The weekly Shasta courier., 1873-04-12
Marrying an Heiress.


Marrying an Heiress.
Our strict regard for the truth compels
us TO confess, spite of our equal regard for
dignity of the fair sex, that there is very
frequently vast amount of mischief inhe-
rent in the feminine mind. Sophy BrOOkes
was certainly not deficient in this particu-
lar-indeed, we honestly doubt if the Uni
ted States could have produced her equal.
Nothing could exceed her genius for get
ting into scrapes, except, perhaps, her apti-
tude for getting out of them. When she
was still in the nursery, amongst a goOdly
number of brothers and sisters, her peculiar
talent had found means of displaying itself.
II Rover were dressed up in nurses best
cap, a ball thrown through a window, or
walnut-shells fixed on the kittens feet, it
was decided, without the unnecessary for
mality of trial, that Miss Sophy was the
cuIprit but then she had such winning ways
with her, that it was seldom that she met
with any severe punishment. In the school
room it was the same; the torment and yet
the pride of teachers, the wonder and admir-
alton of the scholars, she some way manag-
ed to gather, in the intervals of less desira-
BILE but more genial employment, a greater
amount of knowledge than many who pos
sessed more application.
School-days came to an end at last, but
Sophy's love of fun and mischievous proclivi-
ties remained rampant. Not an iota was laid
aside with Lindley Murray or Mangalls
Questions :" on the contrary, they seemed
rather increased than otherwise. Her great
point Of selfcongratulatiOn being that she
kept people alive, the wonder is that they
contrived to exist under such infections.
According to the usual course of events,
brothers and sisters, in turn, found homes
OF their own, until Sophy and brother
Gerald, her senior by few years-were the
only two remaining in the old house at
home"
Gerald's temper fortunately for himself
being a remarkably even one, he managed
to suit himself to circumstances and find
ing that no power on earth could cure So
ply, he very wisely made up his mind TO
endure any small favors she might please to
bestow upon him.
There is piece of news for you, mon
frere," she observed, one evening, to her
brother, on his return from that vague bust
ness destination, the city. "l've been cool
ing my heels tor the last half hour waiting
for You at the garden gate, for fear any one
else should tell YOU
well, what is it, madcap? Have you
fallen in the fish-pOnd to-day or has that
delightful magpie of yours stole the entire
stock of plate?
Z" l should not take the trouble to come
right down the garden to tell about such
tr,Aaz thnoa far
important Our respected parents have at
length decided that they will accept one of
Sister Julia's numerous invitations, and
spend moth with her in the country
Won't lead you life you'll be entirely
at my mercy now. Fancy me the mistress
of household Gerald, I'll feed you on
pies and tarts for a whole month. Won't
it be fun?"
ITO you it may be. Perhaps, before the
time comes to an end, | might entertain q
different opinion. Pies and tarts all very
well in their way, but more substantial food
might be agreeable now and then, just by
way of change, you know. Now, let me
know the next move in the line of amuse-
msnt."
You don't deserve to be told. Howev-
nave WIlblcu W SIdTt w dlii6, W dSk
her to come ard stay with me whilst moth
ers away"
"Phew!" whistled Gerald. "What do
you want her here for"
Because don't intend to be left alone
in the house all day, with nothing to do
but talk to the magpie and lecture the SER
wants. You'll like her, Gerald, know
and let me whisper, brother mine, she's
very pretty
"Oh, no doubt quite treat, dare say.
Woman's ideas of each others beauty are
proverbial"
Gerald, you are a more obstinate Goth
than thought. As mild punishment, l
hope you'll fall in love with her. She won't
accept you from my recommendation, be
sure of that"
Probably Sophy had been Disguised by
the air of quiet contempt with which her
information respecting the possible appear
ance OF Clara on the scene had been accept
ed. At all events, she did not hazard
similar rebuff, merely stating, in reply to a
question from her brother, that Miss Wal
lis was coming; and this comparative ST.
lence being as uncomfortable to the young
lady as it was uncommon, che found relief
in Struggling her shoulders, and favoring
Gerald with very significant mods behind
his back. which course of proceeding, no
doubt, acted as species of mental safety
valve, and prevented an explosion.
Mr.. and Mrs. Brookes at length took
their departure, en- route for Sister Julia's'
country house, and on the afternoon of the
same day Clara arrived.
The two girls had chatted over the state
of things in general had expressed their
mutual horror" of the new bonnets. and
regret that crinolines were going out"
which last point they were discussing over
their tea, when Gerald made his appearance.
OF course Sophy rose, and formally intro
duced her friend, intensely delighted at dis
covering. as she takes every opportunity OF
informing the curious. that "Gerald was
knocked over at first sight, could do moth
ing but stare; in fact, it was tea rersus
Clara,-yerdict for the defendant, You
KNOW"
Apparently, time, instead of healing the
wound, only made matters worse, and as the
days went by it became evident to Sophy's