Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1879-03-15
,sqlqttqd Ylistellanp,
now I WON NY WEE.

|
brother officers on board crack frig- u
atc in her Majesty's navy, which nc +
had lust left will, ak weeks leave OF 1
absence upon the vessel being paid I
Off.
We had travelled up to London to- {
neither. and then, when our routes
had divided, he had repeated m Old
standing invitation with no much
warmth and good feeling that could
not but accept. i
Although Thornton and myself ilc'o
the same rank in the navy, yet our
nositions ashore was somewhat d'A-
fcrent.
He was the only son Of oneof tie
wealthiest commoncrs Midlandsllre,
while was the only sou ola widow
Of n naval officer, aud who had only
her pension to depend upon.
Thornton had often proposed
months visit to Linloy Hall, his ia
theirs place; and, when he again men
toned the subject, occeded with
avidity, not only on account OF the
friendship existing between Thornton
and myself, hut also in anticipation Of
spending an enjoyable holiday in the
country.
The fortnight at home with my
mother passed quickly awaS and ON
the dry appointed | left London Tor
Liuley, having previously written to
inform Reginald Of the train intend
eli travelling by.
Upon arriving ut Hyam, tho nearest
stntion to Mr.. Tbornton's place, !
found dog-eart waiting to convey
myself and my luggage to the hall.
Jumping in, The groom saw to my
portmnnteau; and then, taking his
place, we were soon trotting along
toward Linley, where, IN less thah
half nm hour, | arrived.
AT the sound of wheels approaching
tho house tho front door opened ana
Reginald appeared. :.
Shaking me warmly by the hand,
o.ter | Ind lismo,nted and the first
salututions Ind been exchanged, no
said;
"But come upstairs to your room,
old man; your things have been taken
up; and, when you have put yourself
to rights, we can como to the drawing
room aud get through the introduce
tons before dinner
.erhc ntroduetions, Regyi" ex
claimed I, in astonishmcnt "Why
thought you were going to DC 81
y quiet"
"sodia ITom,n answered my friend
"But, You see, the pd'er took 1t int
his dear old head that everybo'',
ought to make Ms much fuss about m
~ he does, and, consequently, he ha
filed the house with friends and rel',
~.,ions in honor OF your humble serv
ants safe return from Drawing tn
dangers of the Mediterranean. trie
to persuade him to the contrary bu
when once he hns made up his mind
you might rs well try and move gu
ratar with hand-spike rs to chang
his determinations"
It did not take me long to iaat
myself presentable, and then ! 70
lowed Reginald down stairs.
Upon entering the drawing-room
perceived that it was nearly full
guests, and for nearly five minutes
seemed to be perfectly oblivious
everything, except the wonderful, q
astounding beauty of II young la
seated near the piano.
believe that ] went through L
introductions creditably, bowling q
smiling in the usual idiotic style; u
| remember nothing until, taking
arm, Reginald led me toward
piano, aud stopping opposite the v
ion Of beauty That had first absorb
my attention, he exclaimed:
My sister Bessie, Tom; and Il
Bessie, is my old friend Drake,
whom You have so often heard
speak,"
SO this beautiful young creature
my friends little sister, OF whom
had often told me in the mig
watches.
Bessie bowed with II heightel
color, caused probably by my gla
of admiration, which could not c
troll, and murmured few words
the effect that she was pleased Mt |
ing one of whom she had heard
much.
There was u vacant chair by
side, which l immediately appro
ated, and in few minutes we '
in the midst Of an interesting con
sation.
Commencing win her brother
turned to our late voyage, the NJ
terranean, Greece, Italy, poetry
song, and upon every subject
seemed equally well at home.