The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-04-05
Select STORY.
MISS RIVERS REVENGE.
From Chambers Journal.
CHAPTER l.

CHAPTER L.
1t is not so many years ago that l, Her
itage Rivers, slim girl of seventeen, left
school, and stepped out into the grown-up
world to meet what fate awaited me. For
the time, my only idea was to enjoy my
freedom. 1t was delightful to think that
masters and mistresses were finished and
done with for ever and day. So l bade
them a glad adieu, and went down into the
country to stay with an aunt of mine, and
for several weeks revelled in sunshine and
liberty. Then, in accordance with SOL
emn promise, l spent some little time with
an old hool-friend- like myself, just
emancipated. Her people lived at Twick.
enham. in delicious old house with large
garden. | was made heartily welcome.
The mother took me to her heart, as her
daughters dearest friend. The father, a
courtly gray-haired man, with literary tastes
and pursuits, was kindness and politeness
itself: whilst Clara Ramsays brothers were
in an hour my devoted slaves and lovers.
Surrounded by such pleasant attentions, |
began to realize the fact that was now a
grown-up young lady, not altogether unat.
tractive; and so valued myself accordingly.
As the Ramsays were quiet people and
kept little company, an announcement made
by Mr.. Ramsay that "A dinner-party was
projected, was sufficient to futter our
hearts For several days before it took
place, we discussed again and again the
merits of the guests who were to be pres
ent. As Clara knew them all except one,
her interest was centred on the probable
appearance of this gentleman. As even
mamma did not know him, all information
respecting him must be extracted from Mr..
Ramsay, whose friend he was. Girls being
inquisitive creatures, Clara, at breakfast
time jagged on by me, began her inquiries.
"Who is Mr.. Vincent Hope, papa =
"a friend of mine, my dear. A very
clever young man, who will, one day, L
think. be most distinguished member OF
society"
So far as it went, this reply was salts
factory; but we wanted categorical testi-
monial not general one.
GLOW will he distinguish himself?
asked Clara.
ale is a rising author-little known as
vet; but all that must come"
30 dear !' sighed Clara, plaintively; 81
know exactly the sort of man. have
seen so many of them here. Of course he
wears spectacles? p
~ don't think he does-or if so, never
noticed them" replied DIR. Ramsay.
"You never notice anything you ought
to mana. But he is sure to have horrid
beard-unkempt and uncared for. They
all have"
ale has no beard, fancy" answered
Mr. Ramsay, meditatively.
''Is he good-looking and nice" demand
ed Clara.
Mr.. Ramsay looked much amused at his
daughters question.
II find him NICE" he said. "But what
a chit of girl like you may find him, Is
another matter-a very small matter l
should think that most people would call
him extremely geod-looking.
SIS he dark or fair-tall or short p
"My dear girl, shall answer no more
questions about him. Why don't you imi:
tate the discretion of Miss Rivers, who
seems free from your failing curiosity"
/ blushed at such undeserved praise
whilst Clara, to show her opinion of my
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 righ
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 wal
a great comfort to me to hear he wor'
neither spectaeles nor beard.
81 know he will be delightful p cried
Clara. II feel sure the whole matter il
arranged by fate OF course he will fall
in love with you at once! Who coule
help doing so? You will look so nice
Heritage"
This is the way in which foolish youn:
women chatter at times.
1t would be my first diuner-party-al
ordeal always trying to young girl. Any
way, I dreaded it. In spite of Claras wei
meant compliments, my mind was not easy
| mistrusted the appearance should pre-
sent. My new dress, | fancied, fitted M
, badly, and was haunted by presentmen
that my hands and the backs of my arm
were destined to grow crimson. So dis
tressing were my fears that, as the hou
approached, l would much rather hav
Joined the boys, who, not being admitte'
to the feast, had gone off for jolly Ions
row on the river-"to get out of it all,
they said.
As dressed myself, l wondered whethe
f should quite know what to eat, what t
drink; and above all, if any one SHOULD
deign to speak to me, what to talk about
Perhaps, l thought, all this comes instine
lively. If, happily, such is the case, coul
it be possible, as Clara boldly predicted
that 1 should carry the little world b
storm? took one last glance at the mil
ror. After all, 1 don't look SO very mucl
$ amiss. Then, few minutes before tn
hour struck, 1 entered the drawiug-room
! feeling almost sanguine.
The guests arrived-two by two. elk
animals going into the ark" whispere
Clara, who, having seen little more SC
ciety than I had, seemed quite at her cas-
4 Mr.. Vincent Hope, as became sdistir
guished man, was late. At least, it wa
not until few minutes before dinner Wa
announced that Mr.. Ramsay brought
gentleman to me and presented him. W