Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1880-04-30

claimed her as their special property.
Only one person held aloof from all
the warmth and brightness, and even
he relaxed little as the squire drew
him for few moments into conversa-
ton, listening to his remarks with such
Difference, in spite of the difference in
their years, that the young man was
flattered and elated. But for a short
time, however; the squire could not
stop long with one, and as he moved
away the solitary malcontent muttered :
"All very we'll; he's a kind-hearted
man and means well when he brings
me here; but she takes care to show me
that | am out of place. All! she is
going to condescendm savagely, as Miss
Burleigh approached and said, with a
scarcely concealed hesitation which was
not noticeable in her manner toward
others:
1--WE are discussing a question of
vital Importance, Doctor Elwell, and
we want your opinion"
The doctor, of course, banishing his
ill-humor, and offering his arm to his
youthful hostess with a low bow, ac-
companied her across the room to where
merry half dozen or so of young people
were holding laughing dispute.
I'VE are considering the propriety
of the gentlemen entirely Withdrawing
from the field, and in view of the fact
that leap-year comes so seldom, giving
the ladies the exclusive privilege of
making choice. What do you think,
doctorP" asked Kate Ormsby, bright
brunette, as her black eyes flashed, with
the spirit of coquetry which was as
natural as her breath, intensified by the
somewhat disappearing glance of a
blonde gentleman opposite.
Doctor Elwell, not at all averse to
making some one else suffer 1.-THE of
the pangs which rent his own spirit,
with a sudden intuitive recognition of
the fact that he might avenge himself
piled, with animation and empressment ::
Il quite agree with you, Miss
Ormsby; during this year the right of
selection and proposal belongs to the
ladies alone, and any gentleman who is
so daring as to infringe upon right
should be made to pay forfeit, consist
ing of nothing less than a love ola boz
net or Pal isian fan"
"Oh! and that reminds me-" cried
Kate, "you know it is an old custom,
handed down from our forefather's time,
and as relic Of antiquity, to be solemnly
respected and rigidly enforced, that any
gentleman who has the hardihood to
refuse, must pay folfeit of nothing less
than silk dress"
ga provision which destroys all the
romance" said Edith.
Rather hard on some poor fellow
who couldn't raise a silk dress" re-
marked Mr.. Wheelsr, the blonde, who,
by the way, was a very well-to-do dry
goods.merchant of proverbiaIly generous
habits.
DR. Elwell first turned faint at the
himself fool and coxcomb, and finally
flushed crimson at Mr.. Wheeler's re-
mark, which he considered direct af-
front.
Gas if any one co, Id not buy silk
but then you must know, sir, that no
lady will propose to a gentleman until
sne knows his state of mind.
"That is what we men think with re-
gard to asking lady the momentous
question; but we generally find our
selves completely in the dark as to their
IeeIlngS lOf us.
"Ah! but you gentlemen displa
your feelings more than ladies do" said
saucy Kate. "There! they are form
ing a quadlille in the next room. Let
me see; have a partner tor this dance?
mo, have not" and DR.. Elwell i'm
mediately begged the honor, and pro-
ceeded to the spacious apartment which
was devoted to the service of Terpsich-
ore, with the little brunette on his
arm. My. Wheeler pulled his blonde
mustache in vexation, and for few
moments seemed to have changed places
with the disciple o.. Galen.
"What charming man DR.. Elwell
is," remarked Kate Ormsby, who was
to remain day or two with Edith, as
the girls were talking ever the events
of the evening in the latter's chamber
before retiring. Edith colored little
and bent to unbutton her boots as she
answered.:
do you find him SOP You seemed
to get on very well with him, though
he is so grave | have hardly known
how to approach him. He is wrapped
up in his profession, / suppose. Papa
thinks his throat has greatly improved
since he began his treatment"
Edith did not see the laugh Kate
stiffled at this measured speech, and the
latter went on gleefully:
Yes, l find him very interesting
but not entirely free from the weaknesses
that mortal man befall. How con.
ceited these men are! declare, I am
| dying to take them downa little, anC
| the first of April is near at band"
| The dreary month of March was en-
| livened by numerous attractive evening
entertainments, one of the chief of which
was candy party at the farmhouse ol
Kate's father, to which the young ladies
escorted the young gentlemen O.
Gheir choice, in sleighs and buggies, al
the weather permitted, making rar,
sport of the reversed order of things
| To all of these was DR. Elwell invited
and to all he promptly went, notwith
standing the fact that he frequentl,
stated to his inner consciousness that b.
was the most incomprehensible idiot il
existence, and that the special festivit,
which was on the tapis at that particu la
time should be the last tantalizini
gaiety to count him as it's victim.
For one most aggravating fact re
mained-although young ladies in an,
out of the village for miles aroun
showed him honor, for which he shoul
have been grateful, though bright eye
sparkled and dimpled cheeks glowed tn
more at his approach-spite of the fac
which continually haunted him that h
was only young physician, strugglin
for a place in life one damscl, fo
whose smiles he watched with an cage
longing which no res son could subdu,
remained utterly Indifferent to all aE
peara1ces, treating him with cali
civi!ity that was maddening. Perhar
no one but Kate knew what existed bt
meath the calm exterior. and if she SUI
npcted no one WAS the wiser