Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-11-07

pleased.
A month passed, the girls becoming
nciedulous. But one forenoon the
bell rang and there WAS . sharp rat
tat. Steslings glance out Of window
Juliana saw . young man faultlessly
dressed, air and manner be,oksning
"town." The summons had struck
her as scarcely provincial. Juliana
bad the impression that the young man
caught glimpse Of her-just what she
wished.
Taking the card from the maid
servant Juliana read, Mfr. Herbert
Ashley.
"Sbow the gentleman into the draw
iDgroom," Juliana commanded quietly.
"Sy dney, go into the garden; tell
papa the gentleman he expected wishes
to see him. Then you can go to my
room and be filling in those slippers"
The drawing. room had not closed on
the caller. lie heard the rustic Of
drapery be turned to cstcha glimpse
of some one. 1t was such q figure, he
thought. lie was disappointed that he
had missed the face, but doubtless he
would sec her.
"Ah, how dye do? Thought you'd
given us up" The Major was scarcely
we'll into bis coat, but the hand-shake
was cordial. In few moments there
was tap.
MAY l come IMP" came a demure
voice.
There was an introduction to Juliana.
10 girl after girl; on the young mans
face an expression of expectancy, to
be shadowed again and again. He did
not win golden opinions his scrutiny
of each face was almost too outright,
and be was absent or disturbed /; pecu-
liar.
There was an adjournment TO discuss
cigar and b. and S.
I" L have sent a servant for the key Of
the house. | must not be too promi-
nent." The Major was giving the why
and the wherefore, when, looking out
Of the window, he exclaimed, "Why
here is the house-sgent. A you'll
come back, of course, and lunch with
us?"
81 don't know" demurred the
young man /; 81 must get back to
town."
Mr.. Herbert Ashley was not long
away, and he was prompt in making
up his mind.
81 have decided to take the house."
informed be hurriedly. You will ex-
cuse mo; there is train due in ten
minutes; by it can catch an ex-
press"
L" Gone :" exclaimed Julians.
Eyes; by the other train it is so late
when one arrives in town." excused
the Major.
"His day will be spoiled. lie might
have spent it here"
L" POuf-my dear, you must allow
bin to know his own business best.
You will see enough Of him when be
gets here"
Perhaps the girls did chafe that the
blinds of the adjoining house remained
down so long. They were not design
ing minxes, but the novelty OF ayouug
unmarried man as neighbOr did GER
tainly stir their pulses. lie had dis.
cussed his men0ge there would be no
watchful mamma or Jealous sister to
keep guard over him a stsid old ser
want only to minister to his corporal
needs.
The servant appeared; the master
arrived the Major was hospitable.
Come in whenever you like" en-.
couraged the Major, shaking hands
with the guest. "You see the girls are
musical, and I shall be only too glad Of
your company"
That the girls were accomplished
musicians was indisputable. The box
from Nudes, daily newspaper, a
society journal, kept them an courGm
with the world of letters and Of fash
ion. Herbert Ashley was surprised.
They seemed to know as much OF What
was stirring in town as he did. The
Major read his thoughts.
al We are out Of the world SO con-
t1iye to keep informed Of what is going
on in it,"
Herbert Ashley svailed himself Of
the Majors carte 6idncte, but he was
devoured with curiosity. The family
circle was incomplete; but why did not
the brunette sppear? The five girls
were ranged picturesquely. Non
chslsntly, in an undeFtone, he put the
question to tho Major:
Then this is all your number III
family 2"
An? Yes, to be sure. Plenty,
too, ilaith. But not one too many
asserted the Major cheerfully.
There was evasion, but Herbert
Ashley was polite. 1t would have
been bad taste TO persist. Everything
comes TO him who waits.
lie bad been located in Strawbury a
month, when, meeting the redou6taole
Milward, be was accested and assured
that his appearance was not at all re-
scented. After this the young mas
evenings seemed TO be much less his
own. lie had an impression that his
patients were doubtful ones. lie Won
deYed if Milwsrd had been wedding.
Fittings begin to look healthy
commented the Major patadoxlcslly.
81 don't regret coming his protegs
assured him, "if my returns as yet
Are not likely to pay my groom's
wages"
There is nothing for it bat pa
tience," encouraged the Major.
1t was early morning; Herbert Ash
ley was dressing. His dressing-room
window commanded the Majors garden.
Who was that fitting from rose to rose,
iphaling fragrance with tender vo-
racity? Not one Of the Majors slen-
der, fair-haired dsmsels; a brunette,
plump, with shspely, rounded arms,
her step elastic, n miniature Juno-ah,
the pymph that looked so charming in
the deer-stalker that memorable morn
ing She was not born to blush IN
seen If he threw up his window
would she fly like a startled fawn?
II. x-o,,l1 mot naka tina aYneriment