Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-02-26
CHAPTER XVI

Paying his court 70 the ex-schoo1mistress
on the next dav, Hardyman made such excel
lent use of his opportunities that the visit to-
tn stud farm look place on the day after.
His own carriage was placed at the disposal
of Isabel and her aunt, and his own sister
was present to confer special distinction on
the reception of Miss Pink.
In country like England, which annually
suspends the sitting of its legislature in honor
OF a horse race, it is only natural and proper
that the comfort of the horses should be the
first object OF consideration at a stud farm
Nlne-tenths OF the land at Hardymans farm
were devoted, in one way or another. to the
noble quadruped with the low forehead and
Il e long nose Poor humanity was satisfied
with second rate and third rate accommoda-
ton. The ornamental grounds, very poorly
laid out, were also very limited in extent;
and as for the dwelling house, it was literally
cottage. A parlor and kitchen. smok-
ing room, bedroom and spare chamber
for a friend all scantily furnished, sufficed
for the modest wants Of the owner of the
property. Ii you wished to feast your eyes
on luxury you went to the stables.
The stud farm being described the intro
duction of Hardymans sister follows in due
course.
The Hon. Lavinia Hardyman was, as all
persons in society know, married rather late
in life to Gen Drumblade 1t is saying
great deal, but it is not saying too much to
describe Mrs Drumblade as the most mis-
chievous woman of her age in all England.
Scandal was the breath of her life; to place
people in false positions, to divulge secrets
and destroy characters, to undermine friend
shils and aggravate enmities-these were the
of VIII
gerous woman drew the inexhaustible fund
Of good spirits that made her a brilliant
light in the social sphere She was one of
the privileged sinners of modern society.
The wors, mischief that she could work was
ascribed to her "exuberant vitality" She
hal that ready familiarity of manner which
is lin her class so rarely discovered to De
insolence in disguise Her power of easy
self-a>sertion found people ready to accept
her on her own terms wherever she went
She was one Of those big, overpowering
women, with blunt manners. voluble tongues
and google eyes, who carry everything be-
fore them The highest society modestly
considered itself in danger of being dull in
the absence of Mrs. Drunlblade. Even
Hardvman himsef-who saw as little of her
as possible whose frankly straightfor ward
nature recoiled by instinct from contact
with his sister-could think of no filter per-
son to make Miss Pink's reception agreeable
to her while he was devoting his own atten-
tions to her niece Mrs Drumblade accepted
the position thus offered with the most ami
able readiness. In her own private mind size
placed an Interpretation on her brothers
motives which did him the grossest injustice.
She eliaved that Hardyman's designs on
lsabei contemplated the most profigate re-
suit To assist this purpose, while the girls
nearest relative was supposed to be taking
care of her, was Mrs Drumblade's idea of
fun Her worst enemy admitted that the
honorable Lavinia had redeeming qualities,
and owned that keen sense OF humor was
one of her merits.
Was Miss Pink likely person to resist the
destinations of Mrs Drumblades Alas for
the ex-schoolmistress! Before she had been
five minutes at the farm Hardymans sister
had fished for her, caught her, landed her.
Poor Miss Pink!
Mrs Drumblade could assume a grave
dignity of manner when the occasion called
for it. She was grave, she was dignifed,
when Haroyman performed the ceremonies
of introduction. She would not say she was
charmed to meet Miss Pink-the ordinary
slang of society was not for Miss Pink's ears
she would say she felt this introduction as