Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1874-05-23
THE MAJORS LOVE STORY.

The MAJORS LOVE STORI.
Major Marjoribanks was an active,
leanly-built man, rather below the
verage height. He had an eye like a
awk's, beautiful hair and whiskers, and
o other striking feature. His hands
nd feet were small and finely formed,
nd front tooth, which nature had
lken from him, had been exquisitely
Prmed by the hand of art.
Perhaps it was the very difficulty of
be achievement that impelled the daunt-
ss Major to the attack. Diana Har-
Prd had already refused two Baronets,
banker, and four minor deities before
be Majors appearance in the field,
nd still continued to ride across coun-
y with as much enthusiasm as if her
hole life was to be devoted to that oc-
upation. People began to say that
ne would never marry. "The right
han has not spoken" was the general
pinion and the Major, as he gnawed
bis moustaches, resolved with an in
ard oath that he would prove himself
bat man or perish in the attempt.
Not that the Major was wholly devoid
that impractical machine called a
cart. Down in little villa near q
ountry village lived little lady of
wenty, who could have told strange
hles of the Majors sentimentality.
Though the Major congratulated him
blf on being SO safely off with the old
bve, he was far from feeling so COM
brtable with regard. to his prospects
18th the new.
But Miss Harford's heart seemed to
Q impregnable even to this experienced
esieger.
There was one hope-a forlorn hope,
Q confessed to himself-and it was
nth serious though determined spirit
hat the Major resolved on an attack by
Form.
The Major had made up his mind.
Perhaps had the Major known who
was that arrived as a guest to Miss
Iarford on the previous evening, it
hight have disturbed his calculations.
"What have I been doing lately "
hys she, in answer to a question from
er companion.
"What queer girl you are, Di, "
aid her visitor, wistfully. "You never
eemed the same as the other girls at
chool; and you don't seem a bit
ltered. And so you haven't fallen in
pve yet? But I always said you would
ever find man to suit you exactly. F."
"Thats just what I'm wanting, my
cara man. I see plenty of amateur
ockeys and polite letter writer's. What
want is man-one that is not afraid
b be natural, or ashamed to be in
arnest. I really think that our aver
ge dandy, with his cool self-suficiency,
nd his insulting Indifference, the most
Unpleasant production of the age.
here's the Major now"
"Who is that ?"
Major Marjoribanks, my dear the
lory of his regiment, and the idol of
IL the horse dealers, amateur actors.
nd fast young men for circle of twen-
miles. Why, Patty, you are blush
hg !! You don't mean to say that you
now the man p
Il met him-that is-he is friend
my brothers." said the other lady,
With some hesitation.
And you've been foolish enough to
believe all his nonsense, I dare say.
Dome now2"
"Well, he certainly is an extraordi-
larry man" pleaded Patty.
go yes, very. He can ride kicker,
pr write burlesque. But as for heart
why, my dear child, he'd toss you
side, if it suited his purpose, with as
much indifference as I toss that wither-
ID camelia. Now, don't you waste a
hought on him. I don't intend to,
hough the wretched man has been
baking love to me in his quiet way ever
ince he came. I'm afraid every day
he'll propose, and I shall have the
rouble of refusing him without losing
ny temper"
"But I can't help it," said Patty,
aintly.
d" Q yes, you can. You thought you
ouldn't, down in that dull place, with
nothing else to think about, but You'll
be under different treatment here. I
pan assure you. Plenty of exercise and
excitement will soon cure you. I'll tell
lou what as a great treat tomorrow,
Fou shall ride Crusader. Well take a
Iuiet canter along the lanes"
"Oh, but I can't ride strange
orses," said Patty.
i" Oh, you'll soon get acquainted.
Mind, I consider this great favor, and
Fou mustn't hurt my feelings by re-
using. One of my habits will fit you
Iicely, and when you return you'll feel
pirit enough to defy twenty Majors" 2"
You are darling girl" said Patty,
etting up and kissing her.
I'm afraid you're in a minority, my
ear," said Diana. "Most people say
m intensely disagreeable. Good
hight, and don't dream of the Major"
And the pair kissed again, and part
ID for the night.
The next day was one of those mild,
lazy November ones, which break out
nto glimpse of sunshine toward
boon, and then return to their former
lullness. The two girls rode along be-