The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-05-04

l
ing beard, and the bright, dark eyes. He
was not prosy and silent man. Impulse
was strong within. When he felt strongly
he spoke strongly, although not recklessly
but under ordinary circumstances had the
cool selEpossession Of a man Of the world.
They soon entered into lively converse
tion, which continued until tea was an
nounced when Clarence offered his arm to
Maud and followed brother and Birdie to
the dining room.
Maud thought she had never seen any
one so entertaining, or so eXquisitely poi
ished in manner. Birdie seemed to be I'M
conscious of the presence of any one, but
her brother George, who was relating some
college tales for her especial benefit. But
she would, now and then, steal glance at
thier visitor, who was opposite her. Why
did it give her so much pleasure to gaze at
the stranger, and why did her heart keep
up such fluttering when he addressed
herr Poor little Birdie was already fasci-
mated, and before she retired for the night
| she was as deeply in love as she would
wish to be.
Stately Maud vowed a.vow in her heart
that this man should be at her feet before
he left the manor; and with the evening
she began her game, one she had played
successfully many times before. Breaking
hearts, with Maud Elway, was like break
ing so many sticks. The evening drew to
Il close, and at a late hour the family sepa-
rated for the night. Maud found herself
restless she tried in vain to sleep, but the
handsome face of Clarence Raymond was
ever before her eyes. "To think that I,
Maud Elway, should be deprived of a mo-
ment's rest by pair of eyes Why its re-
diculous. Before he is here many days |
shall make him feel the power Of another
pair of eyes, which have never yet failed
me-" These were her thoughts as she lay on
her pillow, watching the stars from the
easement.
The time, for the next two weeks, was
one ceaseless round of gaiety. Balls, skat-
ing and sleighing parties, and various
other kinds Of amusement. Sometimes
Clarence was the escort of Birdie, but more
frequently we see him at the side of Maud,
her partner in the round dance, and her
attendant on all occasions. Maud is conf
dent she has almost won the game, when
she listens to the soft nothings he whis-
pers in her ear, and thinks IL few more days,
at least, will give her the privilege to ac-
cept or refuse Mr.. Clarence Raymond But
all this time is her heart safely guarded
All we fear not. She had forgotten she
was capable of loving, till she was fully
awakened to the sense of it one night when
she brought her heart to the test, and found
she loved this man with deep, earnest
love she had never felt before. 1t would
now be the browning joy of her life to
know she was loved in return. But our
hero had been lorewarned, and consequent
ly was foreurmed, for the coquetry lie ex-
pected to meet with in the form of Miss
Elway. A nature us noble as his could
scarcely respect woman who could thus
trfe with the affections. He admitted she
was beautiful, but what is beauty without
a heart?
The last evening Of their stay had termi-
mated in grand hop, held at Major Pent-
lands, few miles distant from the manor.
They returned tired and sleepy, and con-
sequcntly did not tarry long in the par
lor before they babe each other good night.
When they had all left the room Clarence
sat down in front of the fire to muse awhile
over the two weeks he had spent so pleas
antly and the new friends he had made.
He sat thus but few moments, when the
door opened and some one softly entered
the room. Turning around he saw Birdie
about leaving the room. Thinking all had
retired, she had returned for some of her
wrapping she had lett there. Clarence de.
tanned her in leaving by closing the door.
"Come, Birdie" he said, won't YOU
talk to me little while? | have had
such pleasant stay here, l AIN feeling
sad about leaving tomorrow, and then per-
haps I'll never see you again"
Little Brides heart beat and throbbed
in her bosom when the thought occurred to
her that lie was really going so soon.
"Well, Mr.. Raymond" she tried to say
composedly, "what shall l talk to you
about? l am not a very good hand at
comforter, and not much Of "A one to
talk"
"Birdie, if you will listen, have some.
thing to say to you. Will you believe me,
when l say l love you9 Yes, my little
Birdie, l love you more than do my own
life. Your sweet, gentle ways, and your
much sweeter face and smiles, have com
pletely won my heart. Can you love me,
and will you be my wife,
Birdie sat in her chair and trembled from
head to foot. She neither spoke nor moved
till Clarence came and took her hands in
his and said:
docs not little Birdie love me any ?"
She burst into tears, for she was too
happy to speak; but between her sobs,
Clarence heard the words: 81 love YOU"
The twain, made happy by mutual vows
of love and confidence, sat and talked till
the clock struck three when Birdie started
up and walked to the door, when Clarence
again prevented her from leaving.
"Birdie, are you going without ever
once kissing me good night9 Come now,
my pet Birdie, won't stand any such
treatment" With this he took her in his
arms and covered her with kisses GOOD
night, my little Birdie WIFE"
When released, Birdie flew up stairs, and
entering her room, fastened the door and
began TO make preparations for the night
Thinking her sister asleep, she walked
softly about the room, and in her happi-
ness and excitement did not know whether
she was undressing or not. Maud had not
once closed her eyes to sleep, and she lay
there watching Birdie, and seeing the
emile on her lips and brightness in her
eyes she had never noticed there before,
she began to think what had happened
during the evening to please little Birdie
so much. She was startled from her reve-
ries by Maud asking:
Birdie what is it that makes you smile
so sweetly9"
ooh Maud she said, =" am so very
happy to-night-more SO than have ever
been before. Clarence loves me, and to-
night he asked me to be his wife"
clarence asked you to be his wife !"
Yes, sister Maud, you do not object to
him, do you9" said Birdie, noticing the
look of painful surprise in her sisters face.
ooh no; do not object, but was only
little surprised to hear of it. Thought
but don't talk any more tonight Birdie,
| I'm too sleepy to listen to YOU"