The Labor enquirer., 1883-01-27

quently changed our residence, and
while was absent on visit to aschool
mate, mamma wrote to me that she had
taken the pretty cottage to which i was
getting really attached. came home to
find little earthly paradise, in the
midst of a beautiful country, where
boating, fishing, driving and every prac-
ticable rural amusement drew every
summer crowd of pleasure seekers, who
gave quite a fashionable tone to the SO
ciety. I was in my element, and enjoyed
that summer in every hour and minute
of it. ,.M IA z/.# l
think certain Frank Gliddon, who
is insepara5ly connected with moonlight
rows on the lake. and bits of poetry,
and pressed flowers, had much to do
with this. His sisters were "'such nice
girls" and they and their mother had
called upon us at once, and shown us
every attention.
But mamma and 1 were quite the bellies
of the neighborhood, in a different way,
of course for every one said that mamma
was so dignifed, and so. much of a lady,
and so handsome and good looking to
have grown,up daughter; but she was
not at all gay, and people saw at once
that they must keep their distance with
her. l was rather a. harum-scarum con-
ceru, always ready for frolic and that
was why | wondered that Mr.. Clinton,
with his learning, and grand, naughty
air, should have fancied me-except that
people usually like their opposites.
Mr.. Clinton's handsome house, ust
the kind l had always longed for
brownstone, with grand entrance, and
beautiful bay windows, to which delicate
vines clung in graceful sprays, and which
looked\Out on exquisitely kept graVeled
walks, and thickets Of rare >shrubbery,
velvet lawn and glowing masses of bloom
with a carriage house in the distance,
pretty enough for small, picturesque
family to live in: and such horses the
very sight Of those superb bays was
enough to drive one wild with envy
this beautiful home had been without
mistress for years.
But people were very kind; and there
was scarcely an unappropriated female
for miles around who had not pitied Mr.,
ClintOn's loneliness so much that she had
done everything but make him regular
offer, 1t was the fashion to 60 and see
him, just as>if ne had been a lady; a
fashion, however, that mamma and [ did
net follow, because we were ladies.
People .often have perverse fashion of
going where they are not sought: and
when | returned from my visit, found
Mr.. Clinton established as a regular Wis
itor at the cottage, on suehS pleasant,
friendly sort Of footing, that it was i'm
possible to treat him like stranger.
When mamma said, This is my
daughter, Mr.. Clinton, of whom you
have so often heard me speak" the gen
tleman looked as if mamma, in my
absence, had turned match maker, and
lauded me up until Mr.. Clinton had
looked for an absolute piece of perfec-
ton.
I determined to undeceive him as soon
as possible; and, with this view, l ratified
on in my widest manner, hazarded two
or three startling remarks, and conducted
myself generally IN way that richly
deserved a severe maternal reprimand.
But dear mamma was not given to any
thing of the kind; and I heard her say
on subsequent occasion to Mr.. Clinton:
Dear Laura is a little wild, but she
really is a most good and loveable
child"
II think | understand Miss Laura
thoroughly" said the deep-toned voice
in reply "She is a little spoiled with
admiration and fattery, as is quite nat
uraI-but very charming, nevertheless.
1t would be a pleasant task to train such
a mind as hers
'Indeed!" I could not help exclaim-
ing Things were progressing rapidly,
and the two conspiritors seemed to have
matters all arranged. 1t was not agreea-
BILE this being disposed Of nolens volens
i did not choose to be 'trained"-and
every separate hair On my willful head
rose up in rebellion.
Perhaps this is why I lent. willing
ear to Frank Gliddon's ridiculous