Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-04-02
seIeeteo storn: S
An Unconventional Girl.

DIR. Reginald Deane sat placidly
slipping his coffee. glancing now and
then at the morning paper beside his
plate. and listening in not very polite
attention 10 the remarks vouchsaied by
his aunt from the opposite side Of the
table
College days. medical lectures. and
clinics were over for him. He had
waudere1 through European hospita 5,
praCti>ei enough to attain requisite
skill and nerve in handling the seal
pei, and learned enough of Natures
philosophy TO refrain from drugging
his patients TO death. lie wished leis.
ure now for study more than he desir-
ed extensive practice. and therefore
he came back TO the homestead. beauti-
fed the neglected grounds, decorated
the long-ciosed-roons built conser-
yatory which should open with wide
doors from his own especial sanctum,
installed Aunt Rachel" as housekeep-
er, and announced himself, by mod
est door-plate, as ready for surgical
calls
AT the house-warming all Ashland
had eagerly assisted, whence it was
well known that the furnishing was
elegant, and many longing wishes TO
reign in the mansion as mistress filed
the heads Of aspiring damsels. But
DIR. Deane, uniformly polite TO every
body, showed no marked preferences,
/ and when invited TO parties managed
either to avoid attending or else TO be
only Aunt Rachel's escort; SO the
signing damsels turned their hopes in
other directions.
All his life DIR. Reginald had dream
ed Of a home that should be ''sweet,'
and he fancied the wife who should sit
opposite TO him at table and iireside !;
but lie hated care and responsibility,
and thought to gain the "home" by
establishing Aunt Rachel where "a
wife would nave perhaps given more
pleasure, to be sure. but she would de-
mand too much time and attention."
he seliishly thought. Six months had
gone very smoothly, yet he was con-
scious that, despite its luxury, his
'hOme" was incomplete.
All this was vaguely passing through
DR.. Reginald's mind while he slipped
his coffee and listened absently TO the
lady opposite.
The Marstons have come home"
her last remark, elected little closer
attention and a definite reply.
''Indeed Well, we must call at
once. Fred is very agreeable fel-
low Mrs. Marston the most perfectly
well-bred woman l ever saw, and Miss
June-the mischief Why, she must
be young lady now. Pm half sorry
for that used to have grand romps
with her"
Aunt Rachel's lips curled; in her
estimate of feminine attractions
''rouiping" had no place, ana the tone
in which the Doctor was answered was
as wintery as the November air out
side.
4 Miss Marston is not in the least
like her mother. ! can hardly con-
ceive how it has been possible, under
such training, for her TO be SO utterly
unconventional as she is %
Have you seen them, then: y asked
the Doctor.
Yes; ! met them yesterday at my
dress makers. and positively Miss
Marston shocked me by her queer
ways. She is so unconventional !'
Indeed y in a quizzical tone, came
from under the brown mustache oppo-
site, while the mouth behind it curled
with a derisive, incredulous smile.
Yes" said Aunt Rachel, unheed-
ing the tone .'she came in to Madame
Foy's. and while she was sitting there
the Madam called one Of her girls
from the work-room. 1t was Mary
Niles, whose mother was June's old
nurse Mrs. Marston was giving di'
reetions about her daughters dress,
but that young lady rnshed toward the
! works girl, flung her arms around her
and actually kissed her before us all