The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1886-03-13
MIS-. ~ vs. hEVENGE.

little time with an old school TREND
Clara Ral.isay--one, like myself just
emancipatcd Her people lived at Twicx
enham, in delicious old house with d
large garden.
AS the Ramsays were quiet people and
kept little company, an announcement
made by Mrs. Ramsay that dinner
party was projected was sufficient to hut
fer our hearts. For several days before 1t
took place, we discussed again and again
the merits of the guests who were TO be
present. AS Clara knew them all except
one, her interest was centered on the
probable appearance of this gentleman.
As even her mamma did not know him,
all information respecting him must he
extracted from Mr.. Ramsay, whose friend
he was. Girls being inqusitive creatures,
Clara, at breakfast, eggcd on by me,
asked her father:
"Who is Mr. Vincent Hope, papa"
"A friend of mine, my dear, A very
clever young man, who will one day, |
think be most distinguished member OF
society"
The guests arriyed-two by two, "Like
animals going into the ark whispered
Clara, who, having seen n little more soci.
ETY. than had, seemed quite mt her ease
Mr.. Vincent Hope, rs became distin.
gllished man, was late. At least, it was
not until few moments before dinner
was announced that Mr. Ramsay brought
n gentleman TO me and presented him.
We bent To each other; then, taking his
arm, joined the procession to the dining
room. We sat in our appointed places,
and as the soup was being handed round,
Mr.. Hope addressed "A few ordinary re-
marks to me. Then began to realize
how shy-how stupid "A person | was.
The only words my foolish tongue seemed
capable Of forming were Yes and mo.
Connected words had left me for an in
definite period. ! felt my conversational
shortcomings So aCutely, that it was some
little while before Twas able to look at
my neighbor, except furtiyely and tim
IDLY.
The young man was undoubtedly hand
some. His eyes feature a woman
first looks at--were good; gray, decided,
with dark lashcs. His face was pale, and
bore a look of refinement. His forehead
was high-not too Highland his chin was
large, and gave him the appearance of
possessing considerable force of char
acter Twenty-cight, should have
guessed his age Altogether very credit
able Young man.
In five minutes, positively hated my
self and Mr.. Vincent Hope. II may he
kindness TO bring ones intellect down TO
the level of the listener; call 1t COnceit.
II, in spite Of my elaborate new dress, he
could not help seeing was but school
girl, was there any reason why be should
50 plainly show me he saw it He did not
even pretend to patroniZe me; he simply
chose TO talk upon subjects which he was
pleased to think WIS well within my
limited range II was Notifying! |
twisted up my dinner napkin under the
table, as sort Of vent to my veXation.
Soon | grew desperate. | would show
this man | was not the inauc, empty
headed school girl he fanCiel me, or |
would perish in the attempt.
My flucucy Of speech caiHc back "a sud
denly a. it left me. On my own
account, began To talll-ot topics
about which | knew nothing CT
places had never visited of people had
never Seen-and Of books had never read.
He seemed amused AZ my new depart
ure, and BATTERED myself. tried to lead
me on 10 talk 80 talk did, and thought
no evil 1t was not until | had once or
twice gone completely ont of my depth,
right over head and shoulders. and was
compelled 10 founder back as best could,
that | fancied the wretchcd man was
laughing at me-not openly, Of course; his
manner was politcncss itsclf-yct | had
an unpleasant suspicion that more than
once had made myself an idiot in his
eyes ] was greatly relieved when the
sigma! came TO leave the table.
1t was dull worl, in the drawing room.
II was very hot, too. | peeped out of the
window and saw the garden looking most
tempting in the light OF a lovely autumn
nal moon. How delightful 1t would be il
could have one walk round II, slipped
from the room. covered my head and
shoulders with shawl, and stole through
the library window, which opened to the
ground. / forgot ali my little annoyance
IN the beauty OF the night, | became quite
cheerful and happy. ! was 10th 10 leave
the enchanting scene. At last, with "A
sigh ! turned and began to retraCc my
steps 10 the house. To my horror. as
ucarcd 1t saw the French easements Of
the dining room open. The men were
coming out to get a breath of fresh mir
and 10 smoke a cigarette before entering
the drawing room. What could do
was certain to be seen | shrank from the
polite Tidicuc with which my nocturnal
wandcringS were sure to bc greeted, in
truth | was now rather ashamed of the
freak which had led me into such an aNvS
ward situation. | wished to eXtricate my
self without having TO make excuses and
explanations, and as | shuddcred at the
thought Of walking boldly past the knot
uf gentlemen | was compelled to adopt
the alternativc-C unCcalmcnt.
On the lawn near to me grew one Of
those Conical trees-a species OF laurel
The foliage Of which touches the ground,
and leaves the center nearly hollow This
particular tree was 50 large that it formed
natural shmmer- house, and to enable IL
TO fulfill It's mission an entrance had been
cut through the bows or the side farthest
from the house Ii was the very thing
perfect harbor Of REFUGEE / rushed inside,
unseen and, hoped, unheard, resolved TO
wait behind the friendly boughs until the
voices which heard in the distance died
into silence.
In few minutes became aware that
voices were drawing near to me -- so
niarmingly near, that very soon | was
able To recognize them and distinguish
what they were saying. 1t was Mr.. Vim