Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1883-11-13

4 detest anything mannish in woman,
Fred declared Grossly as he resumed his
leathern chair.
Certainly the gentleman had experienced
very little peace since that perverse girl of
seventeen-that incarnation of audaciey and
witchery, had invaded the tranquil country
nome of his indulgent spinster sister. If
he wished a little season of particular
quietude the tinkle of the piano and a dis
rractingly sweet voice would sound through
che house. If he consulted his LAHORE
notes upon some especially favored histori-
cal or poetical work, his equanimity would
be disturbed by keen and pertinent inter-
olations that his own wit had never sug
rested. If he attempted any remonstrance,
>he would blunt his ceosure with pun and
iefy rebuke by an ingenious repartee. She
would affect Scientific themes that she mig bit
llsconcert him by some problem too diff
icult for his elucidation, she dared his
opinions and challeng ed his sentiments, she
wore the colors, the flowers, the gems she
knew he most disliked, and she was indeed
The plague of his life.
sWhy do you always wear the topaz, Miss
Evelyn?' he asked her later that day.
He had glanced up with ready frown at
he exquisite sharp and charming brunette
face, preceiving only the yellow gem he
whimsically abominated, glittering in her
coal-black hair and amid the white laces on
her bosom.
'As an apulet,' she replied quickly, mer-
rily and meaningly. 1T is a preservative
against poi on, you know.
The speech was not quite civil, the laugh
ing glance of the big black eyes was saucy
and significant, but her manner was the per-
lection of Innocent playfulness
Fred's frowning face crimsoned.
what monster of iniquity would wish to
harm SO gentle and gracious lady,? he re-
torted with uugalant irony.
She regarded him for a moment with a
curiously intent and questioning look, be-
fore which his countenance suddenly chang
ed-suddenly he seemed defensive rather
than aggressive, as one who feared his own
weakness rather than the strength of the
enemy.
Perhaps she discerned something in his
nneasiness that she willfully declined to
understand; perhaps she comprehended a
pain that thrilled her more than she cared
to acknowledgment she, too, changed.
'Mr. Ives, she began at length, with a
singular new splendor in her sweet smile
and singular new sweetness in her voice,
ANY sarcasm is absurd between you and
me. The candid truth is so much better
a ways even if it be disagreeable. | am per-
fectly aware that you detest me; that every
thing | do displeases or annoys you. You
have given me abundant proof of dislike,
and never yet vouchsafed me kindness nor
a courtesy. 1t is you who are ungentle-
you are ungracious. Why you are SO,
may not inquire; but l shall implore our
Carrie to send me away. and trust that you
may never again be afflicted with the pres
ence of so luckless person as myself
And while he marveled if this new amia-
bility, this charming combination of humil-
ity and dignity, were sincerity or snare,
she had gone, leaving him somewhat be-
wildered and wholly uncomfortable.
4 have mind to try the subjuga ed black
horse myself he thought presently, as he
noted the CLEAN of white dress and an
amber scarf among the trees up the long
shady road.
But the black horse had not been sub
jugated for Fred s pleasure, evidently. T e
mettle that had been obedent to he slight
est command of one dainty, daring girl, had
not been tanned for his control.
Jessie, pausing by the pleasant wayside,
was suddenly startled by the unsteady tramp
of h6ofs, and looked to behold the unman-
ageable animal gallopiug toward her. The
next instant he tossed his vicious head aloft
and reared ca his launches; simultaneous
ly, the saddle girth snapped asunder, and
the unfortunate rider was precipitated up
on the level sward almost at her very feet.
o Fred, are you hurt? she inquired in
tones of tenderest concern, as she knelt
down beside him and slipped herpretty arm
beneath his fallen head
Yes, he answered, gazing straight up in
to her anxious eyes. Il am hurt to death
for love of the gil who hates me, who fan
cies that have disliked her,
TT was an old love-making, doubtlessly;
but there and then holding fast the little
wilful hand, the lover rehearsed the ancient
and delecta BILE story.
of course l will marry you Fred she
assured him sweetly. 4 always knew was
doomed to be the plague of your life