Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-06-21
MR.. IELMAYNE'S WARD.

Charles Delmayne, decisively. "the girl is
getting more reckless every day."
'sWhat can be done ?'' asked Mr.. Rich
ard Oelmayne, looking helplessly at his
sister, n-law, 1--WE cannot shut her up in a
CONVENT
mo, but we can find her a husband and
get her comfortably settled"
''But she is so young
s'She will be nineteen in May, and
married at that age. It is a great pity
that you were obliged to receive her into
your household, Richard. Guardianship
over girl like Dorothea, was great re-
sponsibiIity for bachelor to assume"
~ suppose 500 was the reply: ''but could
not refuse the dying request Of an old
friend.''
Eat first, entertained hopes that she
would improve by remaining with us,
said Mrs. Delmayne, plaintively; ''but as
[ remarked before, she is wilder than ever.
am kept in a perpetual state OF nervous
excitement, for I never know what mad
capprank she will play next. [ thought it
disgraceful enough when she donned suit
of Dicks and went skating on the pond
the evening they had that skating party,
but this last prank is still worse, If posi-
ble''
Mrs. Delmayne folded her plump, white
hands and settled herself comfortably in a
luxurious easy chair, and prepared to en-
| Joy her favorite pastime, which consisted
of retailing Dorotnea' IS misdemeanors.
"You know squire Vonsonby has been
looking for wife for year or two-now
he is quite wealthy, is respectfully connect
ed, and would be a very suitable match
| for Dora"
Squire Vonsonby!" gasped Richard, in
amazement, ''he is old enough to be her
grandfather, and has a married daughter
who is considerably older than Dot.''
"Well," replied his sister-in-law, Dora
needs a husband who is steady and sober
minded, she is so Eighty herself. Besides
Mr.. Vonsonby looks full ten years younger
( than his real age. In my opinion it would
have been very suitable match. But it
| is all over now," size added, with a sigh,
she will never enter this house again."
| In answer to Richards look of inquiry.
Mrs. Delmayne continued
II invited MI. Vonsonby to tea last
evening" had my household duties to at
tend to after tea was over, so left Doro-
thea to entertain our guest. She must
have neglected him shamefully, for the
poor man fell asleep, and the little huZZy
seized the opportunity to play one of her
| ridiculous pranks; she actually had the au-
dacity," and Mrs. Delmayne lowered her
voice to an impressive whisper, actually
had the audacity, to remove his wig and
substitute an old red one, that she found in
some rubbish in the garrett. The poor man
did not discover the trick until he had be-
come the laughing stock of the communi
ty. Dick happened to hear about it this
morning, and considered it my duty to
inform you of the affair, as you were
absent at the time"
"Ha, ha, hal" laughed Richard. II
can imagine how ridiculous he looked
strutting along in his pompous manner"
II am certainly astonished at you, Rich
ard" said Mrs. Delmayne, severely. ~
sincerely hope you do not uphold the girl
in her dlsgraceful actions ~
II shall Of course reprove her," he repli-
ed. ''Dot will improve as she grows
older, have no doubt-she is merry and
thoughtless now, but think she will de-
velope into splendid WOman.''
Mrs. Delmayne cast an uneasy look at her
brother-in-law's face as she left the room.
She had reason for wishing Dot safe
ly disposed of; she was fearful that Rich
ard might fall in love with his fascinating
ward. and that would never do, for if he
, were to marry it would dash Mrs. Del
mayne's hopes to the ground. She had Sc
cretly determined that her son Dick-his
uncle's namesake-should be his heir.
Besides, her brother-in- laws elegant resi-
dence made very comfortable home for
herself and fatherless boy, and madame
had no intention of losing it, hence she
made the most of Dots mischievous esca
pades.
/ Just as madame's silken skirts rustled
up stairs the hall door flew open and light
footsteps danced along the passage.
"Dot! Dot!" called Mr.. Delmayne.
The appellation exactly suited the young
girl who entered. A dainty form, DARK
piquant face, lit up with pair of black
eyes which sparkled with mischief.
"Well, Guardy," she said, with saucy
smile, which revealed dimple IN each
soft pink cheek. 'What-is it lec-
turep"
"Yes, Dot,'' replied Mr.. De]mayne'
gfayely, II really must lecture you.
Your conduct to Mr.. Vonsonby was ex-
tremely unladylike,"