The Orangeburg democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1879-1881, 1880-07-09
For PHYS Sake!

forlorn enough to find only an empty
carriage awaiting her." ~, -,
A prolonged whistle proceeded
from the depths of o luxurious arm
chair into which the young man. ad-
dressed (pretty little Mrs. Yere's
bachelor-brother) had ensconced him.
self.
He was ! q handsome man Of Q tue
blond type, enjoying few weeks
furlough FROM his army duties, in his
sister's house. .'T@j -
The LATEST man in tue regiment he
was called, but ths, braScst. as well,
with now and then sudden light in
his clear gray eyes which lent momen-
tary insight into, the hidden strength
and meaning of his real nature.
"Miss Houghton 7" he now crawl
cd out, somewhat interrogatively, in
response to the demand made upon
him. "You mean the ,children's new
governess. suppose--a demurc
spinster of forty or ,hercabouts ) or,
worse still, a young, gushing creature
bereft, in one fell blow, Of fortune and
friends. Seriously, Mamie, ips an
awful bore, and, considering that my
captains pay won't admit Of any mat
rimonial schemes, I think, perhaps, it
would be as we'll not to put false
ideas in this young l?) woman's
head by sending me TO greet her."
''Don't 60, Uncle Frcd," chimed in
the children aged respectively six and
eight. "We don't want any govern
ess." 5ti.
'sHush, children! Don't worry me
Fred Do 60, like good fellow l
assure you, from all l hear from Miss
Houghton, she is charming medium
between your two absurd comparisons,
and will probably give your no second
thought. Here comes the carriage
to the door. Now, Fred, don't miss
ler?"
''No hope Of that" lie groancd, as
lie lifted himself TO his six-fect stat
ure, and moved leisurely to The door.
A half hour la er the Eastern train
came putting and snorting into the
station. Only q few passengers had
this point foc their destination. He
watched them descend with calm in
difference 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 rev ealing their faultless
beauty. In her arms she carried a
little dog. She directed her course to
the station master.
''Can ! get Il vehicle here to take
me to Mrs. Vere's she questioned.
"Mrs. Yerc:s own carriage is in
waiting. Her brother, Captain Os-
good, came down, expecting some
friends.
"Thcn I will not intrude upon
them"
But at this Instant the young Off.
Ger stepped TO her side.
'The carriage it 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 answer
cd, smiling, and disclosing two rows
Of white even teeth. 81 am vcly,
glad to meet you"
And in proof Of the words, she cX-
tended one tiny, perfectly. .glovcd
hand.
"Cool for a govcrncss, upon my
word, and doesn't answer much to
Mans description,' thought Mr..
Fred.
But, notwithstanding, he felt quite
warranted in meeting the frank ad-
vance very cordially, and soon, in
their homeward drive, after first dis
posing of what seemed to him an un-
warrantabie amount OF baggage they
were, chatting away like old friends.
When the house was reached, Cap
tain Osgood withdrew. lie would let
the women meet alone, and not be-
tray the momcntary weakness into
which he had been beguilcd. '5a.
''Mrs. We're is in the library, MISS"
proclaimed the butler.
The young lady followed him in
the door indicated.
.'Well. Fred, you were disappoint-
ed, after ALL" began the mistress of
the room, without turning her head,
as her quick ear detected the opening
Of the door. "Miss Hougbton's let
ter, apprising me of her illness and
consequent detention, arrived just af-
ter you left the house. 1t was TOO"
But her sentence remained unfn-
ished, as some one stole softly be-
hind her and clasped two tiny gloved
hands close over her eyes.
,,Who can it be 2" SHE questioned.
The hands were withdrawn, She
looked up. 4a. aan
"Flossie !" she exclaimed, and rap
turously claspcd the girl in her arms
"Where did you come from !" was
her first question, when she found
breath.
''Straight from Paris, dear. When
reached New York, ! heard that you