Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-10-30

learned OF Professors.
"He must have been paragon said
Miss Delaney, 80
He was" answered Reginald. smiling
down upon her; then it seemed to strike
him that she was looking particularly
lovely;s she saw In the expression OF his
smile the DRIFT of his thought by some
subtle intuition, and suddenly her face
grew luminous.
won't you tell me about him ?" she
asked; won't you tell me something of
your College lifep l am so utterly ignor-
ant on such subjects, never having had
any brothers or male cousns--at least.
none nearer than YOURSELF" she added,
with the prettiest grace of manner imagi-
nable If she could but win him before
the new guest had an opportunity to charm
by any real or fancied attraction.
He drew chair near her, and the con-
versation went on in low tone for some
time. Mrs. Delaney, with gratified
smile. watched the two as she took out
some fancy work and drew nearer to Mrs
Preston a7qsi} ..of j zlsesFrs
'.Dont they make beautiful couple ?'
whispered Reginald's mother. Reginald
is just dark enough for her; never saw
such lovely hair In nv life."
''And she's as good as pretty" said
Mrs. Delaney with an air of motherly
pride
"A very sweet girl indeed responded
the rector's mother. who was not gifted
with talent for looking beyond the sur
face ... 49,
And ! little as you might imagine it,
she can keep house beautifully-takes
real interest and pleasure in it. We have
always kept house. The house in Ber
wick square belongs to my daughter, you
know" she added softly IL hope we
may see you there some time"
II shall be sure to come" was the an
swer. IF ever Reginald gets married
shall have plenty of lesure-nOt that
have to work very hard now, but
II beg you will EXCUSE me-" sweet,
low. musical voice fell upon the startled
company. small figure stood in the open
door. looking shyly round-''you see !
was sogmuch rested after tea that did
not feel like going TO my room again
WHY, my dear, you are very welcome.
am sure."
By this time Mrs. Preston's arm was
round the slender figure. Mrs. Delaney
turned about and greeted the intruder with
stare; Reginald pushed back his seat
and GOOD up, beaming; Miss Delaney
leaned forward. discomposed the chain
of fancy and fascination had been broken,
and thewsWas no welcome in her heart or
on her tongue for the new conner.
Take this.seat, my love-" Mrs. Preston
continued, leading the stranger forward
your paamma and were such intimate
frienS 3 that We must be something more
than mere acquaintances. Miss-Mrs. De-
lancy-my son you have met; he was very
fond of your father. my dear"
Stupid woman" exclaimed Miss De-
lancy, under her breath.
1.-The creature is handsome !" criticised
Mrs. Delaney ''though such queer kind
of beauty
Yes. a weird, dark beauty, great. lumi-
nous, shining eyes, hair abundant and
glossy, and looking as if, whichever way
It was placed, it would stay and be be-
coming; a small, sensitive mouth. that
absorbed all the color Of her face, for
there WAS none in her cheeks; little
thing, yet of queenly dignity of manner,
dressed in deep black, whose folds, guilt
less Of all ornament in the way of ruffles
and futing, fell with statuesque graceful
ness about her little figure. Miss Delan-
cy took it all in at glance.
IA rival" she said to herself; land a
formidable one. Why did she come here
just nowp" Even while thinking thus she
had decided upon the role she would act.
She rose as the young girl was presented
smiling lips. Coming forward, she took
the small hand in hers, drew the little fig
urs forward. and kissed her.
There! couldn't help it p she said,
laughing, ''it's case OF love at first sight I"
and she looked archly at the rector, who
seemed both pleased and amused. Miss
Delaney's stately figure. most charmingly |
arrayed. her glorious wealth of golden
hair, her attitude-all appealed to the @s-
thetic part of his nature. Never had he
admired her more. Then Miss Delaney
drew the young girl along with her, and
gave her the seat vacated by Reginald.
''You may come on the other side" she |
said to him; but just now want this little
maiden oil to myself And she had her
10 herself more than an hour.
II don't know whether to like her or
mot" said Nancy Vance, as she sat brush
ing her long locks. after she had retired
10 her room. her feet on the bright fender
''theres something in her that repels me- |
Mother would say it was one of my fan
Gss. and won't be prejudiced. Dear Mrs.
Preston, there's no question about her; |
shall love her, but the great gray eyes OF
Miss Delaney's mOther-how they pierce
Wv ~ tA4ouO LlC COiu WuCu oHC iOOhcu ~
ne. Mr.. Preston" She paused mo-
ment. her cheek catching glow, but not
nom the IRE papa prepared me to be !
pleased with him. he is just the man for
bic postion--so commanding and so win
nlng. From something she said-and what
was ne l really cannot remember:
judged there was more than friendship |
between them. All. now have it: several |
times she said we when speaking OF him.
He loves her; how can he help it : | never
saw 80 radiant face crowned with its
golden hair. And she seems so religious,
30 enthusiastic. she will make him a good
wife. wonder if they are engagedP"
Thus actively were her thoughts con-
trolled for the hour she sat there, too busy
with speculation to seek her bed. and when
she slept she dreamed that Miss Delaney
came into her room arrayed as for her
wedding. and kissed her, but when she
looked In her face it was the face of her
mortal enemy, and. struck with horror.