Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1885-01-31
FROSTBURG, Md, JANUARY 81, 1885,
SELECT STORY.
THE MISTAKE.

at is so frightfully dull here !" ex-
claimed Miriam Creswick, with her
'Diana bow" of mouth stretched
in most portentous yawn. SIS
there nothing here but crochet work,
wild strawberries and tea parties? ?"
Miriam was the very impersonation
of her Jewish name-tall and dark
with a 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 round her in statuesque
folds, and moved with the slow, royal
grace of Hebrew queen, so that Con-
stance Dale looked up to her with
girlish admiration as the incarnation
of all that was radiant in woman
hood.
"But | thought you came here to
ruralize and recruit after the winters
dissipation, Miriam?" said Con-
stance.
$50 l did-but [ don't mean to
stagnate if l can help it."
Constance looked puzzled. Miss
Creswick laughed.
"The dear little unsophisticated
fairy" she cried, gaily, "the sewing
circle and portfolio Of embroidery
patterns may be enough for you, but
it won't suffice for me. | must have
a Irritation to spice the monotony."
"But | thought, Miriam, that
Judge Dalton's son-'
"StuR and nonsense :" interrupted d
Miriam, with good-humored imper-
iousness. "Of course, Pm 20 marry
Percival Dalton some day-or at
least, so the elders say, and l have no
doubt he's very fine young man"
ooh! Miriam, you do not mean
that you have never seen him ~
"Why are you so Mortified at that? ?"
asked Miss Creswick, half turning,
so as fasten spray Of rosebuds in her
midnight dark hair. "We arn't en-
gagged, nor shall be, probably, until
it is ascertalned whether or not |
shall suit my lord. He's rich and
he's handsome,if if report be true, and
that is pretty much all care for"
"And when does he return from
Europe?" asked Constance, in breath
less interest.
'1n September, l suppose. Come,
Conny, don't you want to walk
down to the post-of1ice? am
50 tired of doing nothing?'
The two girls had just emerged
from the shady lane upon the quiet
country road, when tall young man
of the fair-haired Saxon style of face
passed them, carelessly dofing his
cap to Constance Dale.
"Who is that, Con ?" whispered
Miss Creswick, turning her stately
head to look after the vanishing
figure.
"Nr. Egerton's nephew, Percy
Wylde."
"The parsons nephew? How
handsome he is. Why didn't you
introduce him."
"Shall | call him back 2" asked
Miss Dale, laughing.
"Nonsense. Is he u yillager ?"
"No-he is here for a few weeks
enjoying our fine scenery and delic-
ious mountain air p
"Goodw said Miriam, nodding her
head. ave can help to amuse each
other"
"Miriam ?" cried Constance, with
a face that was really shocked, 'you
would not flirt with him merely for
pastime
'To be sure | would.' laughed
Miriam. "Don't be g fool, Conny
men are our natural prey, just as
we are theirs"
And she only made fun of poor
Constance's indignant remonstrances.
81 hope he won't speak to you,
that is all,' said Constance.
"You're not in love with him your
self, cara?" laughingly demanded
Miriam.
"Of course not" flashed ont Con-
stance with flaming cheeks ''only |
do not like to see any creature, wheth
er brute or human, hunted cruelty
down."
at won't hurt him." said Miriam,
dryly. And true to her word, she
did not allow "a hours to pass before
she got acquainted with the parsons