The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-04-05
Select gtorg.
MISS RIVERS REVENGE.
From Chambers Journal.
ru DrrED
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 | bade
them a glad adieu, and went down into the
country to stay with an aunt of mine, and
for several weeks reveled in sunshine and
liberty. Then, in accordance with SOL
emn promise, spent some little time with
an old school-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 Ramsay's brothers were
in an hour my devoted slaves and lovers.
Surrounded by such pleasant attentions, L
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 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 MIR.
Ramsay. whose friend he was. Girls being
inauisitive creatures, Clara, at breakfast
time, agged on by me, began her inquiries.
"Who is Mr.. Vincent Hope, papa p
"a friend of mine, my dear. A very
clever Young man, who will, one day, |
think, be most distinguished member of
society"
So far as it went, this reply was salts
factory; but we wanted a categorical testi-
monial, not general one.
GLOW will he distinguish himself ?"
asked Clara.
sHe is a rising author-little known as
vet; but all that must come.
30 dearr' sighed Clara, plaintively; III
know exactly the sort Of man. L 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 Mr. Ramsay.
'You never notice anything you ought
to papa. But he is sure to have horrld
beard -unkempt and uncared for. They
all have"
''He 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
chit of girl like you may find him, is
another matter-a very small matter. |
should think that most people would call
him extremely geod-looking."
SIS he dark or fair-tall or short p
''My dear girl, l 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 | 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.
81 know he will be delightful y cried
Clara. II feel sure the whole matter is
arranged by fate. Of course he will fall
in love with you at once Who could
help doing 50? You will look SO nice,
Heritage''
This is the way in which foolish young
women chatter at times.
1t would be my first dinner-party-an
ordeal always trying to a young girl. Any
way, dreaded it. In spite of Clara's well
meant compliments, my mind was not easy.
l mistrusted tbe appearance | should pre-
sent. My new dress, fancied, fitted me
badly, and | was haunted by presentment
that my hands and the backs of my arms
were destined to grow crimson. So dis
tressing were my fears that, as the hour
approached, I would much rather have
Joined the boys, who, not being admitted
to the feast, had gone off for jolly long
row on the river-"to get out of it all, y
they said.
As dressed myself, l wondered whether
I should quite know what to eat, what to
drink; and above all, if any one should
deign to speak to me, what to talk about.
Perhaps, | thought, all this comes instinc-
lively. If, happily, such is the case, could
it be possible, as Clara boldly predicted,
that 1 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, I entered the drawing-room,
feeling almost sanguine.
The guests arrivod-two by two. "Like
animals going into the ark, whispered
Clara, who, having seen little more So
ciety than had, seemed quite at her ease
Mr.. Vincent Hope, as became distin
guished man, was late. At least, it was
not until few minutes before dinner was
announced that Mr.. Ramsay brought {
gentleman to me and presented him. W.