The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-05-19

type, and people did not dream of talking
any scandal about her, whatever they might
think. She had obtained husbands for two of
her sisters, and was now bringing out the
third.
Maud de Lara was the most enchanting lit
tie creature, but she was totally unlike her sis
ter, and. therefore, that lady took less inter
est in her than she had done in the other
two girls, who were second and third edi-
tons OF herself
These three were perfect De Laras, whereas
Maud was like no one in particular, and took
after her mosher's family, which was not SO
distinguished a one as the fathers.
You must not expect Maud to marry as
the Others have DONE" Mrs. Roley had said
decidedly TO her mother; "she is not so good
looking, and has not the same STYLE
"Maudie is short, certainly, and is not so
handsome as you are. of course, my dear; but
she is a sweet-looking girl | think" re-
turned the mother.
''Oh, yes; she is pretty enough, but she
must not be too particular" and Beatrice
Roley had dismissed the subject
When the nominal master of the house de-
scended from rehabiitating himself, most of
of his guests had arrived. One thing he had
done, however, to punish his wife. He was
aware that anything in bad taste gave her a
mental toothache; and he knew, too, that
her sense of good breeding would prevent
her making any remark before her visitors
however cross she might be. On the other
hand, he had no taste, and blending of
bright colors was pleasant to his eyes. So
when he appeared on the lawn among the
merry assemblage his wife simply shuddered
as she beheld the ''tie" he had selected; but
in another moment she recovered herself and
spoke to him.
Here you are at last, George. Now we
had better start as soon as possible. L think
every one is here. Why, where is Maud7 Go
aud -
is always late.'
Then, at wave of her delicately-gloved
hand, they all thronged on board the Swan,
who carried her name visibly upon her bows
without words, the fore part of the boat rep
resenting that graceful bird, with feathers
both carved and painted. When all the
guests were seated, Mr.. Roley and his sister
in-law came hurrying over the lawn.
"Oh, dear, am so sorry to be late, but 1
lost myself in a most delightful novel, and
forgot it was time to dressl' And she
turned pair of laughing blue eyes upon
them all
Don't look severe, Beatrice. dear; will
never do it again, if only you will forgive me
this once" she pleaded, planting tiny foot
upon the side of the boat. Now tell me
where am to sit, and 1 won't keep you a
moment waiting"
Wherever you can find room, Maud" re-
piled Mrs. Roley. Now, George. are you
ready2"
Of course he had to be- whether be was or
no; and in few moments the Swan. with its
white wings lin the shape of an awning)
spread, was making its way against the stream
of the river.
Maud de Lara had found seat, but it was
not very lively one, being between a some
what stiff matron and an old maid who was
not all sugar; but, as little Maud never could
be stiff she did her best to get conversation
out of them. to the amusement of those op-
polite, and more especially Mr.. Edwin Dun
stan, who thought her the prettiest most
winsome little fairy he ever saw in his life;
and, seeing his intense gaze, and the interest
he took in her sallies, a mutual understand
ing seemed to arise between these two, and
the blue eyes sought the deep-set gray ones
of the young man with shy consciousness, a
delicate blush stealing over the pretty
cheeks.
1t was 2 o'clock before the tow-horses had
pulled their freight to the arranged spot, and
the laughing party found themselves on the
greensward.
Who ever saw such lovely ieldsI' cried
Maud, joyfully, standing on an eminence
and peering all around. There is q field of
golden hawkweed, and another of crimson
trefoil and white chamomile; and the dear
old buttercups are not out Of bloom yet, and
look so pretty mixed with the red sorrel
Oh, 1 do enjoy this'' And the little woman
clapped her hand with childlike pleasure.
Mrs. Roley," said Edwin Dunstan, 81
think you said that mignonne little beauty
is your sister. May ask you to kindly in
troduce me?'
The other looked innocently around, let
ting her dark eyes follow those of the young
man. Yes, that is my sister Maud; don't
you know her? | thought you must have
met at Ripplebank. OF course I will intro
duce you Maudie, Mr.. Dunstan desires to
make your acquaintance, if you will come
down from that tall mound"
''Oh, won't he come up?' said the girl,
naively 1t is so delightful here, and there
is quite room for two at the top"
Maud, when will you be conventional?''
said her sister somewhat severely. But Ed
win Dunstan had lost no time in availing
himself of her invitation, and was already
by her side, and he answered the question to
Maud instead of that young lady replying to
her sister, before he had replaced his hat
Never, hope, Miss de Lara if | may be
permitted to say so upon so short an ac-
quaintancei you are charming as you are"
"Some people say they cannot bear COM
pliments," laughed Maud, "nut like them
very much One might as we'll say one dis
likes bonbons, and am very fond of both
Will you have some chocolate creams?" she
added. II have boxful in my pocket"
Perhaps we had better not eat any before
our luncheon" he replied. with smile. II
think chocolate creams are very NICE, but
they don't improve the appetite; and there Is
an edge to mine now, so l shall do justice to
your sisters good things"
Beatrice is a capital one for getting IN
picncs," continued Maud; there is always
plenty to eat, and the champagne is good"
The latter is, / suppose, Mr.. Roleys de-
parment? suggested Mr.. Dunstan.
Not bit of it; my sister manages every
thing. You would not care to drink of
Georges choosing, can assure you. He does
nothing; he only pays for it,"
Edwin Dunstan laughed heartily.
We'll, that is a considerable something,
Miss de Lara, you must confess that! But we
are in much too elevated a position to be
pleasantY'
Not pleasant Why, look at the country
Look at the lights and the shades under those
trees! See how the sun touches their trunks!
Oh, is it not lovely?"