis forehead.
What's the matter now z" said the gentle
voice of his wife Polly, who had iusr entered the
room.
"Matter enough. should say. Russell has
gone-actually cleared out not to his
cousin What do you think Of that Z"
" l think you will have another attack OF the
gout If you get yourself 30 excited, said the
good lady, as she placidly resumed her knitting
. What's to be done now 2"
''Nothing that can see. If Russell and Jen-
ME had seen each other before they had any no.
tion that You wanted them to marry, ten to one
! but they would have fallen head and ears in
| love with each other but es matters are now |
don't believe it would be the least From
what Ellen writes me think Jennie is as much
opposed TO it as Russell. She says she can't
bear to hear his name mentioned, and that it
was as much as she could do to get her consent
| to come at all when she heard that Russell was
| at home"
"They are couple of simpletons, said the
| old gentleman, testify. i've got half mind to
make another will and leave my property to
some charitable institution"
In goiDg to Dghton, whittier he was bound,
Russell Wilder had to travel part OF the way by
| stage.
There was only one passenger beside himself,
| for which he was not sorry, the day being very
/ hot and sultry.
This passenger was a lady there was an air
/ of unmistakable ladyhood about her which told
him that He noticed particularly the daintily
| gloyed hands and well-ftting boots.
| Her graceful form indicated that she was both
| young and pretty, but he could not see her face
/ on account of the envious veil that hid it.
But as soon as she got comfortably settled in
the corner, to which Russell assisted her, she
threw it back, disclosing a fair, sweet face,
lighted by pair Of wondrously bright black
eyes, which shot swift, bewildering glance into
his that were 80 intently regarding her.
The sudden starting Of the coach, which sent
some Of the lady's parcels from the seat to the
floor, gave Russell an opportunity of speaking,
as he returned them, of which he was not slow
to take advantage.
From this they fell easily into conversation
and it was curious how sociable they became.
They talked Of the beautiful scenery through
which they were passing of the newest books
and latest magazines, some of which Russel had
| with him.
The lady inwardly thought her companion t.
be the most entertaining and agreeable man sht
had ever met with. And as for Russell, he Otter
lost the thread Of his discourse in admirng tho
red, dimpled lips and the pearly teeth they dis
closed whenever she spoke or smiled.
Certain i is that his -four hours ride from
P to Dighton were the shortest four hour,
lie had ever known in his life
" Where do you want to be left sir ?" inquire,
the coachman as he entered the village.
" At Mr.. Charles Hunts, Locust-IIill. DO vol
know where that is ? said Russell, putting Iii
head out of the window.
- Certainly sir take you there in a iifTy."
= Why, there's where I'm going !" said th
lady, opening her eyes widely. Ney-Mr
Hunts wife-is my most particular friend VI
used to so to school together"
- And Charley Hunt is my most particula
friend, and one of the finest fellows in til
! world.
" How very odd"
s. How very Fortunate exclaimed Russell
with meaning glance at his fair companion
, which made the rosy cheeks still more ROSY
Might take the liberty of inquiring--"
Bat just at this moment the stage stopped il
front OF the house, on the portco OF which too
Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, enjoying the eyenin
In moment Russell was shaking hands witt
the former, while his companion rushed into tn
arms Of the surprised and delighted wife
. Why, what happy surprise, Jennie, sh
SAID, after spriting her off to her own room :; -
i | mer."
/ " And had no idea of being able to com
a until just before | started. You see, mamma
my step mother, you know-was going to unel
Willards, and she insisted on my going to sc
her, to see that hateful disagreabie cousin q
mine that they are determined should marry
! so when she was busy packing, Just put on m
: things and slipped OF, leaving note to te
Mileie Was gong. vas not that good jOk
; on them all Z"
, ." should think it was" said Nellie, with
l. burst OF merriment, far more than the occasto
y warranted. When saw who your companio
r was thought you were ON your wedding tour
y &" No, indeed never saw the man until he g
Il on the stage at P. But he is the finest loo
i ing man l ever saw, and so agreeable Who
Q he Z"
10 g Oh, III introduce you when you come dov
le stairs. There's Sarah waiting to see me abo
supper, You will have only time to dress. Mir
you look yoor prettest." 4"
Andwith roguish shake OF her finger al Ii,
l. friend, Nellie ran away to see about supper
70 Ii Jennie did not look her prettiest she look
~ very lovely as she entered the supper-room. Ia,
" linen suit exchanged for fresh soft musli
- Whose simplicity and purity were relieved OIL
- by the Niolet-colored ribbons in the hair and
U the throat.
3, Russell had also taken great pains with /
~ toilet, as could be seen by the spotess linen al
At CAREFUL arranged hair.
: The pause that was followed by Jenuie's e
a. a. trance was broken by Mr.. Hunt who. in respon
~ to meaning glance from his wife, said
~ 'Russell, allow me to introduce you to yo
cousin, Jennie Mrs Carlton, your cousin, III
sell Wilder"
The embarrassment which followed the bla
rs astonshment into which the announceme
n threw the parties, so unexpectedly made kno,
ad to each other, was quickly dispelled by the tu
ss that was given to the conversation by the II,
M and hostess.