Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1879-11-28

TRAPPED BY AN HEIRESS.

A cozier place than the big sitting-room
at Hilcrest would have been hard to find, II
one had travelled from Lands End To John
O'Groats and this eventful evening, when
the destinles Of two worthy people were
about taking definite form-two people who
had heard of each other 81 often that both
were curiously eager TO mect--on this i'm.
portant evening the sitting-room al Hill
crest had never looked pleasanter OF cozier.
A huge fire Of logs glowed like molten
carbuncles in the open fireplace On the
table in the centre of the floor, whose color
matched the glowing crimson Of the carpet,
was silver stand that held dozen snowy
wax -tapers, whose beaming light contrasted
exquisitely with the ruby glow Of the fire
Beside the table, in big, cushioned chair,
with his feet turned toward the genial
warmth on the hearth, his grey dressing.
gown sitting comfortably on his portly form.
his gold trimmed glasses on his nose, sat the
owner and master Of Hillerest-Mr. Abiah
Cressington-rieh, good-natured, and fond
of his own way. Opposite him was the
mistress Of the little place-little, shrewd-
faced, sharp-nosed, merry Aunt Cornelia,
his sister, who since her widow-hood, had
come to Hilcrest 10 make her bachelor
brothers home as pleasant as she could.
That she had succeeded was very evident
by the way now in which he looked up
from letter he has been reading--the con-
fidential, kindly way in which he did il:
"You are very kind, indeed, Uncle Abiah,
10 ask me down to Hillcrest for as long as I
wish 10 stay and can assure you that have
been 80 long wanderer that the idea Of
home is very pleasant TO me. But when
take into consideration the peculiar import
ance you propose attaching 20 my visit,
am unwilling 10 accept the invitation. 10
me, the idea of having my fancies and incl.
nations put into harness, and 10 feel that
am on continual duty To win my way into
the good graces OF my second cousin, Mable,
whom you are good enough 20 wish me TO
marry -
Mrs. Cornelia interrupted sharply
"Abiah, you surely never went and told
our grand-nephew that you had in view
his marriage with Mailer
Her tone was energetic, almost reprehen-
sive.
why notg certainly did. told him
in my letter that II was a chance for him
he'd never get again, and that he needn't
feel under such terrible obligations to take a
fancy 10 Philips little Mabic, but TO come
down and be cousinly. and II anything
should happen, It'd be right all round
Mrs. Cornelia knitted vigorously, her
lavender cap-ribbons quivering In the mel.
low taper glow.
"All have TO say is, yoa're---s fool,
Abah! Walter is right A young man
doesn't like 10 nave his fsncies under rein
and whip, and the very fact that you want
him TO marry will make him indisposed 10
do il. You've made great mistake In the
beginning"
Mr.. Oressington hooked aghsst Of his sis
ter's determined face.
~ really didn't suppose"
"Of course you didn t. Its your natural
stupidity, you dear old fellow! Men arc all
alike. Don't know them like booki And
you've ruined your hopes for Mable and
Walter At the very outset.'
Mr.. Cressington stared discomftedly.
Il am sure meant II all right enough,
Cornelia. certainly want Walter 10 know
what little darling our Msble Ia, and what
nice little wife she would make for any
man"
Very commendable, indeed only, II you
had consulted me upon the letter you sent
! should have advised you 10 say nothing
about Msble, or her charms or her expecta-
tons. should have simply asked him TO
come and ace rs, and len the rest To Mables
blue eyes. You see, Abish Y
HE lips compressed slowly. Il think |
see. And my hopes in that direction are all
ruined"
The silver needles clicked rapidly. and III,
snow white yarn came reeling merrily Of
( the ball under her arm.
mot AZ all Leave that 10 me, and ~
zee what can be done. Trust w0tnaus wi