The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-05-04
I'M / 8 G g IIaae O us.
For Tile ZEgiS d HteNigencer.
Caught in Her Own Trap.
BY EILEEN.

Not many miles from one of our large
Southern cities there. lived wealthy and
distinguished planter by the name of Elway.
His plantation, stretching for miles in every
direction, had been the pride of the
Elways for many generations back, and
the present lord and master took as much
delight in the broad acres as did his great
grandfather years and years ago. Every
one around the country knew well the
merits Of the old manor house, and knew,
too, it had always been an abode of wealth
and refinement. Although it had been
standing there well on to century, it still
had its grand, quaint and stately appear
ance, and is as much the mansion of the
country as when first erected. Viewing it
from a distance, the more foolish ones might
suppose it the hiding place of ghosts and
bobgoblins; but once enter within the
massive wall that surrounds the old build
ing, and this idea vanishes as does the dew
in the morning sun. The avenue leading to
the house is bordered on either side by
choice shrubbery, though now covered
with snow and ice, we can form remote
idea of its beauty in the summer season.
Grand old trees, planted perhaps hundred
years ago, are stretching their arms in every
direction.
But we must not pause to take in all the
beauty of this place. 1t will make our
story too lengthy. On the inside of Elway
manor house are to he seen marks of wealth,
comfort and refinement, and as it is near.
ing the Christmas holidays, you see every
where festooDs of evergreeDs and flowers.
The breakfast bell summoned the family
tNp Nd .
can take general survey of each individ-
ual. Mr.. Elway, fine-looking old gentle
man, with pleasant, yet sometimes stern
face, seats himself at the head of the table.
In his wife, opposite him, we find one of
the sweetest faces possible to look upon
so much gentleness and kindness beaming
from the kindly eyes Her hair, which is
perfectly white, is combed back from her
forehead in smooth braids, and caught in
Il comb behind. In her younger days she
had been beautiful woman. Her two
daughters, both grown, are seated on each
side of her. Maud, the elder sister, is Il
beautiful girl, the acknowledged belle of
the manor, and her intelligence said to be
as much above the ordinary standard as
her beauty. A little above the medium
height, but graceful in every movement,
she has bearing suited queen. She has a
determined look on her face, and we can
see she has some will of her own but this
only seems to add another attraction.
Little Birdie, our pet has inherited all
her mothers gentlencss of tone and man
ner, her features, and the same sweet ex-
preston. She has Just finished reading a
letter from the absent brother, who is now
away at college. AS she folds it up, her
pretty blue eyes twinkle, and her cheeks
glow with excitement.
"Sister Maud" she says, "what do you
think9 Brother is going to bring one of
his colege-mates home with him to
spend the holidays-says he is very hand
some, and if l can look pretty enough
may deprive you of the pleasure of win
ming Il heart. Now, sister, mean to take
sides against you in winning this precious
bit of mortality"
"Well, Birdie, I'll give you fair trial
no doubt you will hold him captive the
first peep he gets at you"
Maud was far from thinking thus, for, |
am sorry to say, she was an accomplished
fiirt and before the meal was finished she
had already thought out the programme
she would use in the way of captivating
AS for Birdie, she had forgotten the matter
in an hour.
Time soon rolled around, and Christmas
Eve was at hand. Hourly the gentlemen
were expected, and Maud was getting i'm
patient at their delay. Perhaps she was
afraid ribbon or curl would become
misplaced and produce different effec
from what she had intended. She had no
long to wait, however The carriag,
dashed up to the door and the young gent
were ushered into the room. "Big Brother
was warmly welcomed, and few silen
tears of joy shed over him by his dotin,
mother, then the stranger was received a
Elway manor.
Clarence Raymond, with his first defer
entail bow, became the study of both youn,
ladies. He was of type to win ones con
fidence and esteem on first acquaintance
A man of wealth, fashion and leisure