The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1873-01-24
A DAYS eETRoTHAL.

was growing, smiling, bright-eyed
infant until, as | stepped on the dock
of the packet boat (named Reindeer
in irony) at Richmond, an acquain-
tance placed undermy especial charge
blushiug, dlmple-taced young girl,
"Miss Rose Elliott" whose destina-
tion was the same as my own. was
pleased by her pretty, deterential lit
tie ways and her little figure and dain
ty face, with its unruly, ripping
brown hair, and the tender gray eye
and silky lashes reminded me so other
dear mother in the sweet days depart
ed.
She told me all her history in half
hours talk. Her parents were dead
and she was going as n teacher TO
Chesterville, and was very lonely al
ready and frightened at the idea OF
her own responsibilities.
"But you will find it n very gay
place. | said. at is q large family
and there are great many guests al
ways there. This summer there is to
be large ball in honor of the eldest
daughters debut; aiterward riding
parties, excursions, aud tableanx to
crown the whole"
The little face upraised to mine
frightened visibly at such an array of
pleasures. Life had yet all its new,
fresh brightness to her wistful eyes.
"Do you think | will join in these
things 2" she asked. timidly aud ca
gerly.
80 yes; why not" ! replied
"But | have young friend here
kiulock Warner and pointed TO n
young man reclining lazily on the long
seat and smoking a cigar. The light
blue rings of smoke tioated around
his golden hair and off into the blue
air, and its misty circles gave still
more dreamy expression to the halt
closed eyes and inditierent-looking.
clcar-cut features of the young loun
ger. ale has n sister staying there
who is the chief authority on tableaux,
walIzes. etc. and he can tell you all
you care to know"
She looked admiringly at him; all
women admired kinlock for his rare
union of strength aud grace, and his
nonchalant consciousness of his own
attractions.
but isn't he very reserved =
"You shall judge for Yourself |
replied; and beckoning kinlock TO
me. | introduced them: MIR. Warren,
Miss Elliott"
He talked with an easy grace. and
she listened, with her wondering
child-like gray eyes that frightened
and darkened with every ihought;--
but after an hour or so lee rose. ex-
cused himself aud sauntered off TO the
cabin.
Rose took mp her book. "Lucillc."
and pretended TO read, bat fancicd
she was thinking of the ordeal before
her, because the long lashes looked
suspiciously wet and the mouth closed
with piteous little droop was sorry
10 sec.
Such child 10 make her own way
in life! ihonghi; but the horn be-
gan to sound its long dismal notes,
and through the gathering twilight |
could see red lights ON the hills from
! lighted rooms through open doors
and windows.
"We are near Chcsteryille now," /
said TO Kinlock, as he came up on
deck, and Rose started.
"Oh, am so frightened r. she said,
half under her breath.
Kinlock looked at her with won.
dcring sort of pity; There are SO
many young ladies there, Miss Elliott;
you will not feel like a stranger long"
"But / amp only teacher" she said;
"it will not be as if / were guest"
He ignored the first part altogether,
and bending little lower, in softer
tone, "And already you have two
friends-Dr. Maxwell and myself"
A bright smile flashed over Roses
face as she looked up surprised, but
she did not speak, tor the Captain
came to tell US that this was the place
and the carriage and servants were
waiting.
/ The drive was quite long one, but
think Rose wished it longer when
we reached the gates. The grassy
sward between the tall oaks was
bright with moonshine: and as we
came up the gravel walks we could
see the figures of several girls fitting
along the lighted hall and from room
10 room.
Miss Ida Vernon, an old friend of
Kinlock's, ran out to meet us with
most cordial greetings for both of us,
but poor little Roses fears were real
lied; she was left entirely in the
background.
| Kinlock's brow lgit; "Where is
my sister," A tall, stylish girl came
in: "Oh, you dear boy! and DIR.
Maxwell; / am SO glad" but before
she proceeded any further, Kinlock
had drawn her arm in his and carried
her away to the sofa to Miss Elliott,
whom be placed under her charge un-
til she conld find Mrs. Kenyon.
i Miss Warner responded with ready
courtesy: "She does not know yet you
are come; shall take you to her? and
then You will want rest, am sure;''
and as Rose gladly acqniesced, Kin
lock held out his hand with an en-
couraging smile: Il hope you will
ike Chesteryille as much as 1 do when
you see it by to-morrow's sunshine
1t is very lovely" And Rose went
off with smile.
For the next few weeks her life
was Yefy much as she had pictured il
, in the background. The young H.
dies snubbed her, and Rose felt her
delicate, sweet rosy face lost amidst
their diamonds and laces and sweep
inn silk dranarins and was friohf enad