Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1878-06-21

TO Illustrate her kind intentions. She left
me to entertain him all the evening, and I
was just dying to finish Jane Eyre Well,
I gave him the last number of "Scribner 81
and the 'sMonthly Review and hoped he
would entertain himself; but no-he want
ed me to play game of cribbage. 1 hate
the game of cribbage, so l told him l never
played the game without stalking small
sum Of money, just to make it interest
ing"
"Oh, Dot!';
'sHe looked Mortified at the idea of gam
bling, and asked for some music, SO I sat
down to the piano and made as much
noise as possible. He said that sort of
music was very edfving, but it made his
head ache, and he inquired if l could IA
vor him with Annie Laurie l complied
by playing Yankee Doodle with varia-
tions, for knew he could not distinguish
the difference. Just as | was playing the
last bar I was startled by a prolonged
snore-he had actually gone to sleep with
his head hanging over his char, his wig
awry, and his mouth wide open ! Now,
Guardy, you must admit that was too
much for flesh and blood to endure, and
don't profess to be saint"
'sNot by any MEANS" assented her
guardian.
"Well," continued Dot. ga happy
thought struck me. / ran softly up stairs
and got an old wig that Dick used to wear
when he belonged to the Amateur ORA
matte Club. Then / carefully removed
Mr.. Vonsonby's nicely dressed black wig,
and substituted the red one. | had to
stuff my handkerchief into my mouth to
keep from laughing. for you can't imagine
how comical he looked!''
ssWell, I waited for him to finish his
nap until my patience was exhausted, and
then I went to the piano and gave an aw-
full thump with both hands. He gave a
sudden start and Strengthened up. | grave
ly inquired how he liked the piece"
Charming! charming!' he replied with
enthusiasm. Il always admired Annie
Laurie.''
s'Just at that moment he happened to
glance at the clock and finding it later
than he expected he jumped up in great
haste"
"'I declared he said, L had no idea it
was so late; how swiftly the time has
passed in your fascinating society; but l
must tear myself away, for have an en-
gagement at eight o'clock
''Then he babe me adleu, pulled on his
overcoat in a great hurry, seized his hat
and rushed down the street.
But, Guardy, he did look SO funny with
those red locks around his countenance3V
and Dot broke into peals OF laughter at
the recollecl ion.
''Dot," said Mr.. Delmayne, looking
sternly at his miscellaneous ward; II don't
know what to do with you; | believe 1
must find some one who will take the re-
sponslbility from my hands. Mrs. Del
mayne thinks you are old enough to marry
ard -"
1.-The old cat !" interrupted Dot.
Dot" said Mr.. Delmayne, sternly, II
cannot allow you to apply such an epltEet
to my sister in law"
Your sster-in-laW?" cried Dot, in
nocently, why, l was speaking Of old
Tabby."
Mr., Delmayne adroitly converted smile
into yawn.
sYes,'' he continued, II must certainly
find nice young husband for you.''
Il am perfectly wiling" replied Dot,
composedly, 'but who is to be the lucky
man? Let me see,' she continued, reflect
lively, 'sthere is my French dancing master,
he pressed my hand quite warmly the last
time he was here, and he has beautiful
eyes, and such. a love Of moustache," she
added, enthusiastically.
sThe jackanapes. he shall never darken
these doors again. muttered Mr.. del
mayne between his teeth.
'.Then there is Whitney's head clerk. l
am sure he admires me.''
GA clerk - exclaimed Mr.. Delmayne,
disdainfully.
"Wen,n continued Dot, ''there is the
German music teacher at the seminary, he
is a jolly old bear, but then,'' she added,
thoughtfully, she is q widower with tive
children; l don't know that should be
capable of taking that position
II should think not, decidedly" ac-
guessed her guardian, with a smile.
"Well," cried Dot, with despairing ex-
preston on her saucy face, II don't know
what can be done-unless you marry me
yourself"
ho w
Of her needless speech, she darted from the
room.
MARY her myself unused Mr.. Richard
Delmayne, sit is not bad idea. [ Won
der that it never entered my stupid brain,
for believe am fond of the little mon
key after ALL and how desolate the house
would be without the sunshine of her
presence
'sNot quite Nineteen" he continued
thoughtfully, II am just double her age,
and fear I am too old to suit her youth
full fancy; but, nevertheless, will try my
fate.''
The tea bell reused Mr.. Delmayne from
his reflections. 1 must mention this sub
iect to Helen, he thought, when have an
opportunity.
Marry that forward little chit" cried
madame, in dismay, as Richard thus ruth
lessly demolished her castle in the all.
s'Why. Richard, you must be crazy! A
man Of your years to think of marrying,
when you have q comfortable home, and a
sister to attend to your wants. If you take
this step, Richard,' she continued, IL am
confident you will regret it. fthink you
will see vast difference with that care
less, ignorant child at the head OF your
household, for 1 shall not remain to be
domineered over by saucY, independent
girl,''