Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-08-18
SoPHIE'S STRATAGEM.

Nothing could be more suitable than
such match, all our friends said, and
WAS too young. too inexperienced, and
above all-at the same time my future
was decided upon-too heartwhole TO pro-
test, even had / been allowed any voice
In the matter that was TO decide my woe
or happiness for life; and so 1t came about
in the most natural way in the world that,
before was eighteen, had been per-
suadcd by my family to engage myself to
NV cousin Robert. His mother, indeed
considered me as by no means good enough
for her son; but she was accustomed TO
defer to her brother, Uncle Marcus, with
whom happened to be great favorite,
and who had set his heart upon the match,
declaring that would make just the right
kind of wife for his rather peculiar
nephew.
Robert himself, on his uncle's prOpos-
ing the match, had yield All indifferent as
sent, abserving that was pretty enough,
and that he was glad to be spared the
trouble of looking for wife.
He was good-looking and gentlemanly,
but sickly, delicate almost rs girl, and
to my idea wholly uninteresting. Still,
| had not, ut this early age, strength OF
mind sufficient to resist the united per-
suasions of my family; and the marriage
was arranged to take place i'll about two
years, during which time Robert would,
by his physicians advice, reside chiefly
in the South of France, where his mother
accompanied him.
Unfortunately for my own happiness, l
during this time became acquainted with
Philip Waring, whom soon unconscious
ly learned to look up TO and admire as the
perfection of all manly excellence.
And now the two years of Roberts alb
sence were completed, and he wrote that
he was about returning home to claim his
bride. But, he added, his physicians hav-
ing recommended his spending the winter
in Italy, he proposed to take me thither
Immediately after the marriage. He hoped
there would be no unnecessary delay or
preparation, and would prefer having the
wedding rs private as possible.
This last clause was great disappOint-
ment to my mothers sister, Aunt Forres-
ter, who had arranged to have the we'd
ding from her own handsome residence
i'm London.
However, | should at least have a sty-
lish troussedu; and so she took the trouble
OF coming all the way to our little coun-
try town, and carrying me home with her,
in order 10 make the necessary prepara-
tiOns.
AS, on our arrival at my aunt's resi-
dence, we entered the hall, her two little
daughters came joyfully rushing to meet
us.
IIerc, Christine" she said, turning to
me, "hcre are my darlings, have they not
grown? And this is their governcss,
Miss Dane"
turned, and saw young girl stand
irg quietly at the foot of the staircase,
looking on with smile at the scene.
She was so exceedingly pretty, with her
delicate, regular features and golden hair,
and exquisite complexion, that | was quite
taken by surprise.
What remarkable pretty govcrncss
YOU have, Aunt Lottie =" observed, when,
an Eour after, | stood ut her dressing
room window, looking into the garden,
where the children were at play, while
Miss Dane, with bit of crotchet-work in
her hands, walked slowly up and down;
"and how graceful and laGy-like she is !"
eyes" my aunt replied with smile;
"and do you know, Christine, we think
her wonderfully like yourself? Not only
has she the same cOlored hair and eyes,
but her features and something in her
ways and expression, remind us Of you.
| have but one fault to find with her."
added my aunt-"she is too reserved. De-
spite her pleasant manner and way of
talking, have always an uncomfortable
feeling that don't know her."
GLOW stylish she looks, despite her
plain dress"
eyes, indeed. If that girl was richly
and bccOmIngly dressed, she would be
handsomer than you, Chrissie."
Here the subject dropped, and busily
engaged as was in my bridal prepara-
tions, at first saw but little OF Sophie
Dane. But one day, when dress had
come from the n,odiste which did not cx-
actly please Us, the governess happened
to be present. and on being halt-carelessly
appealed to, at once pointed out the de-
feet and how to remedy ii.
Thereupon it was discovered that she
had an exquisite taste in dress and milli-
merry.
Ny aunt was delighted; and theneeforth
Miss Dane was constantly called upon for
advice in the matter of taste.
Occasionally she was requested tn try
OH some article Of dress, 4 hat, or mantle,
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