The Newtown bee., 1877-11-15


 the least modern. We had each maid and the free use of the horse and car riage After making this provision for our comfort, Aunt Betty excused herself from making company of us, and we were free as air to enjoy ourselves as we chose, provided we did not interfere with her maps. We chose to make n great many pleasant acquaintances, guid' cd conscientiOusly by Aunt Bettys wish es, and the result was, that returned to Lowbridge in the Summer, engaged to Mir. Clyde Sherrington. He was wealthy, handsome, agreeable, we'll connected. Everybody said, Gertrude has done well for herself.'
 That autumn Aunt Betty died. Pa tricia was to come into possession of her fortune in year, at the age of twenty one-full and undisputed possession of $100, ,O00
 It was arranged that we were all to come to the Hermitage to live. We did so, and had lived there quietly, as was becoming, for nearly year, when Pa tricia made the acquaintance of Mr' Gage Redmond.
 She met him at a funeral--Of all places the occasion caused by the death of our next neighbUr, General De Lacy, Gage Redmond being neighbor of his. He was well connected, but poor as a church mouse, people said i; " so, of course, he was af;er Patrcia'S s fortune," mamma declared
 " Patricia is rich and beautiful. Pray don't let her marry a fortune-hunter, mamma said I, looking up from letter was writing to Ml. Sherrington.
 II would not, if l could help it but what authority have l, Gvrtrude? r said my mother. "In few months Patricia will be in undivided possession of her fortune. We are here only by courtesy. The Hermitage is her home. l have no right to control her whatever.
 But your influence, mamma ?'
 Will have very little effect if she sets her heart on this Gage Raymond. Pray, stop staring vacantly out of the window, Gertrude, and attend to what l say. 1 want assistance in this matter"
 "Please excuse me. am thinking of my own affairs just now, mamma. They may be of no consequence to you, but my letter is of some importance to me"
 did not mean to be saucy, only pet tish ; and mamma, having had long eX- perience with four heudstrong girls, bore with me quite patiently.
 We'll finish your letter, Gertrude, and then advise with me
 But my train of thought was broken, ', and after few moments put the sheet in my writing desk.
 What cant be- accomplished openly must be done by stratagem, mamma. It is probable this Gage Redmond is after Patricia's money. She is a great prize, matrimonially. Well, you say that am prettier than Patty. Suppose l play de- coy"
 What ?' cried mamma.
 "Mr. Redmond is dark and reserved I am far and volatile. Don't you think he would appreciate my style of beauty if took little pains to make him do so?
 But MT. Sherrngton ?"
 q will tell him. He will not object. '
 think he will"
 "Oh, no he will be interested in the good of the family. He comes next week. Fortunately, Patty is sick with a cold, and Mr. Redmond can see but little of her until then"
 Quite pleased with my scheme, l ran up stairs to give Patricia her cough drops sitting down at the window of her room, and lowing cordially to Mir. Redmond, whom could see writing in his uncle's study, in the great mansion across tho way. The larches hid all the house but that one window. He was there d good deal, and 1 reflected that Patty's blue silk curtains were more becoming to my style of beauty than hers. "I'll bring my embroidery up and sit with you, Patty" said.
 Do" she said. I'm tired of watch ing the eyergreens Swaying about against that gray Spring sky"
 So filled my lap with rose-colored worsted, and framed myself in the blue window drapery for MT. Redmond's ben eft. Just the colOrs to set off the snow and pink of my complexion. I had the satisfaction of meeting his eyes more than once when l glanced over the way.
 Seems to me you've wonderfully good spirits. Cert" remarked Patricia, languidly.
 The DeLacy dinner bell rang and Mir. Redmond disappeared.
 Well, must take them in another di- rection now" l said rising. "l can't give any more time to you, sis, for want to finish my blue silk suit before