The Benton weekly record. [volume] (Benton, Mont.) 1880-1885, 1884-02-09

rlOr Delngs hardly worthy Of mention in so
august connection"
"You put his favorite weakness in 8
ludicrous MANNER" laughed MIS-. Maber-
ley; "but must say, Emeline, that, as
far as my experience goes,it certainly cor
responds very truthfully with your de-
script ion.'
After Emcline Maynard left her cham
Der that morning, Mrs. Maberley SAT for q
long time quite silent, as though deeply
engaged in thought, the pretty, countless
hued roll of her embroidery lying untouch-
ed in her lap. At last she started up, with
an impulslve air peculiar to her, and,
throwing the embroidery Oh a side table,
exclaimed:
II may as we'll try it. Everything is
fair, they say, in love as in war. There is
no better scheme that can think of at
present, and poor Emeline has endured her
uncle's cruelty long enough.'
The descended the stairs not long after
ward and passed out on the broad, high
pillared piazza of the hotel. Quite num-.
ber of people were assembled there. and to
many OF these Mrs. Maberley cordially
bowed. One gentleman, leaning against
pillar and looking toward the opposite
beach with 81 langud air, Mrs. Maberley
observed rather attentiyely.
She approached him presently and
lightly touched his shoulder. He turned,
showing pale, pinched face, adorned--if
We might use the term-by scanty gray
beard, trimmed and combed, however,
with the utmost neatness. His costume,
too, was marked by something which, if
not absolutely foppery, bore decided re-
semblance to it.
"Charming morning. said Mrs. Maber~
ley, looking seaward.
"Delightful, assented the gentleman,
whose voice, by the way, seemed to cor
respond with his appearance, being artili-
cial and peculiar in its sound, and having
certain affected 1raw1 that Mrs. Maber-
ley was by no means fond of hearing.
"Iou are, doubtless, surprised at my
lounging attitude, Mrs. Mrberley. con-
fess that to lounge about piazzas is not my
usual custom.'
"N0, Mr.. Abercronbie. I was not sur
priscd by your attitude, however,
"And may ask why not:''
"Becausc, whatever Mr.. Fame Aberotn-
bic chooses to do becomes him. Mrs Ma
berley answered, with her pleasantest
smile, and an engaging twinkle Of her mer-
ry eyes that Was by no means lost upon
her hearer.
"Oh! thanks, thanks. You are very
kink to say so. l am sure.'
And Mr.. Abercrombie coughed behind
a delicate handkerchief, cambrc. and Law
"IOnder is q very cool and inviting
spot,' suddenly exclaimed Mrs. Maber]y,
toward al adjacent corner OF the
piazza. "And see, there are two chairs
arranged so nicely together. What a
tete-a-tete you and might have
DFOYluoU-
"Provided what, Mrs. Maberley?"
Il only had my embroidery"
"'Have You left it up stars?''
Yes"
"In your room:''
''Yes.''
"Can'tI fetch it for YOU -
''1t will be too much trouble, / know.'
But assure you that it will not
You are altogether too good,' Mrs.
Mabe1ly quite gusbngly said. "You know
my room, Mr.. Abercombie? No. %, sec
3nd floor; and the embroidery is lying on
small table near the door. / shall be so
much obliged to you. Here is my key.'
Mr.. Abercrombie bowed, and moved
'milingly away. \ second after he had
eft the piazza and entered the house, Mrs.
Maberley rapidly followed the direction
he had taken. She saw him ascend the
stairs, and at safe distance, silentl, pur-
sued him.
lie now stood in front OF the door of her
wv" c''@h'Der, unlocking it. Presently he
opened the door and entered. Mrs. Ma
0eTleJ followed rapidly, and herself enter
ed the chamber, just as ]Mr. Abercrombie
was removing the piece Of embroidery
from The side-table. The closed the door
behind her. and began quietly to lock it.
Mr.. Fame Abeacrombie heard her oui--
etly as she moved, and turned around in
some surprise.