Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1882-02-20

Lucy applied herself intensely, and
soon outstripped all her classes and
was obliged to go on with her studies
by herself. At every examination
she was the observed of all observers
excelling in every branch of study,
and taking the first prizes in every
department; her compositions, in
particular, were regarded as master
pieces, and in short, Lucy was the
pride of the school.
During the two years of her life in
New York, her manners, too, had ac-
quired polish only given by associa-
ton with people of refinement, and
even Julia was proud to introduce
her cousin, Miss Holmes. Lucy's
example and assistance were Of great
use to Helen, who proved under her
influence very different character
from what she would have been if
left only to the guidance of her gay
and fashionable sister Julia. Though
inferior in intellect to Lucy, she was
still far superior to the superficial
young ladies with whom she associat-
ed; she really learned to love knowl-
edge for its own sake, and was pre-
pared on leaving school to relish
style of reading more improved than
the light, trashy works of the day,
which form the only reading of many
of our gay young ladies. Helen was
really fine girl, uncommonly attrac-
tive and interesting.
During the two years in which
Lucy made her home at her uncle's,
Herbert Ferguson continued to be a
constant visitor there, and Julia often
wondered that he made no declara-
ton. When thinking on the subject
she exclaimed "strange, unaccounta-
BILE !" many times during those two
years. She wondered, too, that Her
bert seemed to love so much to talk
to Lucy; but her self-complacency
was never in the least disturbed by
the thought of Lucy as rival.
And throughout those two years,
Arthur Holmes, who had entered in
the junior class at Yale, ranked as
high in his class as his sister did in
hers. Being a young man of fine
principles, as well as splendid intel
lect, he was determined to show his
uncle that he intended to make the
most of the advantages he had so
kindly furnished him. At the end of
two years he graduated with the high
est honors, and was Immediately Of
fered a distinguished professorship in
another college. Who would now
recognize in the easy and elegant
Arthur Holmes the diffident young
"clod hopper who alighted from the
stage two years ago, at his uncle's
door?
Helen and Lucy had graduated too,
the latter taking the highest prizes,
and Helen coming only second to her
and the next day Lucy was to leave
for her Vermont home, when quite
early in the morning, at least early
for visitors, as it was not yet twelve
O'Clock, in looking out of the window
Julia saw Herbert Ferguson ascend.
ing the steps.
"Strange!'' said she, she never
calls so early, and oh dear! [ am mo-
dressed; he must have come fol
something special" And in fiuttel
of excitement Julia began to arrange
her hair. But her hair was arranged
and her toilet completed, and no mes
senger had come to summon her tt
the parlor.
Pulling the bell, she called to Thorn
as and asked him if Mr.. Ferguson
had not called.
eyes, Miss" Thomas answered.
HAnd why did you not call me
Thomas? how can you be so stupid ?
because, Miss, he asked for Mis-
Lucy"
"Strange! undccountable p ex
claimed Julia, as she walked up an
down the room, her cheeks fushe
with agitation "what can he wan
with Lucy? Perhaps he wishes her t
make interest for him with me, or t
ascertain my sentiments towards him.
But the moments went by, and il
liza had exclaimed ''strange! una'
countable!' !'' dozen times, and y
no one came to call her. Present.
her young brother Harry came rusl
ing up stairs, having just returne
from school.
ssJust like me p he exclaimed, sa
!, ways blundering in where | ain
wanted What must l do just no
but burst into the library, and the
sat Mr.. Ferguson on the sofa, wi
his arm round cousin Lucy. The
tried to jump away from each othe
and look as if nothing was going O.
= but it was no go; | saw through
II ALL"
. Julia had now more reason to e,
7 claim ''strange unaccountable' thf
ever. Arthur came for his sister, al
4 Herbert Ferguson, too, accompani'
her home as her affianced lover; al
= thus ended all Miss Julia's hop
and expectations.
~ 'sIsn't it odd, Julia? p said Hell,
.e one day few months later. "Y'
were so afraid to have Lucy con
. here lest it should drive Herbert Fe
- Ouson from the hOuse She has he,