The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1877-03-30
ssPrrRrD BrAx HErREss.


A cosier place than the big sitting
room at Hillcrest would have been
hard to find, il one had Travelled from
Lands End tn John O'Groats; and on
this eventful evening, when the desti.
mics Of two people were about taxing
definite form-two people who had
never seen each other. aud who were
cousins, and who had heard Of each
other ~ much and 20 often that both
we're curiously eager to meet--on this
important evening the sitt;ng.room at
Hillcrcst had never looked plcasnnter
or cosier.
A huge fire of log glowed like
molten carbuncles in the open fire
place; on the table in the center Of
the floor, whose cover matched the
glowing crimson of the carpet, wass
,ilver stand that held dozen snowy
wax tapers, whose beaming light con-
trusted exquisitely with the ruddy
glow Of the fire.
And beside the table, in big,
cushioned chair. with his feet thrust
toward the genial warmth on the
hearth. his gay dressing-gown sitting
comfortably on his porily form, bis
eold.rimmed glasses on his nose. sat
the owner and master Of Hillcrest,
Mr.. Abiah Cressington, rich, good.
natured, and fond oc his own way.
Opposite him was the mistress OF
the place--little, shrewd.faced, sharp
nosed. merry aunt Cornelia, his sister,
who, since her widowhood. had c,me
TO Hillcrest TO make her bachelor
brother. home as pleasant as she
could.
That she had succeeded was very
evident by the way now in which he
looked up from letter he had been
reading--the confidential, kindly way
in which he did it.
"Walter writes curious letter in
response to my invitation to come and
spend q few weeks at Hillcrest, as
soon as he gets over his fatigue from
his ocean voyage home from his five
years tour abroad. I'll read it to
you"
He leaned near the softly glowing
lights. and began the short concise re-
ply Walter Austin had written from
his chambers in the Temple.
"You are very kind, indeed, uncle
Abiah, to ask me down to Hillcrest
for as long as wish to stay, and ] can
assure you I have been so long a wan,
derer that the idea of home is very
pleasant to me. But when ! take into
consideration the peculiar importance
you propose attaching to my visit, i
am unwilling to accept the invitation.
To me, the idea Of having my fancies
and inclinations put into harness; and
to feel that am on continual duty to
win my way into the good graces of
my second cousin, Mabel, whom you
are good enough to want me to mar
ry-"
Mrs. Cornelia interrupted sharply
"Abiah, you never surely went and
told our granddaughter that you had
in view his marriage with Mabel?'
Her tone was energetic, almost rep
rehensive.
"Why not' certainly did. l told
him in my letter that it was chance
for him he'd never get again, and that
he needn't feel under such terrible oh
legations to take fancy To Pills lit
tie Mabel, but to come down and be
cousinly, and if any thing should hap
pen, it'd be all right all round
Mrs. Cornelia knitted vigorously,
her lavender cap ribbons quivering in
the mellow taper glow.
"All l have to say is you're--a fool
Abish! Walter is right. A young
man doesn't like to have his fancies
and partialiiies under rein and whip,
and the very fact that VIC want him to
marry Mabel will make him indispos-
ell to do it. You've made great
mistake in the very beginning"
Mr.. Cressington looked aghast at
his sisters determined face.
"Why, ! really didn't suppose
"Of course you Didn't. It's only
your natural stupidity, you dear old
fellow. Men are like. Don't know
them like book? And you've ruin
ell your hopes for NJ 'bel and Walter
at the very outset"
Mr.. Cressington stated discomfit-
edly.
"Iam sure meant il right enough,
Cornelia. I certainly wanted Walter
TO know what a little darling our Ma.
bel ia
Very commendable, indeed; only
IL you had consulted me about the let
ter you sent, / should have advised
you to say nothing about Mabel, or
her charms, or her expectations. i
should have asked him simply to come
and see US, and have left the rest to
Mabers bule eyes. You see, Abiah?'
His linz oon,nrassai slnwly