Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1875-09-04
Saturday, September 4, 1878.
Written for the Free Press.l
The SCHOOL IA' A'AL.
BY JEAN SANDS.
tConeluded.l
".
The GUEST.
The GUEST.

"And so yon had a pleasant trip Of it down,
Mr. Raymond? Well, | am glad Of It, and
hope your stay here will be equally agreeable,
! Nh Wilde WAS saying to his newly arrived
guest. The gentlemen were seated on the
| front Riazza enjoying fine breezs which bad
fprung mp after sunset.
Padl Raymond only arrived here in the val
ley about two hours since, and after being as
signed a room by his careful host, had renoya-
ted his attire and was now, in company with
Mr. Wilde, awaiting the summons to supper.
"Ah and so you have come TO us at last
said her father as Muriel appeared at the door,
clothed in spotless muslin with blue ribbons,
Muricl" he continued, in a trembling voice,
this is MIR. Raymond, our guest, Mr.. Ray
mond my daughter" Paul bowed low.
L fear. sir, said Muriel, while the sweet
est Of smiles played over pair Of ruby lips,
Z" you find onr country home quite dul aud
quiet compared to Warrenton 2"
" Pardon" replied the gentleman, " not dull.
but quiet of course, and after years work
on a newspaper this quiet is very pleasant, |
assure YOU
Yes" said Mr Wilde, Wild View has
not many charms, but it can boast Of genu-
inc sccluSiveness"
"Well. Papa" suggested Muriel, "supper is
on the table. and after his journey Mr.. Ray
mond must feel like eating something"
So they adjourned to the cool dining room.
And what tempting fare was displayed upon
the snowy board, furnished with the pfettIest
Of china There were two huge bowls Of new
milk; there were the lightest and whitest Of
breads, and golden butter; there were rolls
aud biscuits both made by Muriel. and just
from the oven; there were glasses OF preserves
scattered around the table, each filnked with
a pitcher of richest cream, m,-aud 10, as they
take their seats, Lucy, the old mauma, en-
ters, bearing upen q waiter the smoking tea,
coffee and. Muriel occupies her usu-
al scat at the head Of the board and performs
its duties with calm grace and dignity
Paul is seated at her right.
(Which may give you, Mr. Raymond, tea,
coffee or chocolate" ?" she asks.
"Oh Have you chocolate? Why, that is
my fayorite beverage, Miss Wilde, innocently
replies the guest.
"Yes? Well l am rather fond Of it myself,
but Papa viii never touch it and so, the
first meal which ny hero made at Wilde View
progresses. Paul Raymond is charmed with
the rich country fare set before him and does
it full Justice, to the secret pleasure Of his fair
bostess who. in her largeneSs Of heart, wishes
every one, sharing her fathers hospitality, 10
render themselves entirely at home.
II is midnight; the stars are calmly watch
ing over the sleeping earth; the moon has
we'll nigh finished her task, aud is slowly sink
ing in the horizon; afar of, lordly cock,
mounting some adjacent fence, flaps noisily his
wings, the while he Justify proclaims the ad-
vent Of another day his salutation is taken
up again and again, so that the valley resounds
with the calls Of these shrill trumpeters Of the
morn.
Paul Raymond sits at his room-wiudow,
looking down upon the dimly seen fragrant,
flower paths below lie is thinking Of one
whom he only met few hours since, yet who
has found an easy conquest in his hearts af-
fections. OF a character whose passions were
net easily aroused, Paul, the hero Of this story,
is now fain to acknowledge that in seeking
quiet country retreat, he has, indeed, found
something more, and Of priceless value.
And Muriel -
Y.
DICREssIvE.
~ 49, I'd : rD-,,1 pa,r-,r,f rr4 a fTifFa-