Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-01-18
Gales ano Skettbes.
ACABIyEf SECRET.
A STORY.
CONTINUED from Yesterday


TO hear the sound of a piano. l knew
something of music, SO at once became
aware that the instrument was played with
great skill, and much | wondered who the
performer might be. | had not as vet dis
covered that my Lesbia possessed musical
talent The maid opened the door of the
drawing-room. the music ceased, and l
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 l expected to greet, made this strang-
or look even more charming. i could
realize only at first a bright young face,
with masses Of light hair around it,turned
to see who entered, and a well-molded
figure, showing 10 great advantage as she
sat before the piano. Her dress wa- OF
simple black, but well and becOmingly
made, and as she rose when entered,
could see she was over middle height.
"Women ALWAYS behave with less awk
wardness than men in chance meetings;
80 while stood still and stammered some
words Of apology, she advanced with per
feet ease. and said
".Mr. Headley, | am sure, My aunt
told me to expect you. She has gone out
for short time, but hoped you would wait
until her return
II was only too pleased to accept the
invitation so frankly given, and recover
ing my self possession. in a few minutes
was in full swing Of chat with my Lesbias
niece.
IL found her an unaffected girl, full Of
spirits, and looking forward to the pleas
ures of a stay in town.
81 suppose you will stay some time?
| asked. Your presence will quite bright
en- Miss Crotion's house
81 shall stay as long as ever my aunt
will keep me- she replied. Isn't she
dear old soul, Mr.. Ieadleyp'
Il WINGED, and began to realize that my
situation was painful one.
...She 10 so antiquated,' she continued,
and yet 30 romantic in many things
IL felt more foolish than ever, and for
the sake OF saying something, remarked;
~ wonder she did not tell me you
we're coming; suppose she meant to
surprise me-
~ suppose so. Rut assure you she
has talked to me great deal about you,
MIR. Headley. You appear to be great
friends. Quite filtration. | tell her
Il colored up to my ears; but managed
to say:
"'Then conclude her report of me has
been favorable
IL shant betray her confidence. Mr..
Headley and anyway. it would have no
weight with me, as | prefer to form
my own opinions
"As ielt we were getting on delicate
ground. begged her u resume the music
my coming had cut short.
"She played piece of Chopin's with
great feeling and brilliancy, and then at
my request. sang n couple OF ballads
Her voice was sweet and well trained
altogether she was Il very charming niece
tO-be.
do you play or siDgP' she asked.
Neither. unfortunately. | am only
an Indifferent critic. who understands
music only enough to praise when pleased
"'Ah. forgot; you are a great china
collector
And rs she spoke it struck me that
this was the first time had ever been in
side this room and forgotten to look and
assure myself of the safety and well-being
Of the cups, saucers, cream-lug, and
dishes.
And as the thought of the china brought
other thoughts in its train. | felt that
would give a great deal to know whether
Miss Crofton had told her niece everything.
Fervently hoped that she had not done
so, ne knew. intuitively. should cut a
sorry figure in a young girls eyes.
during NV meditation Lesbia returned
and instead of appearing jealous ana an
noyed at the capital understanding be-
tween the fair niece and future uncle,
smiled and said
shall introduce You young people,
or have YOU dispensed with that cere-
mony?'
".Yonr niece has the advantage of me
in knowing my name | replied.
mir Robert IIeadley. let me present
YOU to Miss Ethel Crotton. my favorte
neice.' said Lesbia with the politeness of
the old school.
..After that Unnecessary ceremony shall
go and dress for dinner said Ethel Croft
ton.
II closed the door after her. and turned
to greet her aunt with the accustomed sa
Lutte 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 that my future bride looked very
aged.
=. Robert she said-it was. believe.
the uTSi tUut stlt ustu NY Nhtististh
name--'l should mach 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.
promised secrecy with JOY could
scarcely conceal. At any rate. Ethel knew
nothing about /. as vet.
Il dned that evening with the ladies
Miss Crofton did the honors in "A dress of
such antiquated design and material that
Ethel openly rallied her upon it. She
herself was beautiful in pale blue silk.
and l WAS so struck by her fair. young
bright face. her pleasant. natural manner,
that before the evening was half spent
had fully realized what an ass | had made
of myself.
My visits to Sheperh's Bush for the
next few days were rs frequent a. the
most exacting fancee could have expect
ed; but am afraid that had my Lesbia
been OF = Jealous or suspicious nature she
would not have derived the pleasure
from them she appeared to feel. | sat no
longer in the chair commanding the best
view of the cabinet that enshrined the
treasures for which contemplated sacri-
ficing myself and my affections. | was
ever by Ethels side-st the piano. turn
T. al. g h.,