American citizen., 1878-08-10

here. He might have been civil. How
ever, shall do very well without him!"
And, getting a book from the library
shelves, she sat herself down resolutely
to read. But, try as she would, her
thoughts wandered back to the pleasant
room where she used to sit with her girl
friends, reading and talking-so differ
ent from this great, silent, handsome
house. am afraid the contrast was not
too favorable, for her pillow was wet
with tears that night.
A week passed away. During that
time Madeline saw Mrs. Chathard once
that was all. The rest of the time she
passed in solitude, till Saturday evening,
when the prim old housekeeper enter
ed the parlor where Madeline was sit
ting, work-basket in hand.
Mr.. Frederic is at home," said she,
" and Mrs. Chathard thinks it proper
that l should sit in tho room," with
which explanation she walked over to
the extreme end of the apartment, and
vanished behind the curtains of the bay
widow.
Madeline curled her lip slightly at
these prudential preparations, and went
on with her reading, trying to convince
herself that her heart was not beating
fast. She heard = quick, masculine
step without In the hall, heard it come
in the room and advance toward her,
but did not raise her eyes till he stood
directly before her. She had hard work
to repress her surprise, he was so little
like what she had imagined. Not old
for if he was really thirty, he by no
means looked his age-not tall, thin
and sallow; on the contrary, small,
| though well formed, with an abundance
of hair; large blue eyes that should have
belonged to woman, so evenly arched
| were the brows, so long were the lash
es, SO soft, so almost suffering, their ex-
preston; clear-cut features; teeth that
showed white and even through his
thick mustache; gentle, quiet, assured
manner, neither austere nor frownish,
as Madeline had imagined, but that of a
| gentleman and a man of the world.
He apologized easily enough for the
apparent incivility: "Important bust
ness" that much-enduring scapegoat,
had detained him--he was extremely
sorry.
But Madeline, who had no patience
with his lame excuses, interrupted him
sharply:
spray, spare your regrets; it is quite
evident that your sorrow is of the deep
est dye. Your countenance bespeaks 1t. y
Mr.. Frederic opened his eyes wide and
sat down. Hitherto he had seemed un-
decided on the question.
$50, then, you are really offended,
and show it after spirited fashion.
Good! / shall have to make my peace.
1t will give us something to talk about. -
Is there really any necessity for
talking at alp" demanded Madeline,
still more Indignantly.
ga few minutes ago though not. l
intended to have gone through the nec-
essary formalities, and after that, to
have sat occasionally with you, by way
of keeping you in countenance; but now
1 say yes! There is something original
about you; it may be only a spark, a
glimmer; but whatever it is, will de.
velop it."
"You leave my individuality out of
| account, think
"Not in the least. 1 count on it for
my amusement
"Amusement! We share the same
blood, Mr.. Chathard. think you should
know something of the will which is
among our heirlooms. doubt if shall
choose to serve even Chathard as
amusement
&c You will have no choice. You will
go to church with me tomorrow. You
will see and be seen of all the magnates.
They will forthwith call upon you; you
will go to make round of dreary visits !;
you will go to solemn tea drinkings !;
you will talk to Capt. Fanway and Sir
Peter Farquhar, the two eligibles of the
parish, and when you have talked over
the weather, you will begin to fidget,
and wish yourself home with me. Even
bear like me will prove more endura-
bic than those unmitigated young men.
You will talk with me and, in the nature
of things, you will amuse me. You can
not help yourself"
ST have other resources" answered
Madeline, loftily. &C. have arranged a
dramatic course of study"
Mr.. Chathard laughed.
"Try it, my dear cousin, by all
means. 1t is the most enchanting thing
in the world-in prospect. Try it, say
again; and remember, shall be very
happy to aid you if any difficulty occurs
which, though, it is to be presumed,
is not possible"
With which he took himself off, leav-
ing Madeline piqued and curious. She
had ample time, however, to recover
herself, and proceed with her studies.
It was three mortal weeks before he
presented himself again. When he did
come, it was in ghostly fashion. She
was bending over book, and looking
weary and strangely dissatisfied. He
gave her a chair near him.
eTalk!' he said imperatively. "1
am bored"
Madeline's hot blood leaped up in re-
volt. Words hovered on her lips, that,
cool as he was, could not but have placed
an effectual barrier between them.
Something arrested them. A panied
look was in his eye, anguish about his
| oh L.