Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-01-25
STANTON, VIRGINIA, FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 1884
ed tbe audacious Clara,

daughters question. 81 find him nice, -
he said. '.But what chit of girl like
you may find him Is another matter-a
very small matter. I should think most
people would call him extremely good
looking"
us he dark or fair-tall or short?"
"My dear girl, I shall answer no more
questions about him. Why don't you
initiate the discretion of Miss Rivers,
who seems free from your failing
Osity ~
I blushed at such undeserved praise !;
false pretences, nudged me under the
table.
Although Mr.. Ramsay would tell us
, nothing more, we. in our idle moments,
which were MANY, speculated great deal
as to the probable personal appearance of
Mr.. Vincent Hope. l had certain right
to feel some anxiety about the matter, as
it transpired that it would be my lot to be
taken in to dinner by him therefore it
was great comfort to me to hear he wore
neither spectacles nor beard.
II know he will be delightful" cried
Clara; II feel sure the whole matter is ar
ranged by fate. OF course he will fall in
love with you at once! Who could help
doing SO? You will look so nice, Herr
tage ~
This is the way in which foolish young
women chatter at times.
It would be my first dinner party-an
ordeal always trying to young girl. Any
way. dreaded it. In spite of Clara g
| well-meant compliments, my mind was
not easy [ mistrusted the appearance I
should present. NY new dress, fancied.
fitted me badly; and was haunted by a
presentment that my hands and the backs
of my arms were destined to grow GRIM
son. So distressing were my fears, that.
as the hour approached, would much
rather have joined the boys. who, not be-
ing admitted to the feast, had gone off for
a jolly long row on the river-'to get out
of it all" they said.
As dressed myself, wondered whether
should quite know what to eat. what to
drink; and above all. if any one should de-
sign to speak to me. what to talk about.
Perhaps. l thought, all this comes instinct
lively. If. happily. such is the case. could
it be possible, as Clara boldly predicted,
that should carry the little world by
STORM? [ took one last glance at the mir
ror. After all, don't look so very much
amiss. Then, few minutes before the
hour struck, entered the drawing-room,
feeling almost sanguine.
The guests arrived-two by two, .sLike
animals going into the ark" whispered
Clara, who. having seen little more soci-
4ty than had, seemed quite at her ease.
Mr. Vincent Hope, as became a dlstin-
gu'shed man, was late. At least. it was
not until few moments before dinner was
announced that Mr.. Ramsay brought a
entleman to me and presented him. We
bent to each other. Then, taking his
'rm. joined the procession to the dining
room. Of course dropped my fan. or
something. by the way. This necessitated
'uf SGUUpluR uUWu " lCCVfCI
possession of it, thereby delaying all the
couples behind US for moment or two.
was beginning badly. We sank into our
appointed places, and as the soup was be-
ing handed round, Mr.. Hope addressed
few ordinary remarks to me. Then be-
ran to realize how shy-how stupid per-
son 1 was. The only words my foolish
ongue seemed capable of forming were
Yes'' and mo" Connected words had
eft me for an indefinite period. felt
my conversational shortcoming so acutely
that it was some little willis before I was
able to look at my neighbor, except fur
lively and timidly. He was tall, knew
that fact bad made itself manifest as we
walked arm-in-arm. had also received
l sort of impression that he was good
looking. At last, when able really TO look
1t him, 1 found that Mr.. Ramsay's ac-
count, so far as it went, was true one.-
The young man was undoubtedly hand
some. His eyes-the feature woman first
looks at-were good-gray, decided,
with dark lashes. His face was pale, and
bore look of refinement. His forehead
was high-not too Highland his chin was
large, and gave him the appearance of
possessing considerable force of character.
Above all, his nose was straight, and his
hands we'll shaped. Twenty-eight, should
have guessed his age. Altogether a very
credltable young man. Fate had been
kind in selecting this companion for me,
if only could find something to talk
Notwithstanding so gifted creature as
he was reported to be would not be bored
with. Alas, for me, the conversation field
seemed to have become suddenly barren of
flowers of speech-not even a bud was
leftt Yet, among people with whom l
am at home, had never yet been accused
of tacturnlty.
For some short time the lady on the
other side of him saved me. She appeared
to know him. and complimented him on
the success of an article in one Of the re-
views, which she attributed to him. He
thanked her for her praise; spoke a few
words on general subjects; then, as l sup
pose, in duty bound. turned to me and re-
commenced conversation. In five minutes.
positively hated myself and Mr.. Vincent
II ope! 1t may be kindness 10 bring ones
intellect down to the level of tie listener:
call it conceit If. in spite of my Ella
borate new dress, be could not help seeing
was but schoolgirl, was there any res.
son why he should so plainly show me he
saw 1t ? Was there any reason why he
should quite change the manner Of his
discourse as he changed his listener
should talk to me in way he evidently
thought suited to my calitre? If he meant
it kindly, what right had he to think I
should esteem it kindness | dare CAV