The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1875-03-20
THE MIDSUMMER MASK.

1T was none of Jack Cheseldcn fault iha
he went 10 sea once too often, and SO circum
vented pair of schemers, or more. lie was
one of those gay gallant good iornothings
folks said, whom the ladies dotted upon, and
whom nobody could find it In his heart to
blame seriously when his handsome face was
present, but one who would never come to
anything better than marrying fortune
Unstable as water, taking up law at one mo-
ment to lay it down in favor OF physlc the
next, who had flung chemistry aside TO dab
BILE in oils and water.colors, and had tried
slmost every thing but theology. One day
he took it into his head to try the ocean, but
after the first tough voyage his enthusiasm
had died natural death; but Grandfather
Chescnden simply put his foot down--albcii
II equity one-ds folks thought he ought to
have done earlier, and insisted that Jack
should stand by his last choice OF prOits
sion.
Il won't leave you red cent, not red
cent, sir, unless YOU put your own shoulder
10 the wheel, he assured his grandson,
In other words said Jack lightly, as was
his won't unless III paddle my own canoe
But I'm gong to marry n fortune, you know,
Struggling his fine shoulders,
And prey on her Golfers? A pretty how
dOyc-do for Cheseldenl
Now Grandfather Chcselden had nobody
lJut himself TO thank for this affair Of Jacks
with Emily Belgrava He had done all in
his power to bring 1t about he had COnde
seconded to lend himself to the wiles OF match
making. Jack had been as indolent and 10
different lover as ever the sun shone on
Heaven mountaineering in love, through his
grandfather as in everything else; but he had
talked to Jack roundly; his great-aunt had
demonstrated that his honor was concerned
that he had hirted with Miss Belgravia till
Irritation was no longer virtue; the family
had courted and flattered him; Emily her
self seemed nothing lOath and the poor fcl
low had been absolutely worried into an en-
gagement but rcvenged himself by wearing
his chains loosely enough. The Cheseldcn,
were a family who had come in with the
food so 10 speak, while the Belgravias of 4
few generations back had cobbled shoes e
such purpose that their Golfers were now over
flowing while the Chescnden's financia
credit was on the decline The Chcsclden
wanted money; the Belgravias hankereC
after family. They played into each other
HANDS, and Jack was the tool, who simply
wanted to BE- let alone. As for Emily-well
she shared the family ambition, doubtless
and II she was in love with Iack-and mnC
/ haven't committed her--shc was not tn,
first girl who loved him without a cause. -
the affair was.arrangcd. Emilia was beau
" in hei way-not the way Jack would hav,
chosen, perhaps, but he liked well enough t.
dance with her, 10 hold her fan; how better
could sailor spend his holiday than it tirt
ingg what more natural: But he felt sort
OF hateful pride, be il said when stranger,
turned 10 look after her leaning on hi,
arm. Then the Belgravias' was pleasant
home IN which 10 vile away ones time, since
nothing more fascinating offered-sncc grand
father Chesendeu's govt had made him testy
and his failing fortunes had made hun stingy
Perhaps lie would have been more eager {,
uyei his chains and would have loved then
better had il not happened that the 4folu
had brought home passenger on her las
voyage-the voyage that Jack had wished L
escape, that Grandfather Cheselden had insis
I'D upon his taking The passenger was
pale girl, with none Of Emilia's vivid colors
shining sdmidst 40 pomp Of circumstanc'
Ike Emilia; q girt who was coming home Il
al, govcfness' place in America, and witt
frll III on the trip and called Jacks smather