The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1880-11-19
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MERTON'S VENGEANCE.
AN ENGLISH STORY.


The dame Margaret Merton. and
widow of the late Sir Philip, lived in
stately retirement at Oaklands Park,
and had lived there far longer time
than she cared to remember.
She had been for nineteen years an
utterly solitary woman, save on rare
occasions, when she admitted certain
near relatives to the honors of a short
visit. The only near relations which
she had were a nephew and two nieces,
George, Ellen and Margaret.
Lady Merton had son somewhere
about the world, but she had neither
seen nor heard from him directly for
nearly twenty long years. Richard
Merton was. and always had been, an
eccentric young man.
At the distant date of which we speak
he was a very good-looking, hearty,
willful youth of nearly five and-twenty.
He had been to college, had Travelled,
and sown his wild oats broadcast. He
then returned to Oaklands Park and
joined in the festivities of Christmas, the
dowaeer mistress of the house gather
ing round her many friends to do homer
to his long wished for but unexpected
return.
Sir Richard Merton was very kind
and polite to all collected together. A
very fine county collection it was, with
many wise men and beautiful women
But soon Sir Richard Merton had eyes
for no one save for Edith Lechmere, the
daughter of wealthy baronet, who had
only one other child, the son who was
to succeed him in his family estate and
honors.
Both he and his portly wife, a woman
Of tender heart, saw with complacency
a county. Ele5ftnH locffnDHk tAfit best Arbitration on on
their beloved daughter.
Lady Margaret Merton liked the girl
as girl, but certainly did not approve
of her as the future mistress of Oaklands
Park.
The day after the festival, Sir Rich
ard, at breakfast, indicated an intention
of calling on the Lechmeres to pay his
respects. His mother looked keenly at
him as he spoke.
az hope you have not been struck by
that Lechmerc girl, EdithP" she said
eagerly.
"Why notP" he asked, rather sharply.
"She is, indeed, most charming crea-
ture."
because it would be most inju.
dicious and unfortunate selection" she
answered.
MAY ask whyp" was the rather
quick rejoinder; "the reason why,
mother mine?"
Because, though amiable, she is ex-
ceedingly delicate. Her health is any
thing but satisfactory. Walking is
a great exertion to her, while horse ex-
ercise is out OF the question. "she went
on. "Such a girl is not fit person to
be the mother of the Mertons. We have
always been stalwart and comely race.
No puny children ever endangered our
direct succession
And yet I believe" said Richard.
rather hardly, that lost two brothers
their delicacy."
Lady Merton turned very pale. This
was severe subject with her, and one
that panied her even now to think of.
"Those deaths were accidents" she
said, in halt mournful, half angry
tone. "It is because would guard
| against any more such contingencies
that would have you guided by reason
in your choice"
II shall be guided solely by love and
affection in my choice of wife," was
his calm and naughty reply, and then
dropped the subject.
Alter breakfast the baronet dressed
suitably to the season, and then started
for Lechmere Hall on horseback. He
WAS most cheerfully and Hospitality
welcomed by the baronet and his wife
while Edith received him with shy
satisfaction.
Richard Merton was not young man
for any young lady to treat with any
thing else but attention. Handsome
highly accomplished, brilliant in con.
versation, a great traveller. he was also
an admirable talker.
Edith laughed at his sallies in hei
quiet way, smiled at his quaint way o
telling adventures, and was highly in
terested in his description of foreign
courts.
She thought him certainly very ac
complished, fine young English gentle
man, but whether she would view hin
in the light her parents wished her Il
regard him was wholly another thing
But Sir Richard was not hasty o.
ardent lover. He wished TO do thing
as they should be done, according I,
rule and order, and was quite prepare,
to go through the ordinary process o
courtship. the pleasant flower-clad Ian
which leads to matrimony
Edith met his attentions with gentl
indifference, though she appeared al
ways glad 70 see him, and apparentl,
preferred him to all other open an
more obvious suitors,
The baronet and his wife looked {
with smiling satisfaction. and alread
in their minds eye saw their daught,
Lady Merton. in one OF the finest POS
tions in the county.
The time wore on, and the perio
came for the LONDON season. 3
Richard had a town house, which WI
kept up.in the old style.
J. The young baronet was nothing II m
hospitable, and liked to see his tab
groaning under what he called good o
English fare-none of your frenS
"kickshaws" and nonsense.
Though he had travelled he was pure
and simply English in his tastes. Ii
mother prided herself on this. and co
tinually drew his attention to how lit
Edith syInpathized with his feelings.
She was dainty little bird, and low
the tempting delicacies which are offer'
by the learned cuisines Of foreign part
She was not partial to English custom
and cared not for any OF the hoDd'