The Van Buren press., 1873-08-26

stay mere IN tho country, ana not wear
any bonnet, and climb cherry trees every
day.
"Mary am surprised at this display
of childshncss ! must insist on more
self control he said coolly.
but don't send me away; don't Len
nox, she pleaded.
Il must. he returned, but more gen.
tly, sof,ened little by her agitated ca
gerness, sit is for your good, and you
must consent to gol Will your
Tbs supper bell rang at that instant,
and anxious to escape before tho rest of
the family came in and saw her in tears,
Mary hastily answered, :" Yes, let me 60,
Lennox,' and ran out, OF tho ssesA aad
up stairs to her own chamber.
They were at supper before she came
down again, with smooth curls and no
trace Of tears, but with bright light in
her brown eyes, aud firm look on her
pretty face, and as she went through
the hall to the vine-shaded porch where
the tea-table was, she murmured, Yes,
I'll go and I'll teach you one lesson,
Mr.. Lenaox Ray; see il don't.
1t was Lennsx Rays intention to jein
his sisters party in July, but his law bus
mess prevented him. When Mary re-
ccived the letter expressing his regrets,
she only smiled and said to herself "All
the better. l shall have time to learn my
lesson more thoroughly before Septem-
ber Mr.. Lcnnox Ray"
1t was nearly the middle of September
before Mr. Ray, heated, dusty and weary,
entered his room at the Scarborough ho-
tel where his sisters party was stopping.
+" Dear little Mary he said, rs he
made a careful toilet before going down
stairs I'm dyingto see her; and !
know she'll be glad to see me. A mo.
ment of her sweet naturalness will be
quite refreshing after all these artificial
women. They don't know Two come, SO
I'll just so down and surprise them. "
As he entered the apartment amid the
fash of jewels and rustles Of silks and
laces, he met his sister Laura.
"Lennox! you here?'' she said, Civ
ing him two white hands.
Yes. Where's Mary p
She WAS on tho terrace talking to n
French count moment ago. All! there
she is at the door.
"Ahr' said Lennox, dropping Laura's
hand and making his way towards the
door, I QE
But it was difficult even when he drew
near to see in the stylish, stately beauty,
whose hair was put over a monstrous
chignon, and whose lnstrous robes swept
over the floor for a yard, his own little
Mary Of three months ago.
Lcrnox strobe up with scarcely n
glance at the bcwhiskered dandy to whom
shc was chatting, and held out his hand
with an eager exclamation, Mary. =
She made sweeping courtesy, and
languidly extended the tips Of her fin
gers; but not muscle moved beyond
What accorded with well bred indiffer-
ence.
"Ah! good evening, Mr.. Ray. v
"Oh, Mary, are you glad to see me y
said Lennox, feeling his heart chilling
within him.
"Oh, to be sure, Mr. Ray, quite glad.
Allow mo to present Count dc Braure-
pare. Mr. Ray, Monsieur. F"
Lennox hardly deigned bow to the
Frenchman, and offered his arm to her.
Thanks, but the music is beginning
and promised to dance with Mr.. Blair"
But attcrward !" said Lennox, the
chill growing colder
"Thanks again; but then | engaged
. N Ha,t ThOrptou -
"When, then2' demanded Lennox
with jealous pang
"Ah, really my card is so full that !
hardly know. Il will try to spare you
n waltz somewhere, with an indifferent
glance. .ny..
Lennox bent down and spoke with Bit
ter reproach IN his tone. Good Heay-
ems, Mary! What affsctation is this -
She favored him with we'll bred
stare.
Pardon. do not understand you.
And taking the arm OF her escort, she
walked away with the air OF an empress
Lsnnox sought his sister.
Laura, how have you changed Mary
10 ?" he demanded.
"Yss, she is changed greatly improv
ID. Isn't she perfect p
Perfect? Rather too perfect to suit
me-"
ITO morrow l shall see more Of Ma
~" he thought.
But to morrow and tomorrow, it was
always the same, and that elegant Miss
Irving" as they styled her. was always
IN demand. She played the role OF an
lady and gay hearted CO
,nctts to perfection; and poor Lennox,
rom the distance in which she kept him,
ooksd on almost broken hearted, vary.
ng between wrath, jealousy, pride and
despair.
"Mary, said he one morning, when
,e found her alone, "hew long 10 this to
asti"
"How long is what TO last?' asked
Mary innocently.
"How long are you to remain the con-
rentional creature you are"
IL believe ysu wished ma to come here
md improve my manners, Mr.. Ray to
acquire the elegance Of society" she said
,oldly.
But, Mary.
Your sister thinks ! have been an
apt pupil. i
"Yes. too apt too apt entirely cried
Lennox.
"well. il you arc not pleased with the
result of your own advice. am not to
blame You must excuse me, MIR Ray,
am going to ride with Count de Beau