Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1881-05-26
Trapped by an HeireSS.

TFappeu Dl AH HCllC
A coser place than the big sitting-room
at Hillcrest would have been hard TO find.
if one had travelled from Lands End to
John O'Groat's; and this eventtul evening,
when the destines of two worthy people
were about taking definite form-two peo-
pie who had never seen each other, and
who had heard of each other SO often that
both were curiously eager 10 mcet--on this
important evening The sitting-room at Hill
crest had never looked pleasanter or CO
Sier.
A huge fire of logs glowed like molten
carbuncles In the open fireplace; on the
table in the centre of the floor, whose cover
matched the glowing crimson OF the carpet,
was silver stand that held dozen snowy
wax taperS, whose beaming light contrasted
exqmsitely with the ruddy glow OF the
fire.
Beside the table, in a big cushioned
char. with his feet thrust toward the genial
warmth on the hearth, his grey dressing
gown sitting comfortably on his portly
form, his gold-rimmed glasses on his nose,
sat the owner and master of Hillcrest, MIR.
Abiah Cressington, rich, good-natured, and
fond of his own way. Opposite him was
the mistress of the place-httle, shrew-faced
merry Aunt Cornelia, his sister, who,
since her wldowhood, has come TO Hillcrest
to make her bachelor brothers. home as
pleasant as she could.
That she had succeeded was evident by
the way now in which he looked up from
a letter he had been reading-the cOntden-
tial, kindly way in which he did it.
HWalter writes curious letter IN response
to nv invitation to come and spend few
weeks at Hillcrest as soon as he gets over
his fatigue from his ocean voyage home,
after his five years tour abroad. Pl read
it to you
He leaned over the softly-glowing light,
and began the short, concise reply that
Walter Austin had written from his cham
Der in the Temple:
'You are very kind, indeed, Uncle
Ablah, to ask me down to H1llcreSt for as
long as l wish to stay, and l can assure
you that have been so long wanderer
that the idea OF a home is very pleasant to
me. But when take into consideration
the peculiar Importance you propose at
taching to my visit, | am unwilling to ac-
cept the invitation. To me the idea OF
having nv fancies and lnclinations put
into harness, and TO feel that am on cou-
tinual duty to win my way into the good
graces of my second cousin, Mabel, whom
you are good enough TO wish me to
marry"
Mrs. Corneha interrupted sharply
'sAbiah, you never went and told our
grand-nephew that you had in view his
marriage with Mabell"
Her tone was energetic, almost repre-
hensive.
"Why notR l certainly did. l told
him in my letter that it was chance for
him he'd never get again, and that he
needn't feel under such terrible obligations
to take fancy to Phlrs little Mabel, but to
come down and be cousinly, and if any
thing should happen. it'd be right all
around,
Mrs. Cornela knitted vigorously, her
lavender cap ribbons quivering in the mel
low taper glow.
s'All l have to say Is, you're foe, ],
Ahiah! Walter is right. A young man
doesn't like to have his fancies under rein
and whip, and the very fact that we want
him TO marry will make him indisposed to
do it. You've made great mistake in the
beginning"
Mir. Cressington looked aghast at his sis
ter's determined face.
why, l really didn't suppose"
"Of course you didn't. It's only your
natural stupidity, you dear old fellow
Men are all alike. Don't / know them like
book2 And you've ruined your hopes
for Mabel and Walter at the very outset. "
Mr.. Cressington started discomtitedly.
''I am sure / mean it ali right enough,
Cornelia. / certainly wanted Walter to
know what little darling our Mabel IL,
and what uice little wife she would make
for any man."
Every commendable, indeed; only, if
You had consulted me upon the letter you
send | should have advised you 10 say moth
ing about Mabel or her charms, or her ex-
pectations. | should have simply asked
hum to come and see us, and have left tho
rest to Mabel's blue eyes. You see now,
Abiah2"
HIS lips compressed slowly.
81 think | see. And my hopes in that
direction are all ruined
The silver needles clicked rapidly, and
the snew.white yarn came reeLDg merrily,
off the ball under her arm.
''Not at all. Leave that to me, and I'll
see what can be done. Trust woman't
wit to get even blundering OF fellow like
youl self out of a scrape."
She smiled and nodded, and looked alto
gether so mischievous that MIR. Crossing
ton Jecame quite excited over her little
mystery.
"Do explain, Cornella.
And when she explained he leaned back
in mis- chair, with an expression OF positive
awe and admiration on his face.
"What woman you are, Cornella!
declare, it beats anything | ever heard il
the whole course of my lifel"
After dusk, glorious winter day, with
here and there star twinkling in the pale
gray sky, and the lights and fires in the
Hillcrest sitting room making an eloquent
welcome to Walter Austin, as he stood in
the midst of the home circle, tall, gentle,
manly, handsome and self-possessed.
Old Mr.. Cressington was in his richest
humor as he led forward two young girls
Come don't be shy now, Walter, this il
your cousin, Mabel Cressingtor, and this il
her good friend and lnseparable companion
Irene Vance, come to help to entertain