Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1873-12-20

served as tollet-taDle, gaZed In the
glass at my haggard face. The sight
was too much for me, and 1 turned
away to find consolation in a flask of
spirits that always kept concealed in
hat-box. In so doing my eyes fell
upon pretty pink note that had been
placed on my table during my absence.
L seized it instantly, and tearing it
open, found that it was from Sophia,
inviting me to dine at her fathers.
Yes the dear girl had persuaded her
father to allow her to ask me to din
ner party. have no doubt it cost her
some little violation of the truth but
she had succeeded, and I should see
her surrounded with that wealth and
luxury which belonged to her, and
which L devoutly hoped would soon
belong to me. Overcome with pleasure,
[ blew out the candle, sprang into bed,
and dreamed of white fayers, carriages
and horses, a balance at my bankers,
and Sophia
The next morning I arose and dressed
at the same time, indulging in light
breakfast, composed of weak coffee and
one of those small fish for which Var
mouth is so famous, and ruminating
over the state of my affairs. They stood
thus: was without money. Sophia's
dinner-party came off on that very
evening, and my necessity had COM
PEELED me to lend my dress suit to sup
positions uncle. What was I to do &?
1t was true l had a gold watch and
chain, but Sophia had admired them,
and L did not like to appear before her
without them. 1 sat down aud pom
dered over the situation, and came to
the conclusion that there was but one
way, and that was to take out my dress
suit, leaving my repeater in its place. 1
would wear the chain, and no one need
know [ was minus a watch.
The evening arrived; I had completed
my toilet, and stood before the glass
admiring the fit of my coat, and giving
a few final touches to my white cravat
Taking my latch-key, I fastened it to
the end of my chain, instead of my
watch, and fixed it in my waistcoat
pocket; then gathered up the few
miscellaneous articles which had re-
moved from the pockets of my walking
suit, and distributed them about my
person, taking care that no pocket
should bulge out to spoil the perfect
set of my clothes, and in few moments
was driving rapidly towards the home
of my dear Sophia.
I cannot describe the luxury of old
Wrenton's mansion -itwa tremendous.
The very street-door had a rich ap-
pearance about it, having two brass
knockers on it the hall was completely
f11rr ,ich ctni, l.,
thick that felt as if I were walking on
a hat-brush. The drawing-roo was
all glass and gold: the curtains of lace,
the chairs and sofas covered with blue
silk. [ was nearly overpowered with
the wealth displayed but plucking up
courage, I entered the room with q
graceful bow and firm eye, that al
ready looked upon this magnifcence as
partly mine. did all in my power to
ingratiate myself with Sophia's father
"a short, fat, pimply, purple man,
who breathed heavily through bril-
liant nose-and fatter myself that I
succeeded, for when the servant an
nounced that dinner was served, Mr..
Wrenton desired me to take Sophia
down stairs. [ saw my rivals look of
envy, for he was handed over to fat
old dowager nevertheless, the wretch
managed to be seated next to Sophia,
and persisted in joining in our CONVEX
sation.
The party was large one, the dinner
excellent, and the wines superb. The
conversation was general, and turned
on travelling; and I was loud in con-
demning the English railways, COM
pairing them to those of the continent,
of which had large experience, hav-
ing had at different times to seek in
foreign lands that protection denied me
by my own country.
cit may be as you say" said my
rival, the horrid Jenkins, "but for my
part prefer the English lines. You
get more attention and civility from the
officials"
81 am sorry to say that I do not
agree with you, Ireplied, "and [ am
sure you would own I am right had you
been with me when was going to Mar.
, seilles; or even more so had you trav.
eled with me to Baden-Baden."
AS I spoke I saw Sophia glance at me
with pride.
"Things may have altered" said
, Jenkins; " but I travelled both France
and Germany for ten years, when [ was
j innior partner to Print, Calicoe & Co..
r but I never had any civility that haG
not to pay heavily for"
: L placed my eyeglass in my eye, anc
surveyed Mr.. Jenkins with a look o.
, contempt, at the same time observing
that 1 Travelled for pleasure, not bust
ness.
: 'T didn't" replied Jenkins; '1 travel
for the firm, and very we'll it paid me
One thing you must own /: our men are
quicker and more correct"
" Not at ALL" said I, triumphantly
" Only last week had to go to Read
, ing, and on leaving the trim L entered
5 the refreshment-room and had cup O
l coffee after which 1 left the station
, forgetting to give up my ticket, as NJ
: one asked me for it,"
4 "You must excuse my scarcely cred
iting that, sir" said Mr.. Jenkins. car,
Y you sure you did not give up the ticke
+ before entering the refreshment-room p
3 81 am positive of that" I replied
9 "and to prove what said is correct,
l will show you the ticket, which By
t chance I have with me-"
AS spoke cast glance of scorn q
0 Jenkins; then turning disdainfull,
$ from him, took the ticket from m!
t pocket, and gave it to Sophia to pass tt
r him.
q Sophia glanced at it and screamed
! and that brute Jenkins at once snatchet
: it from her hand
G "What's this 2" he exclaimed WThi