The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-07
Nnen snaIl

lionel.
/ named that day six weeks, and he
was about to say some pretty things to
ne. when a troop of young men and
came out into the garden, the
music having ceased
1T is cold-let US 90 inside. / sand
and taking his arm, we entered the |
house.
When the music struck up again
Lionel and ! danced together. and as
we passed where Maud Duckworth was
sitting, | heard her say distinctly:
Il declare. look at that old woman
dancing. It's perfectly absurd to see
her. Isn't she a fright! She looks
like an elephant dancing polka.
Nv face flushed, and would have
said something to her had not George
prevented me.
Take no notice of her, he said.
Treat her with silent contempt. She
is so spiteful and mad at your winning |
me. that she does not know how TO |
contain herself / can assure You |
Louisa. that in trying to win me she |
has quite oyerstepped the bounds OF |
maidenly reserve.
You are right; she Is forward
thing. and win take no notice Of her,
] said.
At length that happy evening came
to an end as all evenings do, whether
miserable or happy. That night l
dreamed Of Lionel and my wedding
/ dress
On the following morning it oc-
/ Cured to me that ! should want
bridesmaid But whom should | Sc
/ lect2
Il have it, said at last. Il viii
send for my young friend, Martha
Roach. She is very fond OF me, and
will be delighted to hear OF my good
fortune"
What evil spirit induced me to in
vito that wretched girl to be present at
the wedding? But / will not antici-
pate.
Having made up my mind about in
viting Martha, / at once sat down and
wrote a letter TO her. and next day my
Young friend arrived at my residence
and was introduced to my Lionel.
..What do YOU think of him?" /
asked when we were alone.
Il think him very nice young man,
indeed said Martha enthusiastically.
liked to hear my Lionel praised,
and kissed her, little thinking of the
deceit that was in her heart.
The first time / began to suspect that
all was not right was fortnight before
the day that was fixed for our proposed
wedding.
They seemed to be very close togeth-
or, and fancied he was kissing her.
"What are YOU doing?" | said
sharply, all my jealousy aroused.
sYou both seem very much engaged;
perhaps / had better leave the roomP'
and as l spoke | went towards the
door.
"Whv. what's the matter?' asked
the deceitful little cat, Martha. 81
was only arranging Mr.. Fairfax's era
vat for him. Men are so awkward,
and he has been pricking his finger
this half-hour, and l took pity on
him.
ooh. that is ito | said pretending
TO be satisfied; but | wasn't so satisfied
as | appeared, and resolved to watch
my young friend closely.
SO on the following day, about hal
, an hour before the usual time wheI
! Lionel made his appearance, an
nounced my intention of going out.
> Going ont, love!' cried Martha il
I surprise. why, Mr.. Fairfax viii be
here soon!'
II know that; but Vou can entertain
, him for little while | replied with {
: very strong emphasis on the ''you.
Z Tell him | shan t be very long.
After kissing my young friend, lef
q the house by the front door This wa,
o only a move to put her off the scent
! for, turning down a side street that lee
to the back of my house, entered the
garden through "A little rustic gate, anC
] hopping lightly over the lawn, con
cealed myself behind some rose bushes
+ From where / was standing | had :
grand view of the room in which the
: unsuspecting Martha was sitting
y Soon rat-tat-tat at the door an
8 nounced the arrival of Lionel, who il
: another moment entered the room
Looking quickly round it, he OBJ
served
That old fool of Louisa is no
=, where about, is she?''
mo. she has gone out, Lionel" re
8 piled Martha, looking up lovingly into
his face.
; That's good job observed
: Lionel, STOPPING down to kiss my
young friends red, pouting lips. 1--WE
7 can have a comfortable chat together
: Everything is all right, dear" putting
! his arms round her slim, drawn-ir
! waist
| could hardly keep from running
out from my place of concealment bu
> | restrained myself for some time, wish
= ing to hear more.
: Yes" went on Lionel; ''everythin!
, is arranged; my uncle Ben died twt
days ago, and know | shall come int
= his grocery down at Bemfield. So
7 you see. | shan't have to marry tina
! old stuck-up thing for her money
7 After all, beauty is better than her coin
| shall borrow twenty pounds, so w
can elope comfortably, and you cal
get married in the bridesmaid dres
: She gave you"
Il You wicked. deceitful man.
i cried, rushing out of my place of con
y cealment You will get no twent
pounds out of me; but as for you, yo
: brazen-faced huzzy, leave my house a
once Get away from my sight. yo
miserably debased creature. Yo
sHant get married in the dress | CAV
'o your
Neither did she, for l rushed int
!, the room, and tore it into pieces
e scattering the lace on the floor.
- And while | was doing it the tw
- miserable creatures skunk out of tn
room. Then, overcome by vexatio
: and disappointment, ! tainted RICH
:. away.
= / have no hing more to say-m
= story is told; but | would advise a
: middle-aged ladies who are engaged t
= be married, not to choose "a youn
: friend as bridesmaid.