The Van Buren press., 1874-01-06
MISCELLANY.
CAUGHT IN HIS OWN TRAP.

as the June sunshine was dropping down
the west in q flood Of golden glory, and
the air was fragrant with the perfume OF
new mown hay, and dewy with approach
ing twilight
"Well, this is rather purer than Lon
don air" said Lcnnox, drawing y deep
breath Of delight, as he hastened up the
green lane to the wide, old-fashioned
arm.house, carrying his valise in his
hand. 81 wonder il Mamie got my note
and is looking for me. Hallo!'
This last exclamation was drawn from
Mr.. Rays lips by big ripe cherry which,
descending from above somewhere, came
into sudden contact Nth his nose. lie
looked up, and there perched like great
bird upon the bough Of huge cherry
tree, and looking down at him, with
dancing eyes and brilliant cheeks, was
young girl, pretty and wiltul enough to
set man crazy.
How-do, Lennox? Come up and
have some cherries" was her mischiev
Gus greeting, with saucy dimples playing
about her crimson lips.
"Nannie! Is it possible p exclaimed
LennoX, sternly.
What! that the cherries are ripe i!
Yes, and splendid. too! Have ssme 2
returned the nymph, coolly holding out
a great ruby cluster.
Mamie, will you come down from
there p said Mr.. Ray, not seeming to no
tce the cherries.
Yes, to be sure, now you've come,
and have had all the cherries wanted. y
And while Mr. Ray looked on in stern
disapproval, the young witch swung her
self lightly down from her perch, and lit
on the grass at bis feet
Now don't look so serious, Lennox.
dear" she said. slipping her little hands
into his with a coaXing motion. know
it is tom boyish to climb the cherry tree,
but, then, it is such fun.
"Nannie, you should have been a
boy, said Lennox.
Il wish had Then wouldn't have
everybody scolding me il happened to
move No, don't either; for then you
wouldn't have fallen in love with me
What made you, any way, dear p she
said with fond glance aud caressing
movement.
because you are q sweet darling,
answered Mr.. Ray, melted in spite Of
himself but / do wish, Mamie, you
would leave Off these hoydcnish ways and
be more dignilled.
Like Miss Ishamf asked Mamie.
Miss lsham is very superior wo
man and it would not hurt you to copy
her IN some respects. y, said Lennox,
coldly.
The tears sprang into Nannie's eyes at
his tone she loossned her arm from his,
and dropping down on the emerald grass
at bis foct, began to braid bracelet Of
the long blades, in silence, with grieved
expression around her sweet mouth
which he did not see.
There, cried Lennox, pettishly
I" Now you look more like five year { Id
baby than a well,bred young lady"
Mamie threw away her bracelet, and
got up again. 4" didn't mean to vex
you Shall we go in p she said, gladly
They went into the parlor and Mr.
Ray took seat in great arm chair
while Mamie flung open the window and
dropped down on her knees beside it, let
ting her glossy curls fall in great show
er on the window sill.
Now don't do that" exclaimed Mr.
Ray, drawing u chair near his owa Come
here, aud sit down like a rational being"
Mamie gave rueful glance at the stiff
backed chair, but giving her curls a toss
backward, obedicntly went and sat down.
! wish you would put up those nyaway
curls and dress your hair as other young
laiie; do" said Mr Ray And see
here, Mamie. | want to have a talk with
you. You know love you, but in truth
my dear, my wife must have something
Of the elegance Of refined society. Your
manners need polish, my dear. :"
Mamie reddened, and her scarlet lip
curled little but she said no hing
A few weeks in fashionable circles
will be great benefit to you, and wish
you to have the opportunity In short,
dear, | came down to tell you that my
sister Laura is making up party to Wis.
it some noted watering place this sum.
mer. and she wishes you to be one Of the
And wish you to accept the
invitation, Mamie
Are you going?' asked Mamie
mo; my practice will not allow it
But shall see you several times You
will go?"
"Oh, Lennox, don't make me-" sob
bed Mamie, hiding her face on his shoul.
der, as u vision OF his stylish and haush.
ty sister rose before her.
Il don t want to 60! hate fashiona.
BILE society | don't want to be polished !
Id rather stay here in the country and
not wear any bonnet, and climb cherry
trees every day.
Mamie. i am surprised at this dis.
play of ch,ldishness. must insist upon
more self control. said he, coldly.
"But don't send me away! Don't,
Lennox' she pleaded.
i must" he returned, but more gent
ly, softened little by her agitated eager,
ness. :" 1t is for your good, Mamie, and
you must consent to GO. viii you?"
The supper bell rang at that instant.
and, anxious to escape before the rest Of
the family came in and saw her tears,
Mamie hastily answered, Yes " let me
go, Lennox" and ran out Of the room
and up stairs TO her own chamber.
They were at supper before she came
down again, with smoothed surls and no