The Benton weekly record. [volume] (Benton, Mont.) 1880-1885, 1883-09-29

between blondes and brunettes, large
mouths and small ears, etc.
'sWhether do you prefer Greek or Saxon
names for ladies?'' he once asked me. |
| answered at random that liked them both
equally. s'No, but really" he persisted.
ssI mean modern names derived from these
languages.
"Well," replied at venture, 81 like
Saxon names.''
ssDo you he exclaimed; "why so do L.
For example, don't think you could find
a prettier name than Edith anywhere"
"Ohor' cried, 'sher name is Edith, is
it?" BudeIl blushed, but couldn't deny it.,
and daresay he would have revealed her
surname also had Ipressed him.
| August brought me an invitation from
Will Carlyon to spend a fortnight at his
fathers place in Scotland, and have a shot
at the grouse. ''I've asked Marby, Smith
ers and Budell," he wrote, and I expect
them all. know you four have frightful
| chains-an -and-slavery notions about matri-
mony; but there are lots of nice girls
staying here with Fanny, and if you don't
all 20 home with the full intention of
forthwith becoming Benedicks L shall be
surprised. Anyhow, We have plenty Of
BIRDS"
When arrived found the house full Of
pleasant men and agreeable girls; while
fosr ha lr,h
was there in full force, Budell was in
tolerable good spirits, and came out in
grand style as master of the ceremonies.
and as the originator of all sorts of amuse-
ments. He was too busy to infiict any
more condolences, but I had no reason to
suppose that he had yet accomplished his
proposal.
One afternoon heavy rain-storm had
driven the sportsmen in sooner than usu-
al; | was examining my breech-loader in
the gun-ioom when Smithers mysterious
ly requested me to come to the smoking
room at once There found Budell and
Marby. Smithers had convened the club,
and we had the room to ourselves. He
briefly explained his object. II have an
announcement to make" he said, "simi-
lar to one made by Budell not long since.
Pm going to follow his example, and
hereby invite yeu all to the wedding.
Like Budell, | haven't yet put the final
question, but am not afraid Of the an
swer. have no objections to tel you that
the young lady is at present in this house,
and that her name is Miss Maxwell"
"Good heavens!" calculated Budell.
"Well, said Marby, 81 may as well take
this opportunity Of informing the club that
| too am going to follow suit. Only I've
taken the precaution to speak to the young
lady first, and Fanny Carlyon is shortly
going to become Mrs. Marby.'
was thunderstruck. "In that case"
| said with dignity, as strobe from the
room, II am now the only member of the
Square Club
Just as was tying my necktie al few
minutes before dinner, and rejecting that,
though nervousness, want of leisure and
even blighted affections might be got over,
|, at least, had reason that would pre-
serve me from matrimony. Budell hurried
into my room.
s'Look here" he said, "I'm in deuce
of box! Smithers is going to propose to
Miss Maxwell, and hang it that's Edith !"
"What! You both in love with Miss
MAXWELL"
"Yes, and that forward beast, Smithers,
will be sure to propose right off; and I've
never had a good opportunity"
"My dear Budell, you must make your
opportunity. Do it to night"
"To-night? Why, it's dinner time al
ready; and after diuner we're to have
those blessed tableaux vivants; and good
ness knows what Smithers will do while
I'm looking after the wretched affairs.
And then tomorrow, I've promised Carl
| yon to start for the east moor at nine
O'Clock"
| endeavored to comfort him by suggest
ing that possibly Miss Maxwell might re-
fuse Smithers; but Budell shuddered at
the possibility Of being forestalled. He
was palpably upset. and he looked nerv-
Gus and anxious all dinner time. The COM
pany generally attributed it to the theatri-
cal responsibility, but they were wrong; !;
Budell was too old hand to be anxious
about anything so simple rs tableaur vi-
vants. Smithers, on the other hand had
secured a seat beside Miss Maxwell, and
seemed to be making himself vastly agree
able.
The tableaux began Immediately after
dinner, and they were great success.
Budell had skillfully arranged them, with
out attempting to make them into series
and music, supposed to be appropriate Or
to have referepce to each tableaux, was
played while the curtain was up. Curious
ly enough, in the second last tableaux,
Miss Maxwell. Snithers and Budell were
to appear by themselves; and still more
curiously the subject was 'The Rivals. .
Where Budell had got it | don't know:
probably in his inner consciousness. Il
Z was supposed to be a woodland scene in the
paint-and- powder days. A young lady
was discovered seated on bank, with 1
lover kneeling at her feet, and holding
one of her hands At little distance, and
unseen by either of the lovers, was riva