The Portland daily press., 1883-01-13


smoothly for about three months. / had
quite recovered my health, and / may say
was placidly happy, If, at times, while cit
ting with my elderly bride-elect, and hear
ing her, it may be, complain of some all
ment which she candidly attributed to
advancing years, I did feel twinge of re-
greet, had but to turn to the four cups and
saucers, the cream-jug, and the two dishes,
and it vanished.
"But Fate and Miss Crofton had other
views for me, although l little suspected
them.
According to custom, one afternoon /
paid my usual visit to my future spouse.
and was surprised as l entered the house to
hear the sound.of piano. / know some
thing OF music, so at once became aware
that the instrument was played with great
skill, and much wondered who the perform
er might be. had not as. yet discovered
that my Lesbia possessed musical talent
The maid opened the door of the drawing
room, the music ceased. and walked in
and found myself face to face with one of
the loveliest girls had ever met. Perhaps
the surprise; the contrast, when | saw her
instead of the middle-aged lady I expected
to greet, made this stranger look even more
charming. l conld realize only at first
bright young face, with masses of light hair
around it, turned to see who entered, and a
Wei 'AAONi0SN ASuiCs W SlCdb du-
vantage as she sat before the piano. Her
dress as of simple black, but well and becom
ingly made, and as she rose when 1 entered
| could see she was over middle height
"Women always behave with less awk-
wardness than men in chance meetings; so
while stood still and stammered some
words of apology, she advanced with per-
feet ease, and said:
SO Mr.. Headley, l am sure! My aunt
told me to expect you. She has gone out
for short time, but hoped you would wait
until her return
81 was only too pleased to accept the in
vitation SO frankly given, and recovering my
self-possession, in few minutes was in full
swing of chat with my Lesbia's niece.
81 found her an unaffected girl, full of
spirits, and looking forward to the pleas
ures of stay IN town,
suppose you will stay some time?'
asked. Your presence will quite brighten
Miss Crofton's house,
81 shall stay as long as ever my aunt will
keep me- replied. Isn't she dear old soul
Mr. Headley?'
81 WINGED, and began to realize that my
situation was painful one
She is SO antiquated, she continued, 'and
yet SO romantic in many things
81 felt more oolish than ever, and for
the sake of saying something remarked:
1 wonder she did not tell me you were
coming. suppose she meant to surprise me-
" 1 suppose so. But assure you she has
talked to me great deal about yeu Mr..
Neadey. You appear to be great friends.
Quite Irritation, tell her.
81 colored up to my ears, but managed to
say: .n
Then conclude her report of me has
been favorable
L sha'n't betray her confidence. Mr.
Headley: and, any way, it would have no
weight with me, as prefer to form my own
opinions
"As I felt we were getting on delicate
ground, begged her to resume the music
my coming had cut short.
"She played piece of Chopin's with great
feeling and brillancy, and then, at my re-
quest sang couple of ballads. Her voice
was sweet and well trained-altogether she
was very charming neice-to-be.
DO you play or singr she asked.
Neither, unfortunately. l am only an
Indifferent critic, who Understands music
only enough to praise when pleased
All, forgot you. are great china col
lector.'
Sand as she spoke it struck ms that this
was the first time / had ever been inside
this room and forgotten to look and assure
myself of the safety and well-being of the
cups. saucers, cream-jug, and dishss.
And, as the thought of the china brought
other thoughts in it's train, l felt that
would give great deal to know whether
Miss Crofton had told her niece everything.
Fervently hoped that she had not done so,
as knew intuitiyelyt should cut a sorry
! figure in young girls eyes.
During my meditation Lesbia returned,
and instead of appearing jealous and annoy
| ed at the capital understanding between the
fair niece and future uncle smiled and said :
Shall introduce you young people, or
have you dispensed with tina ceremony?
| g Your niece has the advantage of me in
knowing my name,' 1 replied.
| Mr.. Robert Headey, let me present
you to Miss Ethel Croffton; my favorite
niece said Lesbia with the politeness OF the
| old school.
| After that unnecessary ceremony /
| shall go and dress for dinner said Miss
| Ethel Crofton.
| II cl ,sed the door after her. and turned
to greet her aunt with the accustomed salute.
| Perhaps from the same reason that the china
had lost its charm to-day, found that semi
maternal affection was scarcely satisfying
enough, and could not help thinking my fut-
| ure bride looked very aged.
" Robert she said lit was l believe the
| first time she had used my Christian name
4 should much prefer that Ethel should
hear nothing OF our engagement at present.
| She is young and giddy, and might not look
| upon it in the right light
II promised secrecy with Joy I could
scarcely conceal. At any rate Ethel knew
nothing about it as yet
| Il dined that evening with the ladies'
Miss erosion did the honors in dress of
| such Anticipated design aud material that
Ethel openly rallied her upon it. She her.
self was beautiful in pale blue silk, and 1
| nCtTr1 IL Nv a,. Co., IL
| face, her pleasant, natural manner, that be-
fore the evening was half spent l had fully
realized what an ass / had made of myself.
MY visits to Shepherds Bush for the
| next few days were as frequent as the most
| exacting fiancee could have expected; but /
am afraid that had my Lesbia been of a
jealous or suspicious nature she would not
have derived the pleasure from them she ap-
| peared to feel. sat no longer in the chair
commanding the best view of the cabinet tina
| enshrined the treasures for which scontem-
plated sacrificing myself and my affections.
| l was ever by EthePs side; at the piano,
| turning the leaves of the music; reading my
| favorite to her; holding her crewls, or wind
| ing wool for her. Considering the tender
relation between Miss Crofton and myself,
l must own that my behavior toward her
unsuspectiDg niece was disgraceful. Indeed,
| had Lesbia thought fit to pour storm of re-
prOdCu upon me, anu OTuer me 10 quit Q6T
| presence, she would have been fully Just.
flied. However, she did nothing of the kind,
but sat in her favorite corner, knitting,
and apparently paying no attention to the
| Irritation, or somethir more serious, which
was proceeding under her very eyes,
"Soon matters reached climax. I could
no longer deceive myself. l was hopelessly
in love with Ethel Crofton, and / felt bound
in honor to inform her aunt, and to throw
myself on the fair-spinster's mercy before I
made the avowal of my love to Ethel.
81 found Lesbia alone one day, so I took
| the little key from my waistcoat pocket and
handed it to her.
"'And what is that for, Roberto she
asked gravely.
"In shamefaced manner I said:
{" Il can't marry you'll love Ethel
"'0h, Robert-Robertp said Miss Croft
ton, putting her handkerchief to her eyes /;
what can say to you? Only month ago
I was indispensable to your future happiness
end yet you forsake me for the first young
face you see:' and she appeared to sob
bitterly.
"' 1t was the china expostulsted.
see; and now you think you can
have Ethel and the china too, and prefer a
young bride and old china to an old bride
| and old china Faithless mani
81 lost my temper utterly, and am sor-
ry to say my polteness followed it.
"' Hang the chinap cried; give me
1