The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-04-22

The fragrance of cigar warned her of
some gentleman's propinquity, and at the
same time she heard George Phelps pro-
nouncing her own name. .~t sf.t
"Argeline Vernon--rather romantic
cognomen for school-mistress, isn't it ?
There is another lady added to your train,
Ashcroft"
"Thank you," replied rich-toned,
careless voice, languidly, 81 have no pen
chant for school-mistresses. All that
ever knew were lean, snufy, wore cork
screw curls, and had been just twenty-five
for the previous twenty years. Excuse me,
if you please"
"Wait till you see Miss Vernon. She is
young, beautiful and has been a great heir
ess--also a belle.'
go, of course. A princess in disguise,
no doubt.
"Miss Vernon is a lady-you will admit
that when she comes.'
"Don't get enthusiastic, Phelps; most
likely she's seeking husband, and itwould
hardly be safe to be too much exercised on
the subject of her attractions"
The twain sauntered away. Argeline
was high-tempered and proud. She was
cut to the quick by the unmeaning insolence
of this Eugene Ashcroft. Hc had no right,
she said, to judge her thus, having never
seen her; and when half hour after he
came up with Mr. Phelps, she was cold as
an iceberg. Ashcroft's manner was def
erential enough now, as his friend presen-
ted him.
"Mr. Ashcroft, Miss Vernon"
She swept his person with her calm,
proud eye, and bowed slightly.
"Will you take my arm for the prone
nade?" he asked, courteously. sust
"Thank you, am engaged.
"I regret it, but if you will dance the
first set with me, the disappointment will
not be so great" pt
al have not decided to dance.'
He looked little disconnected, butquick-
ly recovered himself He had cluster of
scarlet cardinal flowers in his hand. He
offered them to her with some gallant
speech.
"Excuse mel do not like them. They
burn me-" il
John Dracut came back and led her
away. Ashcroft looked after her in silent
surprise. A farmers clod-hopper boy pre-
ferred before him ! The thing was incom-
prehensible.
Through the day, Mr.. Ashcroft made
numerous attempts to enter into conversa-
tion with Argeline, but all to no effect
She avoided him persistently. And this
very avoidance only made him the more
eager to know her better. Surely the wo-
man who had independence enough to turn
away from his admiration, to the society
of bashful, country clown, must have
something original about her, worth cul-
tivating.
After that, they met frequently. Arge-
line was invariably cold-Ashoroft silent,
reserved, though always courteous. He
became the best of friends with Edith.
They had taken to each other from the
very first. He brought her books and
fruits and flowers; took her out walking
and riding, and taught her the barbarous
Russian language, which he had acquired
during ten years residence in that in
hospitable cline.
One day, Argeline was returning from a
walk to Frinton-a village four miles dis
tant. II began to grow dark suddenly, and
she saw the top of dense thunder-cloud
looking over the mountain. She hurried
her steps, the cloud opened, the thunder
reverberated among the hills, and the wind
began TO arouse the forest.
Ashcroft was the nearest house, but she
would not seek shelter there-not if she
were drenched. A quick rumble of wheels
behind her crossed the bridge over the
brook, and in moment halted at her side.
Mr.. Ashcroft stepped from the chaise.
at is going to rain, Miss Vernon--let
me assist you in -
She would have resisted, but he did moi
stop for her remoustrances. He was seated
beside her, and urging on his horse be.
fore she got breath TO speak. The rain
began to fall heayily-he turned into the
avenue heading TO the hall-she touched his
arm. h frt ntnI
81 win get out here, il you please. I do
not wish togo in"
He pointed to huge ash tree little in
front of them, that fierce thunder-bolt
had riveh from top to root.
81 am sorry to force my hospitality upon
YOU, but there is no other way. You must
como IN" -l -n IN