Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1874-07-30
AN UNCONVENTIONAL GIRL.

listening in not very polite attention to
the remarks youchsafed 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-
ticed enough TO attain requisite skill and
nerve in handling the scalpel, and
learned enough of Natures philosophy
10 refrain from drugging his patients TO
death. Ho wished leisure now for study
more than he desired extensive practice,
and therefore he came back 10 the home
stead beautifed the neglected grounds,
decorated the long closed rooms, built a
conservatory which should open with
wide doors from his own especial sane
tum, installed Aunt Rachel as house
keeper, and announced himself, by a
modest door plate, as ready for surgical
calls. :,
At the house warming all Ashland had
eagerly assisted, whence 1t was well
known that the furnishing was elegant,
and many longing wishes TO reign In the
mansion az mistress filed the heads or
aspiring damsels. But Dr. Deane, uni
formly polite TO everybody, showed ng
marked preferences, and when Invited to
parties managed either TO avoid ATTENDING
or else 10 be only Aunt Racheps escort;
so the signing damsels turned their hopes
in other directions.
All his life DIR. Reginald had dreamed
of a "bome" that should be sweet"
and he fancied the wife who should sit
opposite To him at table and firesides;
but he hated care and responsibility, and
thought TO gain the "home" by estab.
fishing Aunt Rachel where a wife would
have perhaps given more pleasure, TO be
sure. but she would demand too much
time and attention, he selfishly thought.
Six months had gone very smoothly, yet
he was conscious that, despite its luxury,
his "home" was incomplete.
All this was vaguely passing through
DIR. Reginald's mind while he slipped his
coffee and listcntly absently to the lady
opposite.
"The Marstons have come home" her
last remark, elected a little closer atten-
ton and definite reply.
"Indced Well, we must call ut once.
Fred is very agreeable fellow; Mrs:
Marston the most perfectly well-bred
woman | ever saw, and Miss June-the
mischief Why, she must be young
lady now. I'm half sorry for that;
used To have grand romps with her"
Aunt RachcI's 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 az
the November air outside.
Miss Marston Is not In the least like
her mother can hardly conceive how
il has been possible, under such
training, for her TO be 50 utterly uncon.
ventional AS she Isl"
Have you seen thcm?" asked the
doctor.
Yes; / met them yesterday at my
dress makers, and positively Miss Mars.
ton shocked me by her queer ways. She
Is 80 unconventional"
"Indeedl" In quizzical tone, came
from under the brown mustache oppo-
site, while the mouth behind it curled
with dcrisive, incredulous smile.
"Yes," said Aunt Rachel, unheeding
the tone; "she came In TO Madame Foy's,
and while she was sitting there the
Madame called one of the girls from the
work room. II was Mary Niles, whose
mother was June's old nurse Mrs. Mars
ton was giving directions about her
daughters dress, but that young lady
rushed toward the work.girl, flung her
arms around her and actually kissed her
before US ALI Mrs Marston looked cx.
tremely annoyed, and Madame sent the
girl from the room ut once" Aunt
Rachel waxed warm with indignation,
but all the sympathy she received was
quiet
Pardon mel but fail to see any
dreadful indecorum."
"Why, Reginald No young lady of
any dignity would forget her social
position 80 far as TO do such a thing"
my plants need fumigating, think"
he muttcred; so he wandered among his
treasures for an hour, lifting their deli
cate leaves and blowing among them the
pretty blue rings which are smokers
pet achievement, and thinking thus:
"June! It's a pretty name. | won
der If 1t brings summer sunlight to the
ownerY shall like to see young girl
who doesn't try to be prim. If Miss
June dare assume any stiffness I'll re-
mind her of sundry episodes at Vevey,
before her dresses grew long ! remem-
Der her laugh I'm those days, IL was living
badly foating through this dull old
house now. Pshawf" and the unfinished
cigar was flung away impatiently. I'D
better let well enough alone. Aunt
Rachel does nicely, in spite Of her pros.
ing, and when need other society can
seek It, These flowers are growing beau.
tifully. Wonder Ii they would do better
IL June were always hereY"
But all this was very ridiculous; so the
doctor drew on his gloves, nodded good
by TO Aunt Rachel ut the top of the
staircase, and sauntered down to the
street.
Looking In at the Postofflce, he en-.
countered Fred Marston, exchanged
heartiest greetings, and Frcds house be.
ing 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 ut
"hide tho handkerchief in the long hall.
80 Fred" she began; then, spying his
companion, started, flushed, then beamed
with positive delight, and sprang !mpul-
sively forward.
"Mr. Deanel am very glad to meet
you again; but you see I'm not bit more
proper than used to be-"
Mrs Marston came with her pleasant
recognition, and the friends chatted gayly
OF days that were gone, of days now
present and then commenced plans for
i.~ ax,a..;,. ru into oil af which Mru