The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1885-03-28
THE MISTAKE.

u uoSt pEctcutiouS yu"H' 'Ao.o
nothing here but crochet work, wild
strawberries and tea parties?"
Miriam was the very impersonation
OF her Jewish name-tall and dark,
wi h creamy complexion, and eyes that
seemed to melt and swim like stars
hiding away in shady springs. And
she wore soft, sweeping robes, that fell
around her in statuesque folds, and
moved with tho slow, royal grace of a
Hebrew queen, so that Constance Dalo
looked up to her with girlish admira-
ton as the incarnation of all that was
radiant in womanhood.
"But l thought you came here to re-
alize and recruit after the winters dis
sipation, Miriam" said Constance.
$50 did-but l don't mean actually
to stagnate if l can help it"
Constance looked puzzled. Miss
Carswick laughed.
1.-The dear little unsophisticated
fairyr she cried gayly, ''the sewing
circle and a portfolio of embroidery
patterns may be enough for you, but
won't suffice for me. must have a
Irritation or two to spice the monot-
ony."
''But l thought, Miriam, that Judge
Dalton's son -"
stuff and nonsenseW interrupted
Miriam, with good-humored imperious-
ness. "Of course I'm to marry Perci-
val Dalton some day-or at least so the
elders say, and I've no doubt that he's
very fine young mani
"Oh, Miriam, you do not mean that
you have never seen himP'
why are you so Mortified at thatP"
asked Miss Creswick, half turning, so
as to fasten spray of rosebuds in her
midnight dark hair. 1--WE aren't en-
gagged, nor shall we be, probably. until
it is ascertained whether or not | shall
suit my lord. He's rich and he's hand
some, if report be true, and that's pref
ty much all care for.
And when does he return from Eu-
roper asked Constance, in breathless
interest.
I'm September, l suppose, Come,
COMFY. don't you want to walk down
to the Postoilice? I'm so tired of doing
nothing!'
The two girls had just emerged from
the shady line upon the quiet country
road, when tall young man of the
fair-haired Saxon style of face passed
them, carlessly dofling his cap to Con-
stance Dale.
"Who is that, CONF whispered Miss
Crcswick, turning her stately head to
look after the vanishing figure.
"Mr. Egerton's nephew, Percy
Wylde"
The parsons nephewe How hand
some he is. Why didn't you introduce
himp"
"Shall call him back" asked Miss
Dale, laughing.
Nonsense. Is he villager?"
"No-he is here for few weeks, en-
joying our fine scenery and delicious
mountain air"
Good" said Miriam, nodding her
head. ave can help anuse each 9TH
err"
"Miriam," cried Constance with a
face that was really shocked; ''you
would not frt with him merely for a
pastime?"
"To be sure 1 would" laughed Mir
lam. Don't be fool, Conny-men
are our natural prey, just as we are
theirs.
And she only made fun of poor Con.
stances indignant remonstrances.
II hope he won't speak to you, that 5
all, " said Constance. q.
You're not in love with him your
self, cara?" laughingly demanded Mir
lam.
"Of course not!' flashed out Con
stance, with flaming cheeks; "only
don't like to see any creature, whether
brute or human, hunted cruelty down.
at won't hurt him. said Miriam
dryly.
Apparently Mr.. Wylde was quite
ready for 1lirtation-and to speak the
truth it would have been rather difficult
to avoid falling into Miss Creswick 5 en-
chantingly spread snares. Picnics,
boating parties and dreamy rambles UP
to the mountain side, all conspired &c
aid the sirens plans, while Constance
looked on greyed and troubled, and
sorely anxious to warn Percy Wyldt
against the pitfalls he was so surely
nearing.
But what can | say?' sighed poor
little Constance Dale. Miriam is Sc
beautiful and so fascinating, while
am nothing but country girl
SO the time passed on, until the ripe
full beauty of the summer tide was nj
its height, and Miss Creswich was pack
ing the trunks to join her aunt at Cape
May.
"Of course, it has been very charm
ing here" she said, as she sat on tho
old farm house piazza in the moonlight
the night before her departure; but
one can't dream OH in Arcadia forev.
er?"
Percy Wilde sat silent by her side,
and she fancied that his face looked IN.
wontedIy pale in the moonlight
~ hen YOU are determined 10 go
Miss Creswick9'
Il must, She answered, infusing :
bewitching softness into her voice
My future fate is to be at Cape May
next week.
Your fatc?'
The man whom | suppose am tC
marry" Miriam added, carclessly.