Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1874-03-07
Saturday, March 7, 1874.
Polished and Vanished.


the June sunshine was dropping down the
west in a food Of golden glory, and tho air was
fragrant with the perfume Of new mown hay,
and dewy with the approaching twilight
Well, this is rather purer than London air,
sighed Lennox, drawing deep breath of de-
light as he FASTENED up the green lane to the
wide. old-fashioned farmhouse, carrying his
yalise in his hand. 1 wonder if Mary got my
note and is looking ior me Halo
Tho last exclamation was drawn from Mr.
Rays lips by big ripe cherry, which descend
Jog from above him, came into sudden contact
with his nose. He looked up, aud there,
perched like a great bird upon the bough Of a
cherry tree, and looking down at him with
dancing eyes and brilliant checks was young
girl, pretty and wilful cuough 70 set a man
crazy.
How DO, LennoX? Come up and have some
cherries was the greeting with saucy dim
pies playing about her ripe lips.
Mary, is it possible? exclaimed Lennox,
serenely.
What. that the cherries are ripe Yes,
and splendid. too Have some? q returned the
nympb. coolly holding out great ruby clus-
ter.
Mary will you come down from there q
said Mr. Ray, not seeming to notice the cher
ries.
Yes, to be sure, now you've come, and
have had all the cherries ! wanted
And while Mr.. Ray looked on in stern dis
approval the young witch swung herself light
~ down from her perch aud lit on The grass at
his feet.
Now don't look so serious, Lennox, dear,
she said. slipping her little hands into MS with
coaxiog motion. 4 know its tomboyish {,
climb the cherry trees, but then its such fun.
Mary, you should have been a boy, sal,
Lennox.
4 wish had. Then I wouldn't have every
body scolling me if happened to move. NJ
dou't either for then you wouldn't have fal
len in love with me. What made YOU any
way. NY dear?' she said with fond glauc
and caressiug movement.
( because you are a sweet darling answered
Mr.. Ray, melted in spite Of himself. But
do wish, Mary, you would leave of those boy
/ ish ways and be more diguiied.
/ Like Miss Ishman o said Mary.
Miss Ishman is very superior woman, an
it would not hurt you TO copy her 10 some re
spects, said LennoX, coldly.
The tears sprang into Mary's eyes at hi
tone: she loosened her arms from his, and
dropping down on The emerald grass at hi
feet. began to braida bracelet Of the long blade
in silence, with a grieved expression aroun
/ her sweet mouth which he did not see.
There cried Leunox, pettishly. Now yo
look more like fve-y -year-old baby than a well
bred young lady
Mary threw away her bracelet aad got u
again.
Il didn't mean to vex you. Shall we 90 in
she said, sadly. They went into the parloI
and Mr.. Ray took scat in the great armchair
while Mary flung open the window and drop
ped down on her knees beside it, letting he
glossy curls fall in q great shower on the win
dow sill
Now, don't do that, exclaimed Mr Ray
drawing chair near his own. Come here au'
sit down like a rational being.
I wish you would put up those dy-awal
curls. said Mr. Ray. And see here, Mary
want 70 have a talk with you. You know
love You, but in truth, my dear, my wife mus
have SONS Of the elegance Of refined society
Your manners need polish, my dear.
Mary REDEEMED aud her scarlet lips curIed
little. but she said nothing.
"A few weeks in fashionable circles viii be
great benefit 70 you, and wish you TO hav'
the opportunity. n short, dear, came dowr
10 tell YOU that my sister is making up par
ty to visit some watering place this summer
and I wish you TO accept the ainvit ltioD, Mary.
Are you going? said Mary.
No: my practice will not allow H. But
shall see YOU several times. You viii 60.
'Ob. Lennox, don't make m" " sobbed Ma
~. hiding her face on bis shoulder as visioT
Of bis stylish aud naughty sister rose before
her i don't want 70 90. hate fashionable
society. don't want to be polished. I'd "a
ther stay here in the country, and not veal
any bonnet, and climb cherry-tress every day.
Mary, | am surprised az Ibis display o
cbildishuess. must insist upon more self
control, be said coolly.
But don't send me away don't Lennox.
Tmustr he returned more gently, softenec
little by her agiiated eargsrness. 1t Is fcr
your good, and You must consent 10 60. Wi.
you?
The supper-bel rang at that instant and
% escape before the rest Of the family came il
and saw her 10 tears, Mary hastily answered
Yes. let me 60, Lennox, and ran out Of ID:
room and up stairs to her own chamber.
They were at supper before she came dowr
again. with smooth curls and no trace Of tears
but with bright light in her brown eyes and
a firm look on her pretty face. and as she weu'
through the hall ont to the viue-shaded porct
where the tea-table was she murnured:
YES. I'll 20. And TIL teach you one lesson
Sir. Lennox Ray; see If don't
It was Lennox Rays intention 70 join hit
sisters party in July, but bis law business pre-