Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-07-16

AN UNCONVENTIONAL GIRL.

Dr. Reginald Deane sat placidly slipping
his coffee, glancing now and then at the
morning paper beside his plate, and lis
tening in not very polite attention to the
remarks vouchsafed by his aunt from the
opposite side of the table.
College days, medical lectures, and
clinics were over for him. He had wan
dered through European hospitals, prac-
tised enough to attain requisite skill and
nerve in handling the scalpel, and learned
enough of Natures philosophy to refrain
from drugging his patients to death. He
wished leisure now for study more than
he desired extensive practice, and there
fore he came back to the old homestead,
beautified the neglected grounds, decora-
ted the longclosed rooms, built conser-
vatory which should open with wide doors
from his own especial sanctum, installed
"Aunt Rachel" as housekeeper, and an
nounced himself, by modest 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 filled the heads of
aspiring damsels. But DR.. Deane uni
formly polite to everybody, showed no
marked preferences. and when invited to
parties managed either to avoid attending
or else to be only Aunt Rachels escort;
SO the signing damsels turned their hopes
in other directions.
All his lite DIR. Reginald had dreamed
of "home" that should be "sweet' and
he fancied the wife who should sit oppo-
site to him at table and fireside; but he
hated care and responsibility, and thought
10 gain the "home" by establishing Aunt
Rachel where wife would have perhaps
given more pleasure, to be sure, but she
would demand too much time and atten-
ton, he selfishly 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 atten-
ton and definite reply
Indeed! Well. we must call at once,
Fred is a very agreeable fellow; Mrs.
Marston the most perfectly well-bred
woman | ever saw, and Miss June-the
mischief! Why, she must be a young Ia
dy. I'm half sorry for that; | used to
have great romps with her."
Aunt Rachels lip curled; in her esti
mate of feminine attractions "romping,"
had no place, and the tone in which the
Doctor was answered was as wintry as
the November air outside.
''Miss Marston is not in the least like
her mother. l can hardly conceive how
. hn, hoo, r.sI L. ,nl k,os,
for her to be so utterly unconventional as
she is ~
''Have you seen them ?" asked the Doc
tor.
"Yes; met them yesterday at my
dressmaker's, and positively Miss Mars
ton shocked me by her queer ways. She
is so unconventional
''Indeed - in quizzical tone, came
from under the brown moustache opposite
while the mouth behind it curled with a
dersive, incredulous smile.
"Yes," said Aunt Rachel unheeding the
tone; "she came in to Madame Foy's,
and while she was sitting there The Mad
anne called one of the girls from the work
room. 1t was Mary Niles, whose mother
was June's old nurse Mrs. Marston was
giving directions about her daughters
dress, but that young lady rushed toward
the work girl, flung her arms round her.
and actually kissed her before us all
Mrs. Marston looked extremely annoyed,
and Madame sent the girl from the room
at once" Aunt Rachel waxed warm with
indignation, but all the sympathy she re-
ceived was quiet
Pardon me but fail to see any dread
full indecorum."
No 1alx
any dignity would fail to forget her social
position so far as to do such q thing.n
"My plants need fumigating, l think"
treasures for an hour, lifting their delicate
leaves and blowing among them the pref
ty blue rings which are smokers pet
achievement, and thinking thus:
"June! It's prerty name. l wonder
if it brings summer sunlight to the owner?
shall like to see young girl who does
not try to be prim. If Miss June dare as
sumo any stiffness I'll remind her of sun
dry episodes at Vevay. before her dresses
grew long; remember her laugh in those
days; it was living music, and-really--
it wouldn't sound badly floating through
this dull old house now. Pshaw - and
the unfinished cigar wss flung away i'm
alone. Aunt Rachel does nicely in spite
of her pressing, and when need other So
ciety l can seek it. These flowers are
growing beautifully. Wonder if they
would do better if June were always
here ?"
But all this was very ridiculous; so the
Doctor drew on his gloves. nodded good
bye to Aunt Rachel at the top Of the stair
case, and sauntered down the street.
Looking in at the post office, he encoun-
tered Fred Marston, exchanged heartiest
greetings, and Fred's house being nearest
the two friends went thither. Opening
the hall door. a long, ripping merry laugh
was their first welcome; for June herself
was having grand frolic with two little
ones. who were busy at ''hide the hand
kerchief'' in the long hall.
''Oh. Fred she began; then, spying
his companion. started, flushed. then
beamed with positive delight, and sprang
impulsively forward.
"Mr. Deane am very glad to meet
you again; but you see Pm not bit more