The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1883-02-17

and from the door of which she was al
ways escorted by either Madame Won
Breeks Won Starch or MISTRESS Huffey)
she found there new pupil with mag
nificent bass voice, and that new pupil
was the fair haired, blue-eyed young
fresco painter. Not one word of this
meeting, nor of the meetings that follow
ed it two or three times week for six
months thereafter, did the naughty girl
breathe to either of three grandmothers,
aud the two younger of the trio exulted
greatly over the strict vigilance with
which they guarded the future bride (ac-
cording to their long laid plans) of Died
rich Won Breeks the rich Holland mer-
chant, due in New York with the new
year. But their exultation came to an
end on New Years Eve. On that even
ing the Conservatory of Music gave IA
pupil concert, and the very first duet
was sung by Miss Gertrude Won Brecks
and Mr. Everdell Tremlett. In vain had
the latter begged to be left out of the
programmes, Ill vain lldu lie
to his aid mysterious throat-disease.
His professor declared that sing he must,
or lose his place in the Conservatory, and,
what was still worse, prove himself an
ingra- a-te.' And SO the three grand
mothers, sitting in great state near the
stage. were horrfied-that is, two of them
,n,,nahaI bar arrayr
as pacidly as ever)-by seeing and hear
ing their granddaughter made operate
love to- in very real love- making way.
before most fashionable audience. by
the young man who frescoed their par
lors
In moment the whole truth flashed
upon their minds, and how they sat out
tho rest of the concert, so great was
their indignation, they never knew. But
at last, much to their relief, it came to
an end, and ominous silence with which
they received the pretty culprit prepared
her for the storm (the after-claps of
which have recorded at the beginning
of my story that burst upon her head
as soon as they reached home. When it
was over Gertrude was allowed to seek
her room. Here she threw off her cloak
turned the key in her door, and took
read.
"MY DEAREST (thus it RAM -" sup
pose-in facs, | know-you will have a
scene to night with her Royal llighness
Won Breeks Won Starch and her faithful
henchwoman the Duchesse de Huffey. l
am SO sorry for you, dear. But don't
let them frighten you; and don't be
frightened at what lam about to propose
morrow will be New-Year's Day
Consent. | threat you, to begin the new
year with me. ] have but humble
home to offer you, but in it waits the
blessedest of mothers and the best of
grandmothers who will make your
fourth to welcome you. l shall be
waiting. when you read this note, with
carriage around the nearest corner. Our
alto and tenor will be with me, ready to
act AS bridesmaid and groomsman. Your
our marriage. and unless you take a de-
cisive step they will marry you, in spite
o. yourself, to your Dutch fifth cousin.
Come, my darling, come.
EvERDELL.
"P. S.--lf you find it impossible to
make Your escape, why, then | must
beard the lions in their den tomorrow,
and fight duel with the Won Breeks Won
Starch as soon AS he arrives in the
country
Gertrude stood an instant in thought.
Then she glanced in the mirror. 1t re-
Elected bridelike figure. Dress of some
clinging creamy white material, daisy
decked head, a cloud of lace clasped at
the throat by tiny gold cross. She
smiled softly, re-read her note, waited
impatiently until half an hour had passed
and then unlocked her door, opened it,
and listened All was silent as the grave.
Cautiously she.ventured ont in the entry,
CROPPED her way to the stairway, and be-
gan to descend the stairs, pausing on
every other step to make sure that no
one was astir and watching her. At last
she reached the street door in safety. 1t
seemed an age to her until she had sue
ceeded in unfastening the heavy chain
across tin reality it was just three
minutes-and then she felt for the key.
1t was gone Her heart sank within
her.
Poor Everdell ~ she said, and sadly
prepared to retrace her steps-not daring
to try the basement way, because the ser
wants slept in that part of the house
when faint light appeared above her
head, and looking up, she saw great
gran, carrying a lighted candle i'll her
hand. coming down the stairs as carefully
as she had come down them herself.
she will call the others as soon as she
is sure it is T. she exclaimed, clasping
her hands i'll an agony of fear. But
great gran came straight on, without a
word until she stood beside the fright
ened girl.
1" Here's the key, my dear" she said,
in a whisper, and with quite girlish
air. i've got key that fits the Gen
erals door, though he don't know it, and
took this from under her pillow. Oh!
if she'd caught me. But she sleeps like
soldier of the Revolution. And here's
little gift for you''-putting small
package in Gertrude's hand. "Law,
child, how much you do lock like me
the night ran away with Oliver Peeky.
Your sweetheart's good boy; | know
all about him. Good night, and happy