St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1880-09-24
"For PHYS Sake"

''Fred, Miss Houghton is to arrive
this evening. Would you mind going
down in the carriage to meet her? /
can't get away myself, and it will seem
forlorn enough to find only an empty
carriage awaiting her,"
A prolonged whistle proceeded from
the depths of the luxurious arm chair
into which the young man addressed
(pretty little Mrs. VeIe's batchelor
brother) had enscOnced himself.
He was a handsome man of the blonde
type, enjoying a few weeks furlough
from his army duties in his sisters
house.
The LATEST man in the regiment he
was called, but the bravest as well,
with now and then a sudden light i'll
his clear gray eyes which lent momen-
tary insight into the hidden strength
and meaning of his real nature.
"Miss Houghton 2" he now drawled
out, somewhat interrogatively, in re-
sponse to the demand made upon him.
''You mean the children's new govern
ess, / suppose-a demure spinster of
forty or thereabouts or worse still a
young, gushing creature, bereft in one
blow of fortune and friends. Seriously,
Mamie, it's an awful bore, and consid-
ering that my captains pay won't ad-
NIT of any matrimonial schemes, 1 think
perhaps it would be as well not to put
false ideas in this young (O woman's
head by sending me to get her."
"Don't go, Uncle Fred" chimed in
the children, aged respectively six and
eight. "We don't want any govern
ess."
Hush, children! Don't worry me,
Fred Do go like good fellow 1 as
sure you, from all that | hear of Miss
HOughtOn, she Is charming medium
between your two absurd comparisons,
and will probably give you no second
thought. Here comes the carriage to
the door. Now, Fred, don't miss her."
'No hopes of that,n he groaned, as he
lifted himself to his six-feet stature, and
moved leisurely to the door.
An hour later the Eastern train came
putting and snorting into the station.
Only few passengers had this point
for their destination. He watched them
descend with calm Indifference, when
suddenly he started. A young lady,
quietly but richly dressed, passed him,
the light from the lamps falling full on
the clear-cut features, and revealing
their faultless beauty. In her arms she
carried little dog. She directed her
course to the station master.
"Can 1 get vehicle here to take me
to Mrs. Vere's 2" she questioned.
''Mrs. Vere's own carriage is in wait
ing. Her brother, Captain Osgood,
came down, expecting some friends"
"Then will not intrude upon them"
But at this instant the young officer
stepped to her side.
''The carriage is at your service,
miss. Pardon me, and allow me to
introduce myself as Captain Osgood,
Mrs. Vere's brother"
81 have heard of you," she answered,
smiling, and disclosing two rows of
white, even teeth. s'I am very glad to
meet you"
And in proof of the words, she ex-
tended one tiny, perfectly gloved
hand.
"Cool for a governess, upon nv word
and doesn't answer much to Mans de-
scription," thought Mr.. Fred.
But, Notwithstanding, he felt quite
warranted in meetingthe frank advance
very cordially, and soon, in their home
ward drive, after disposing of what
seemed to him an unwarrantable
amount of baggage, they were chatting
away like old friends.
When the house was reached Capt.
OsgOod withdrew. He would let the
women meet alone, and not betray the
mOmentary weakness into which he
had been beguiled.
"Mrs. We're is in the library, MISS"
proclaimed the butler.
The young lady followed him to the
door indicated. .
"Well, Fred, you were disappointed,
after ALL" began the mistress of the
room, without turning her head, as heI
quick ear detected the opening of the
door. "Miss HOughton's letter, appris-
ing me of her sudden illness and conse-
quent detention arrived just after you
left the house. 1t was too
But her sentence remained unfnish-
ed, as some one stole softly behind her
and clasped two tiny glOved hands
close over her eyes.
s.Who can it be 2" she questioned.
The hands were withdrawn. She
looked up.
"Flossie I" she exclaimed, and rap
turously clasped the girl in her arms.
"Where did you come from 7" was her
first question.
"Straight from Paris, dear. When l
reached New York, l heard that you