The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-26
Mr.. Delmayne's Ward.

something must be done,' said Mrs.
Charles Delmayne, decisively, the girl is
getting more reckless every day
what can be done p asked Mr.. Richard
Delmayne, looking helplcssly at his sister
in law, we cannot shut Ter up in q con-
vent
No, but we can find her husband and
get her comfortably settled
But she is so young
'one will be nineteen in May, and mar
RED at that age. 1t Is great pity that you
were obliged to receive her into your house.
hold, Richard. Guardianship over a girl
like Dorothca, was great responsibility
for bachelor to assume
Il suppose so, was the reply: but l
could not refuse the dying request of On
old friend
AT first, entertained hopes that she
would improve by remaining with us, said
Mrs. Dehmayne, plaintively; but, as l re-
married before, she is wilder than ever.
element, for | never know what madcap
prank she will play next. thought 1t dis
graceful enough when she donned suit of
Dicks and went skating on the pond the
evening they had that skating party, but
this last prank is still worse, if possible
Mrs. Delmayne folded her plump white
hands and settled herself comfortably in a
luxurious easy chair, and prepared to enjoy
her favoritc pastimc, which consisted Of re-
failing Dorolhea's misdemcauors.
You know Squire Vonsonby has been
looking for wife for year or two-now
he is quite wealthy, is respectfully connect.
ed, and would be very suitable match for
Dora
Squire Vonsonby gasped Richard, In
amazcmcnt, 'he is old enough to be her
grandfather, and has married daughter
who is considerably older than Dot
We'll, replied his sister-in-law. Dora
needs husband who is steady and sober
minded, she Is so tlighty herself. Besides,
Mr.. Yonsonby looks full ten years yt unger
than mis- real age. In my opinion it would
have been very suitable match But it is
all over now, che added with a sigh, 'he
will never enter this house again
In answer to Richards look of inquiry,
Mrs. Dclmayue continues:
y invited Mr.. Xonsonby to tea last even
ing-I had my household duties to attend
entertain our guest She must have neg
lected him shamefully, for the poor man
1ell asleep, and the little huzzy seized the
opportunity to play one of her ridiculous
pranks; she actually had tho audaclty, and
Mrs. Delmayne lowered her voice to all
impressive whisper, actually had the au
dacity to remove his wig and substitute an
old red one that she found among some
rubbish in tho garret. The poor man did
not discover the trick until he had become
the laughing.stock of the community Dick
happened to hear about it this morning, and
considered it my duty to inform you of
the affair, as you were absent at the time. )
lila, ha, hal' laughed Richard. Il can
Imagine how ridiculous he looked struttlng
along in his pompous manner
Il am certainly astonishcd at you, Rich
ard, said Mrs. Delmayne, severely.
sincerely hope you d. not uphold the girl
in her dlsgraceful actions2'
Il shall, Of course, reprove her. he re-
Piled. Dot will improve as she grows OIL
der, I have no doubt-she is merry and
thoughtloss now, but think she will de-
velop into splendid woman
Mrs. Demayne cast an uneasy look at her
brother-ln- laws face as she left the room.
She had reason for wishing Dot safely
disposed Of; she was fearful that Richard
might fall in love with his fascinating ward
and that would never dc, tor If he were to
.
to the ground. She had secretly dctcrmin.
ed that her son Dick-his uncle 8 namcsakc
should be his heir. Besides, her broth
cr-in-law's elegant residence made very
comfortable home for herself aud fathcrlcss
boy, and madame had no intention of los
ing 1t, hence she made the most of Dots
mischiovous escapadcs.
just as madame's silkcn skirts ustled up
stars the hall door flew open and light foo;
steps danced along the passage.
Dot! Dotl' called Mr.. DeImayne.
The appellation exactly suited tho young
gih 4Gtat entered. A dainty form, a dark,
piq,i.sat face, lit up with a pair of black
eyes which sparlsled with mischief.
Well, Guardy,' she said, with o saucy
smile, which revealed dimple in each SOFT
pink cheek. WHAT'S it a leature2
'Yes, Dot, replied Mr. Dclmaync grave
~, i really must lecture you. Your con-
duct to MIR. Vonsonby was extremely un.
l&dy like.
~ don't care, Guardy,' cried Dot def.
,Antly, i can't bear old Vonsonby, and ]