Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-07-27

Phil bad more than half forgotten the
threat Of his wife when he stepped upon the
hotel piazza Mt Magnolia, but single glance
at the self possessed little woman who sat
chatting with an elderly lady in frosty curls
showed him what was before him.
The faintest flush swept over Mrs. Merry
weathtr's rmOoth cheek rs Mr.. Farobrdgc
in passing the ladies, lifted his hat but no
other sign would have indicated to the most
acute observer the fact that she had any pre-
vious acquaintance with that gentleman
She went serenely on with her embroidery
apparently as intent upon its conventional
beauties and deeply interested in Miss
Sparts gossip as before. She had been pre-
pared for this encounter; she had known to
minute the probable time Of her husbands
arrival, and had taken her place here for the
especial purpose of ignoring him. She soon
excused herself and went to her room, where
she executed series of grlish pirouettes,
indicative Of wild glee, but hardly compau-
BILE with the highest ideals of matronly digni
ty Then she made the most bewtching OF
toiettes, aud went down to dinner.
Fate or Phil so contrived as to fix that gen
tlemaus place opposite his wifes at table.
Mrs Merryweathers first feeling at this ar
rangement was one of pleased amusement,
yet she felt 1t to be in manner a challenge.
Her love of mischief asserted itself, aud
throughout the meal, although she was unu-
sually laxative, she totally ignored Mr.. Fare
bridge. lie made some advances in the good
graces of Miss Spart, whose seat was next his
own, discovering that they had common ac-
quaintances in the North and by the time
dinner was ended patience not being the
strongest trait of his character, he thought
himself in position to make use of that el
derly maiden's good offices.
May ask the name of the lady opposite p
be questioned, as they left the table. She
was sitting with you on the piazza when |
came Her face seems familiar"
That is Mrs. Merrywesther, answered
Miss Spart, delighted to be able to give infor-
nation. ..''She is from Boston. Haven't you
ever met her? She is very intimate with the
Horace Grays of whom We we're speaking"
"Oh, that is why her face seems 80 ia
miliar !" was Phils evasive reply "Shall
be trespassing too much upon your kindness
if / ask for an introduction ?"
81 shall be pleased to present you. She
will certainly be glad to meet friend of the
Horace Grays."
But Mrs. Merryweather had been quietly
watching the pair, since in the course of their
conversation they had reached the parlor, and
divining the intent with which Miss Spart
now approached her, she turned away with
wrll-feigned Inconsistencies and stepped
through the long window upon the piazza.
misohievous CLEAN lighted her eye. She
saw Capt. Cornish, an officer on leave whose
acquaintance she had made during ner week
at Magnolia, smoking alone just outside the
paror window, and Immediately joined him.
His wife having fed, Farebridge, perceiv-
ing that he was outmanouvred freed himself
from Miss Spart as speedily as possible, and
betook himself to tue piazza. As he came
through the long window his wife turned to
go to her room, and in passing Phil let her
fan, whether by accident or design even she
herself was hardly sure, fall at the feet of the
latter. He picked it up, but as she took it his
grasp fingered upon it long enough to COM
pei her eyes to meet his.
Hasn't this gone far enough, Marge 2"
he murmured under his breath
Thank you" she returned aloud, and he
stood aside to lot her pass.
It was perhaps half an hour later when q
servant tapped at Margret's chamber door,
bringing note The superscription, which
she saw at once was in her husbands hand,
ran,
"To Mrs. Margret Merryweather in.