St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1883-04-06

plain of some ailment which she can
didly attributed to advancing years, |
did feel twinge of regret, | 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 little suspect
ed them.
According to custom, one afternoon
paid my usual visit to my future spouse,
and was surprised as | entered the
house to hear the sound of a piano. |
knew something of music, so at once
became aware that the instrument was
played with great skill, and much l
wondered who the performer might be.
l had not as yet discovered that my
Lesbia had possessed musical talent.
The maid opened the door of the draw
ing-roOm, the music ceased, and
walked in and found myself face to
face with one of the lOveliest girls
ever met. Perhaps the surprise, the
contrast, when saw her instead of the
middle-aged lady expected to greet,
made this stranger look even more
charming. l could realize only at first
a bright, young face, with masses OF
light hair around it, turned to see who
entered, and well-moulded figure,
showing to great advantage as she sat
before the piano. Her dress was 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
awkwardness than men in any chance
,rrhi1a | stood still an1
stammered some words of apology, she
advanced with perfect 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"
| was only too pleased to accept the
invitation so frankly given, and recov-
ering my self-possessiOn, in few min
utes was in full swing of chat with my
Lesbia's niece.
found her an unaffected girl, full OF
spirit, and looking forward to the
pleasure of stay in town.
81 suppose you will stay some time p
asked. "Your presence will quite
brighten Miss CrOftOn's house"
~ shall stay as long as ever my aunt
will keep me-" she replied. "Isn't she
dear old soul, Mr.. Headley ?"
l WINGED, and began to realize that
my situation was painful one.
"She is so antiquated," she continued
"and yet so romantic in many things
felt more foolish than ever, and
for the sake of saying something, re
marked
81 wonder she did not tell me yOr
were coming. | suppose she meant t.
surprise me-"
81 suppose so. But assure you sh'
has talked to me a great deal abOu
you, Mr.. Headley. You appear to b'
great friends. Quite Irritation, tel
her."
colored up to my ears, but managed
to say:
"Then | conclude her report of M
has been favorable"
81 sha'n't betray her confidence, Mr.
Headley and, anyway, it would have
no weight with me, as | prefer to form
my own opinions"
AS felt we were getting on delicate
ground, begged her to resume th'
music my coming had cut short.
She played piece of ChOpin's will
great feeling and brilliancy, and then
at my request, sang Il couple of ballads
Her voice was sweet and well trained
altogether she was a very charmin!
niece-tO-be.
'DO you play or sing ?" she asked.
Neither, unfortunately. | am Onl,
an Indifferent critic, who understand
music only enough to praise wheI
pleased"
"Ah, forgot you are great chini
collector"
And as she spoke it struck me tina
this was the first time had ever beer
inside this room and forgotten to lOol
and assure myself of the safety anC
well-being Of the cups, saucers, cream
jug and dishes.
And, as the thought of the chin;
brought other thoughts in its train,
felt that would give good deal t.
know whether Miss Crofton had tolo
her niece everything. Fervently
hoped that she had not done so, as
knew, intuitively, should cut a sorr!
figure in IA young girls eyes.
| During my meditation Lesbia re
turned, and instead of appearing jeal
Gus and annoyed at the capital under
standing between the fair niece AM
future uncle, smiled and said
"Shall introduce you young people
or have you dispensed with that cere
mony ?"
"YOur niece has the advantage o
me in knowing my name," | replied.
"Mr Robert Headley, let me presen
YOU to Miss Ethel CroftOn, my favOrit
niece" said Lesbia, with the politenes
of the old school.
"After that unnecessary ceremony,
shall 90 and dress for dinner" sal
Miss Ethel CroftOn.
| closed the door after her, an
turned to greet her aunt with the ac
customed salute. Perhaps for the sam
reason that the china had lost it's char
to-day, | found that semi-materna
affection was scarcely satisfyin
enough, and could not help thinkin
my future bride looked very like a
angel.
"Robert," she said-it was, believe
the first time she had used my Christia
name-"'I should much prefer tina
Ethel should hear nothing of our en-
gagement at present. She is yOun
and giddy, and might not look upon
in the right light"
promised secrecy with a joy | cOul
scarcely conceal. At any rate, Etht
knew nothing about it as yet.
dined that evening with the ladie'
Miss CrOfton did the hOnors in a dres
of such antiquated design and materi
al that Ethel openly rallied her abOu
it. She herself was beautiful in pal
| L 4 \ l. l.. (. r,
young bright face, her pleasant, natu
raj manner, that before the evenin
was half spent had fully realized wha
an ass had made of myself.
My visits to Shepherds Bush for tn
next few days were as frequent as til
r most exacting fiancee could have eN