Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1879-12-22
Mr.. Arundel's Daughter.
BY ANNA MASON.

My father, having reached those balmy
days when easy-chair and slippers woo
with irresistible force, and being well
off in this worlds goods, had decided to
retire from business, leaving me to oc-
cupy his place in the firm.
Thus, at the age of twenty-four, with
good health, tolerable personal appear
ance and fine business prospects, had
as faIr start in life as one could ask.
In Philadelphia, aptly termed "The
City of Brotherly Love-" as I thought,
when l had partaken of its hospitalities,
resided an old friend of my father, who
had not seen me since my childhood.
By letter it was arranged that on my
arrival should Immediately repair to
Mr.. Arundel's house, he insisting on re-
ceiving me as his guest, and make his
acquaintance, and that of his family.
The exact time of my coming was not
fixed, and thus it happened that early
one February evening reached their
house, to find it brilliantly lighted, and
myself little unexpected.
Mr.. and Mrs. Arundel, both of whom
/ at once liked, extended to me so cor
dial reception, however, that l could
but feel myself welcome.
sour young people have company
this evening"" remarked Mr.. Arundel;
who seemed to be very pleasant and
jovial gentleman. Had we known
when to expect you, it shouldn't have
been SO. Your first evening should have
been quiet one, passed in our midst,
devoted breaking the ice and getting
comfortably used to u.s.
"Never mind" interrupted Mrs.
Arundels cheerful voice. Il trust we
shall succeed in making Mr.. Van Dyck
feel at home with US as it is. Our
daughter and her young friends propose
to entertain US this evening with some
private theatricals, which l hope Mr..
Van Dyck will not feel too fatigued to
witness"
"To be sure not to be sure not - ex-
claimed Mr.. Arundel, heartily, before |
could reply. "We1I give our young
friend Arthur, here. plenty of time in
which to rest before the play begins,
and he can receive his introductions
later. So, my boy, we'll have cup of
tea, and let John show you to your
room at once"
Nearly an hour later, after careful
toilet made with thoughts of the daugh-
ter who had been mentioned, l descend
ed to the parlor, and found it pretty
we'll filled with guests seated as ex-
pectant spectators, while a subdued
murmur of voices was audible from be.
yond the scarlet curtain which hid the
DacK room from view.
"Come here, Arthur. Take seat by
me" said Mr.. Arundel. 1.-THE play i:
about to begin, believe"
Even as he spoke a bell tinkled. and
the curtain was clumsily swept aside
1t disclosed small but beautifully con
structed stage, and background o.
scarlet drapery.
The play which followed was by NJ
means remarkable. 1 remember there
being fair prosecuted heroine, Lady
Alice, dark and handsome lover with
guitar and velvet cloak. and brillian
and beautiful rival to the fair lady, who
disguised as waiting-maid, wove hel
spells about Sir Eustace.
The play wound up with an elope
ment, in which the rival escapes will
the false lover, leaving Lady Alice to ;
broken heart.
Absurd and shallow as was this plot
the play was rendered in the most spir
tied manner. The part of Lady Alic'
was played with touching pathos, by
!, lovely girl with fair hair and gentl
, eyes, dressed simply in white.
! Mr.. Arundel pointed her out to me.
THAT young lady is my daughte
! Julia. She is called very pretty" h
a added. little complacently.
"And merits the praise" 1 assented
warmly. but who is the dark one
the bewitching Elise? L confess Tv
. fallen in. love with her."
!. Mr.. Arundel laughed SO heartily tha
there were several cries of '.Hush % er
he replied:
"That young lady is my daughter
Miss Elise Arundel, very much at you
q service. She's sad hoyden, | assur
9 you. Arthur"
r Perfectly bewitching, at any rate,
D l murmured
q In fact, l could not keep my eye
: off the tall and dazzling beauty, who, L
short skirts, high-heeled slippers, velve
:. bodice, ruffied apron, and a captivatin
e bit of head-dress, was so bright and be
: witching that almost it seemed Sir Eus
e tace might be pardoned for faltering i
his allegiance. But when the disguis
> of the French waiting-maid was throw
4 aside, and Elise appeared resplendent i
q scarlet satin, with train of velvet an