Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-11-02
CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VI.
In one Of our Southern cities, out far
enough to be called suburban residence,
is the home of DIR. Mayfield. 1t was
built by his grandfather, who was fond Of
English ideas and usases. He be-
Queathed it to his eldest son on condition
that it should thus be handed down and
retained in the family. Thus it had de-
seconded to Reginald Mayfield. All the
work, the new as well as the old addi-
tiOns, proved ornamental, as all had been
made by the best wOrkmen in the best
possible manner.
The old stone house on Laurel Hill out
We'd its newer, brighter neighbOrs in
style and durability. The mansion is some
distance from the street. On one side
white, winding walks lead from the car
Tiage gate 10 the front and side entrances.
The beds are covered with blue grass;
rose bushes and green shrubberry abound.
Here and there are scattered mounds and
beds covered with bright flowers and ge-
rauiums. a couple of fountains send cool
SPRAYS of sparkling water into basins
whose sides are lined with pretty grasses
and rare flowers. Altogether it's the most
desirable house near the city. Each own
er has felt a peculiar pride in keeping
Laurel Hill as the original owner desired
"a home of comfort and Of beauty.
Ii Mrs. Mary Mayield saw anything
unusual ia the Improvements being made
at Laurel Hill during the last few months
she said nothing, but she did write to
her niece, Irene Warner, 10 make her an
other visit as soon as possible. If her
stepSOu had been absent from the city
otter than usual she had not noticed it.
for his professional calls led him every
where. There was no doubt Of his grow
lug popularity, she felt with a kind OF self
iSh pride. She had lev opportunities for
confidential chats, as they rarely meet eN-
cept at the table; often these meals were
taken at irregular hours in his own Of
fee. This room, with his bedroom, was
somewhat cut OFF from the other part of
the household, connecting with the lawn
by side porch. Reginald could by hese
means come and go without disturbing the
comfort of anyone.
DR.. Mayfield's stepmOther was a cold,
proud woman. Possessed of great wealth
when her first husband had married her,
no one but herself knew what grief and
rage filed her heart when she found her
husband had reCklessly lost everything in
wild speculation. He soon after died.
A year after she married Mr.. Mayfield,
who was twenty years her senior. No
one ever found a reason for this second
marriage. Mr.. May1ield had mOurned his
first wife so long and sincerely, his sons
had no thought of seeing another in their
mothers place; hut he brought the widow
| home to rule over his home, and right roy
ally did she reign over sons, household
and husband. Such a model hOusekeeper
was she that her husband must come to
the back entrance when il was muddy.
The old man was not allowed to smoke his
pipe around his coy fire as was his Gus
tom; the smoke would ruin the lace cur
tains. So he and his pipe were vanished
to a little dark room she called his smOk-
ing-TOOm, and there his boys would often
fad him and while away pleasant hour
or two. IT'S said she worried the old man
into fever; certain it is he never recover
ed. In secret again she nursed her wrath
when the will was read. The beautiful
home was not hers. after all. ''What fool
ideas they have, these Mayteldsi l won
der what he thought [ married him for, if
not for Laurel Hill?" However, she was
we'll provided for, as was Douglass, but
Laurel Hip was Internationally left to
the elder son, in whose charge the invalid
bow and widow were carefully left.
This, together with very good annuity,
was all. But chafe as she might, she was
Obliged to yield to the inevitable, and,
keeping her stand in the household, she
had not felt her disappointment as much
as she first thought, knowing thai the
young heir would never wish her to leave
her home. And the dear scheme Of her
life now was to arrange a marriage be-
tween her niece, Irene Warner. and DIR.
Mavtield. She had her to make visit after
visit and had been quite hopeful of the
result; for had not "Regie," as Irene was
fond OF calling him, been quite attentive.
She was so bright and pretty he enjoyed
her visits. twas true, and paid her the at
tentiOns which as host ne owed to SO fair
guest. and If he came Oftener to the fami-
" dining-rOOm, and sometimes even to
their late breakfast, twas because he
enjoyed it, but not because he was in love,
as ms stepmOther and Irene fOndly hoped.
One drearv evening. after the close of a
dreary. busy day, DR.. Mayield came home
ant let himself in with his private key.
Taxing of his damp coat, he called sam
te reDleuish the fire. Soon the room was
CHEEKY with a bright blaze. When, with
. the aid of the fire and adressing-gOWn, he
considered himself dry enough to enter
his stepmOther's presence, he determined
TO seek her at once.
This resolve made, he IS anxious to have
it over without delay. Tarusting his feet
in pair of slippers, few moments alone
elapse before he stands knocking at her
private room door for admittance. This
GRANTED, he walks up to her, asking,
little nervOusly, how she feels.
Every well, thank you. Have this
chair. It's been quite a while since you've
hOnOred me with a private chat"
Mrs. Mayfield carefully brushed away
an imaginary speck. and pushed the chair
towards him.
''NO, thanks,' r, ginald replied, grace
fully leaning against the mantel as he
looked down upon her, while tender
smile played about his lips. He was think
ing of Pauline, and startled his listener
with: ''What would you say, mother, to
having daughter?"
She looked up quickly and gave him a
penetrating glance.
s.Daughter?'' she repeated. Il should
like it above all things. l have so often
lOnged for the time to come when you
would bring wife to Laurel Hill. shall
be very jealous of your choice, however.
think you have reason to believe that it
has long been my desire to see you united
to Irene"
This last sentence was accompanied
with another sharp glance. "What If af-
ter all some one else mad won his heart"
she thought, with dismay. 'surely, il it
was Irene she would have known it from
her"
Reginald threw his head back and
laughed heartily.
Excuse me, mother. l was thinking
of sam WeIler's advice to his son samiyel
-'Samivel, my son, beware of wlddeTs""
"Reginald, think your remark out Of
place to me.'' This in an injured tone.
'sNO; if my father could not Withstand
the fascination of z fair young WIdoWs so
much more am l afraid TO vie with so
formidable beauty and wit as your love-
" niece"
Beside" continued Mrs. Mayield,
sIrene is no more than a child yet. She
married so young, and her husband died
so soon after, no one thinks of her as
widow"
'sWeIl, mother dear, 1 am sorry we have
not pleased you in this respect. Testing
aside. Irene would not suit me at all, nor
| her. She will make much better choice
than taking your graceless son, do as
sure you. 1t is too late to advise me, as l
have already given nay whole heart to an
other. l came to tell YOU that within a
month / will be married to the sweet
young girl who is foolish enough to trust
herself to the aforesaid graceless son Of
yours
This is said lightly, but with con-
seriousness that is not near so trifiing as
his words imply.
Mrs, Mayfeld is pale with suppressed