Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1873-05-31
file, just as the stranger reached the
rteps that lead UP into the house. r

Inc lmpuuence ana DOluneSS OF
these lower classes exceeds our most
credulous belief, sister Elmira," said
the eldest sister in loud shrill key,
that was, of course, perfectly audible to
the ears of the man for whom it was
indirectly intended. -, r
&c Certainly my love, you are quite
right" said Elmira, with glance of
contempt at the stranger.
"They are very uninannerly and i'm
polite, am sure"
"And-and--ragged," said Cornelia,
the youngest, with little simper, and
glancing at the clothes worn by the
man. Oh dear, amt it awful"
Il think they should be summarily
elected from the ground of those who
are their superiors, when they have no
better taste than to intrude," said Ell
mira disdainfully.
What doyou come here for, man ?"
said the eldest sister, sharply, to the
stranger.
A sarcastic smile rested upon the face
of the handsome young man-for he
was handsome for all the rass--as these
various little opinions were hurled at
him, and in reply to the question he
produced letter, and held it towards
her at arms length.
Miss Elmira ventured to take the ex-
treme corner of it daintily between her
thumb and forefinser, and as the other
Misses Grimwood gathered around
with eager curiosity to see to whom it
was directed, the stranger glanced at
them for an instant from beneath the
slouched hat, keenly, sharply, and
shrewdly, as if he was better acquainted
with them than they were aware of,
and then turned to depart.
Here, fellow" said the eldest Miss
Grimwood, tossing sixpence at him,
" take that, and go away, do"
The piece of silver fell directly in
the path of the young man, who spurned
it aside with his foot, and, continuing
his way to the gate, soon disappeared
in the direction of the village.
:" l declare!' said the eldest sister,
as they returned into the house, "if
that low person amt awfully imperti-
nent! Refused the money I gave him!
How dare he do it? Who is the letter
from, Elmira my love?'
Dear me" said Elmira, who had
been eager in its perusal, {" if it amt
from our dear cousin Percy! He is
at the village, at which he says he has
just arrived, and he says he will be
here in about two hours. Do run to
the window, sister Cornelia, and see if
he is not almost here. It is about timo.
Oh. how pleased amp
The youngest sister did as requested,
and after long and eager look down
the road, returned to report that no
one was in sight, whereat the eldest rang
the bell, and ordered the servant who
answered it, to have the cook immedi-
ately prepare sumptuous FEAST
suitable to the rank and wealth of the
expected guest. ...
After this the Misses Grimwood, con-
cealing their excitement and impatience
for fear it might be Glow" to evince
such human feelings, sat like three
iceberss in the centre of the parlor, and
frigedly awaited the coming of their
dear cousin Percy. ..4
In due time magnificent carriage,
drawn by a pair Of splendid black
horses, dashed up to the gate in grand
style, and there alighted therefrom the
young gentleman in question, Mr.. Per-
cy, dressed in the extreme height of
fashion, and displaying the very en-
bod iment of gentility. .r..
OF course, the Misses Grimwood
strove to show him every possible at
tention and respect, without compo-
missing their self-importance, and over
and over again expressed the very great
happiness they experienced in welcom-
ing their beloved cousin Percy to Grove
Place, as the home Of the Grimwoods
was called by them.
The wealthy and genteel Percy, how
ever did not seem to enter into the en-
thusiasm exhibited by his fair cousins
in the manner they wished, and had
been led, by their own vanity, to expect;
but, on the contrary, he returned their
salutations in as indifferent way as he
well could, and still not be ungentle-
manly.