Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1877-12-12

twenty,one-full and undisputed pos
session of one hundred thousand dol
lars.
1t was arranged that we were all to
come to the Hermitage to live. We
did so, and had lived their quietly, as
was becoming, for nearly year, when
Patricia made the acquaintance Of MI.
Gage Redmond.
He was well-connec,ed, but poor as
church mouse, people said $50 of
course he was after Patrlcia's fortune
mamma declared.
"Patricia IS rich and beautiful. Pray
don't let her marry a fortune-hunter,
mamma said |, looking up from a
letter was writing to Mr.. Sherring,
ton.
81 would not, if could help it ; but
what authority have I, Gertrude 2"
said my mother. SIN few months
Patricia will be in undivided posses
sion OF her fortune. We are here on
ly by courtesy. The Hermitage is
her home. have no right to control
her whatever"
"What can't be accomplished open
ly must be done by stratagem, man.
ma. 1t is probable this Gage Red
mond is after Patricia's money. She
is a great prize matrimonially. Well,
you say l am prettler than Patty.
Suppose play decoy 2"
"What 2" cried mamma.
"Mr. Redmond is dark and reserv.
ed. ! am fair and volatile. Don't
you think he would appreciate my
style Of beauty if ! took little pains
to make him do SO 2"
But Mr.. SberriDgton y
81 will tell him. He Will not ob.
ject.''
81 think he WILL
"Oh, no! He will be interested in
the good of the family. He comes
to-day"
The next train brought Mr.. Clyde
Sherripgton.
'How delightful that the spring is
at han2," he said "lhe sunshine
growing warm, and the grass spring
ing! l passed bit OF wood coming
up from the station that is full of ar
butus. We will have some delight
ful walks, Gerty, | am very tired of
city life"
eyes, Clyde, dear but you see l
have been obliged to make little
plan which will interfere somewhat
with this arrangement" replied
quickly. "In fact, for the family good,
you know, want to lend you to Pa
trlcia ?"
"Lend me to Patricia 2"
Eyes; while lure away most in
telliglble suitor she has. Mamma, and
l conclude that it Is the only way" l
added. "Patlicia has a fortune of one
hundred thousand dollars, you know"
eyes"
"Well, we think this Mr. Gage Red
mond is after her money. He is only
a briehess lawyer. We can't afford
to let Patty make such match as
that, and so am gong to try and tlirt
little while4 with Mr.. Redmond.
Now, you won't be bear and say no,
will you dear ? And you'll try to help
us by devoting yourself bit to Patri-
cia, won't you 7"
l sent Patricia off in the morning to
find arbutus with Mr.. Sherriugton,
while | waited to receive Mr.. Red
mond.
When he came, was in the garden
and had ordered lunch an hour earlier
than usual. My pale blue silk looked
beautiful on the lawn grass.
"Pray come and see my tulips, Mr..
Redmond" | called, as he walked up
the avenue.
He came, pleased enough, and as
he was especially fond of flowers !
had no difficulty in OBTAINING mm
more than half au hour.
Then, seeing him looking at his
watch, l observed:
"We won't wait lunch for Patricia,
for Mr.. Sherrington is with her. They
have gone roaming off after spring
flowers, and may not be back this
three hours. Come in and have bit
of salad, with a cup of chocolate, Mr..
Redmond. made the chocolate my
self, and can recommend it.
So l kept him for another half hour,
and he left. nleased with his visit.