The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-06-05
Mr.. Delmayne's " ard.

''Something must be done," said Mrs.
Charles Delmayne, decisivcly, "that girl is
getting more reckless every day."
"What can be done 2" asked Mr.. Richard
Delmayne, looking hclplcssly at his sister,
in-law; eve cannot shut her up in con-
vent" ....
"No, but we can find her g husband and
yet her settled"
"3ut she is so young"
''Shc will be nineteen in May, and mar
ried at that age. 1t is great pity that you
were obliged to receive her into your house.
hold Richard. Guardianship over a girl
like D.>rothea, was great responsibility
for a bachelor to assume"
81 suppose 3d." was the reply, "but
could not refuse the dying request of a
friend'
cat first l entertained hopes that she
would improve by remaining with us, said
Mrs. Dclmayne, plaintiyely, 'but she is
wilder than ever. am kept in a perpetual
state of nervous excitement, for l never
know what madcap pranks she will play
next. thought it disgraceful enough
when she donncd a suit of Dicks clothes
and went out on the night of the skating
party, but this last is still worse, if posi-
ble." ..... ...
Mrs. Dclmayne folded her plump white
hands and settled herself comfortably in a
luxurious easy chair, and prepared to enjoy
her favorite pastime, which consisted Of
retailing Dorothca's misdemcanors. .
"You know Squire Ponsonby has been
looking for a wife Tor a year or two-now
lie is quite wealthy is respectfully connect
ed, and would be very suitable match for
Dora" ., .l. ~ ., Fa ..
esquire Ponsonby |" gaspcd Richard, in
amaZement, che is old enough to be her
grandfather, and has a married daughter
who must be considerably older than Dot. !"
"Wen, Dora needs a husband who is
steady and sober minded, she is so tlighty
herself. Besides, he looks fully ten years
younger than his real age. In my opinion
1t would be very suitable match. But it
is all over now" she added with a sigh,
che will never enter this house again"
In answer to Richards look of inquiry
Mrs Dclmayne continued
81 invited Mr.. Ponsonby to tea last even
ing-I had my household duties to attend
to after tea was over, so left Dorothca to
entertain him. She must have neglected
him shamefully, for the poor man fell
asleep, and the little huzzy seized the OPP
portunity to play one of her practical jokes.
She actually had the audacity to remove
his wig and substitute an old red one that
she found among the rubbish in the garret.
The poor man did not discover the trick
until he became the laughing stock, of the
morning, and thought you ought to be
told about it," ... .#E
ola, ha, al" laughed Richard 81
can imagine how ridiculous he must have
looked, strutting along in his pompous
manner" ..
81 am certainly astonishcd at you, Rich
ard,' said Mrs. Delmaync, severely. 81
hope you don't uphold the girl in her dis
graceful conduct z" ,GH .o,.;0.,. ,.s.A
81 shall OF course reprove her., he re-
piled. ''Dot will improve as she grows
older, have no doubt; she is merry and
thoughtless now, but think she will de-
vclop into splendid woman"
Mrs Delmhyne cast an uneasy look at
her brother-in-law's face, as she left the
room. She had o reason for wishing Dot
disposed of she feared that Richard might
fall in love with his fascinating ward, and
that would never do, for If he were to
marry it would dash Mrs. Delmayne's 8
hopes to the ground. She had determined
that her son Dick, his uncle's namcsake,
should be his heir Besides, hor brother
in-law's elegant residence made very
comfortable home(for herself aud fatherless
boy, and madame had no intention of losing
it, hence she made the most Of Dots mis-
chievous cscapades. ........
Just as madame's silkcn skirts rustled up
stairs, the hall door flow open and light
footsteps danced along the passage. ,tnra
"Dot Dot /" called Mr.. Delmayne.
The appellation exactly suited the young
girl who entered. A dainty form, dark,
piquant face lighted up with pair Of black
eyes, which sparkled with mischief.
tt'Well, Mr.. Dclmaynel" she said, with d
saucy smile, which revealed q dimple in
each soft pink cheek, ''what Is II, q lee
tire 2" ,,,r,iy ,,v,t IT.. M
s"Yes, Dot really must lecture you.
Your conduct to Mr.. Ponsonby was very
nnlady-like." ."rirt3 .g.Iel .ni0H&
~ can't help 1t, sir; ! hate old Ponsont
by and aim confident that Mrs Delmayno
invited him here to make love to me, 80
resolved to fryistrate her kind intentions.
She left me to entertain him when was
suffering to finish book. / gave him the
late magazines and hoped he would amuse
himself but no, he wanted to play crib
bage. hate the game, and told him,
never played except for money" alh 1aA
"Why, Dot |" st,ra.ss 10 ttd9
"Well, / wanted to shock him, and had
the satisfaction Of seeing him look horified.
He asked for some music as soon as he re-
covered bis breath, and went to the piano
and began to make some confused sounds,
which suppose did not suit his fine ears,