Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-12-18
GaIes and Sketfkfs.
CHRIsfNLs GIT.


heard them ringing. in thai great dull
room where sat reading aloud Stuart
Mill it was to-night-but the sentences
that rolled 30 smoothly of my tongue
were as so much Greek to me moment
afterwards. There was . sleepy fire
burning in the CRATE. and toasting his feet
and limbs in the warmth and heat, sat the
master Of West Willow Grove, an old
white-haired man of seventy. feeble in
health. and irritable in temper, yet not an
unkindly man, considering his age and
ill-beath. | was-well, companion, sec
rotary, half nurse, had made rather
unfortunate essay at woman 'sindependence
and been really glad to come here where
the home was comfortable. and the duties
light. And yet
wondered how it would seem to keep
really bright Christmas-to have smiles
showered upon you. glad wishes gifts,
laughter. and pleassntries. remem-
bered when we we're little ones at home.
how we had hung up our stockings, feast
ed, and played, and danced in the even
ing to mammals piano.
But since then there had come death
and changes. Papa and a brother and
sister. had been carried off by malig-
nant fever. My oldest brother had gone
10 China to enter a mercantile house, and
my mother had accepted shelter at the
hands Of a great-aunt, whom she had an
gered years before, by her marriage with
poor man, when she might have had .
rich husband as well. Then she had died
when / was about twelve.
MADAM Mollinsaux" my aunt was
called. She had married q rich old man
for her second husband. but had been
widowed tor many years. Their were nu-
merous Mollineaux heirs. but she seemed
to hate them all save one, who had spent
a month or SD with us the summer l was
fourteen After that, had governess.
and was kept as strict as prisoner.
had such longing for youth and brightness,
for gayety and affection; l envied the
young people of the village when ! saw
their cheerful faces on Sundays. Some
times used to think of running away.
was about seventeen when the COVER
ness was called away to her own family !;
but her absence brought no liberty. My
aunt guarded me with a curious watchful-
ness, forbidding novels and young COM
panions. was ready for revolt at Christ
mas.
Only year ago! Why did the bells.
pealing through the clear, frosty air. call
it to mind? 1t came like a picture over
the page | was reading, and for moment
saw it again.
Pauline" my aunt had said, II expect
guest this evening. Go up to your
room, and put on the dress you will find
hanging there.
l obeyed wonderingly. A crimson
cashmere, with soft riches laces at the
wrists and throat. and pearl necklace.
What was to happen? Her austere maid
came in and assisted me.
"Who is to Gomez" asked eagerly.
''Is it to be partyp"
For it seemed to me that party with
dancing and music would be the crown to
life.
"a party! No! No such foolishness,
indeed. 1t is Mr. Vernon Mollineaux to
spend a week. There he comes now.
Don't 90 down till your aunt calls"
turned up the light and looked at my
self. Yes. l was pretty now, with this
soft pink in my cheeks, and the bright
light in my eyes. was Of medium height,
but my slenderEess made me look small.
My complexion was fair. my hair rich
chestnut brown, my eyes many shades
darker.
When / was tired of admiring myself,
opened the window and said bit oil
Longfellow. There was no moon. but
the stars were shining, and the bells
pealed so joyfully. How many happy
hearts there would be tonight! Why
was | shut out of it all
| was summoned down stairs. Mr.
Vernon Mollneaux arose to receive me
had preserved a little girls remem.
brance of q young man, but this one
seemed rather old and grave-twenty.
eight. as afterwards learned. but there
was an air of quiet authority and expert.
euce about him that chilled my bright
mood at the moment.
NV aunt waved me to q seat.
1--WE may at once begin with the truth, "
she said. in her business-like way. "Al.
though no outward token may be visible
know have not much longer to live
and desire to let you know my plans
You, Vernon. have treated me with
great respect and less servile selfshness
than the other members Of the family
Mollineaux Manor is mine to dispose Of
as | like, but it ought to be handed down
with the old name. have no nearer re.
lative than this girl. but I have some
pride tor my family as we'll. If You are
willing to marry her. the property is
yours; if she is foolish enough to refuse
| shall not alter my mind. She has been
brought up in the strictest seclusion. 50
YOU need not be afraid of old forbidden love
affairs. l have not told her of my
plans before, because meant to give her
no chance to set herself up in opposition
to me. Here is good husband for you
Pauline Delphy and. Vernon Mollineaux
you are man enough, fancy, to manage
your own case"
| sat astonished. All the rebellious
blood within me came to the surface.
Vernon turned the conversation present
ly. and. in spite of myself, l could moi
help joining now and then. But when
she arose to retire. / went also.
She paused in the hall.
II am quite satisfied with Vernon Mol
lineaux," she said. II loved his grand
father. and there Is no reason why you
should not love the grandson. That il
my Christmas gift to you-a husband, '
and she laughed shrilly. "Let me find
you good, sensible girl"
made no answer. A Christmas gift
indeed To be thrust at q man, to be
bartxa;ro1 tor M 1frx 1~uds and vscho.f