The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1877-07-26
Maude's EIopement.
BY EVA EVERGREEN.

Maud StanwOOd was eighteen, pretty
and wilful-the two latter characters.
ties are very apt to go together in ouI
modern specimens of femininity-and
had been the radiating centre of mum.
berless beaux ever since she could re.
member. Bat despite their sighs and
protestations the little damsel's heart
had remained obdurately closed, until
one memorable day-far more memor,
able, indeed, than she could have
dreamed of then.
Six weeks before, D. society had
been thrown into great hutter by the
appearance of a gentleman who made
his entree into their very midst ike a
cOnquering hero, and was (flattered
.feted, and courted accordingly. Moth
ing was known concerning him, save
what he chose to divulge himself, fur
ther than that he came from that
charmed region, "the city, but his
e stylish attire, and general distiugue air,
was sufficient recommendation in the
eyes of the young people, and indeed in
many of the older ones, too.
He put up at the best hotel in the
place, and initiated himself into public
favor by at once joining the young
mems Literary and Debating Club, "
from whence he easily obtained intro
ductions to all the young ladies of the
place. From the first of their acquaint-
ance, however, Mr.. Reynolds mani
tested strong and unmistakable pen
chant for Maud Stanwood, whose father
was one Of D-'s "solid men," and II
wasn't long before she, flattered by his
preference and the conquest she had
gained over companions, found her
heart becoming hopelessly involved.
One-half of her friends congratulated
her upon the splendid conquest, and the
other half, as was natural, was not a
little jealous and ill-humored at the
downfall Of their hopes, but Maud was
in a state of too blissful exaltatiOn TO
mind that There was one, however,
who looked upon the matter with de-
cided disapproval, and that was Maud's
father.
At first he had taken no notice of the
young mans attentions, or the eonse-
luent discussions his advent into the
town had given rise to, but discovering
at last that his addresses were becoming
marked and significant, and that his
name constituted the most frequent
theme upon his daughters lips, he felt
it time to interfere. One afternoon,
therefore, as Maud was about sallying
forth for her accustomed walk, he called
her into his study.
~ want to say few words to you,
Maud" he began, abruptly; "what do
you know of this Mr.. Reynolds, that the
town Is lionizlng to such an eXtent?"
The question took Maud by surprise,
and the color swept in scarlet wave
over her face and neck.
"Knowp" she stammered; "why as
much as any one else dOes.",
Exactly, and that is-nothing," re-
turned her father, with slight curl OF
his lip; "nothing, except whatevor re-
markable or romantic tale hemay choose
to invent, and which is readily accepted
by our credulous town people. But 1t
doesn't satisfy me, Maud. | most have
more satisfactory knowledge of the
mans character and connections before
would consent to receive him as my
son-in-law.p Il
"Papa--papa!' ~ protested Maud, her
face ahame; "the idea Of,
"That will 40, Maud. You under.
stand his intentions as well as | do,
despite thatassumption Of pretty limo.
cence; and l tell you frankly that
from my acquaintadce with Mr. Rey.
nolds, | am not at all favorably i'm
pressede with bins He isa thorough
man of the Woodland they are not the
kind to select country girls for theli
wives. regret most keenly that you
are without mother to direct and ad.
wise you In this matter; but as 1t Is you
must be content to abide by my judg'
ment. There are plenty of worthy mcr
in this town without your taking NJ
with one who may be a mere adyen
turer; so If Mr.. Reynolds makes any
matrimonial proposals to you just refer
him to me, and will give him an an
swer that will settle him | guess. Tha
is all | wished to saw"
Maud arose and silently len the room
II give vent, however, TO her indignh
,loq, as soon as SAe lY'f fairly op' 2
CAM shonld think 1t was enough
quite enough It's very nice for papi
TO sit there and yilify the only man
ever cared for. Plenty of others--as' !
I'd give a rush for any of them! Ant
he an adventurer Adyenturersi dpn'
wear such fine clothes, and have plenty
of money to spend, and be so accomp
lished as he Is. didn't think fathel
could be so ilnjustand cruel" and hav
ing settled the matter entirely to he
o,cn satisfaction. Maud started on hel