The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1886-10-01
HER IL WARD.

dark eyes, hair of lustrous brown, all
lighted with changing CLEANS, like satin
when it lies in folds.
''Well, then" said Kate Jennings, you
have no business to be left an hciress, with
no one to look after your rights and priyi-
leges. 1t is natural enough that you should
become the prey of your needy relatives. .
'But this Mrs. Whyte Wayte was the
most disagrecable of them ALL cried Alice.
"Then let us be thankful that she has
departed to a better world" oh served
Kate.
eyes, but to leave her great clumsy boy
to my guardianship that always detest-
ed boys. Kate, its actually fiendish!'
"Oh, well, Alice, / wouldn't take such a
gloomy view of it is as all that suggested
Kate. '.Ife may be an infant cherub for all
you know. You can send him to boarding
school"
'sHe is not old enough for that
How do you know 90 queri led Kate.
II don't know; l nave only a dark pre-
sentiment. Oh, dear, what do people
want to die for? Or, if they must die, why
couldn't it have been Alexander Adolphus
instead Of his mother ?"
"When does he arrive 2'' asked Kate.
'To-morrow,' was the mournful re-
joinder.
"And what are you going t. do with
him 2"
1--WE fitted up the north room as a nur-
sery, with tops and balls and all that sort
OF thing, and old Hannah has promised to
have an eye to him at night, in case of
croup or diphtheria, or any other of those
merciful dispcnsations. And I've bought
a sled and a pair of skates for him, and
perhaps he may break his neck without
much trouble on my part"
Alice Hawkes. laughed as she spoke; but
there was a sigh mingled with the mellow
ring Of her mirth, and thereby Katharine
jennings knew that her fair friends soul
was inwardly troubled at the unwelcome
bequest.
Poor, dear, Alice.' thought Kate. .But
she'll make the best of tlIings-she always
does, And perhaps it won't be so bad after
ALL"
Miss Hawkes. countenance was very de-
jected, however, the nextday, when, wrap
ped in sables and velvet, she drove to the
depot, about a mile and a half distant from
Hawkes. Hall, to take possession of her new
treasure.
But the horses were fat and the roads
were heavy with mud following on a Janu-
AIRY thaw, and the noise Of the retreating
train had long since ceased to echo among
the hills when the carriage drew up in
front of the station.
II knew we should be too late Ralph
SAID Miss Hawkes., signing, as she descend
ed from the carriage. with a little sugar
dog-tho result Of Il last sudden uncertain
ty whether her future charge was three or
thirteen years of age-in her gloyed hand.
There was but one inhabitant of the wait
ing-room as Alice Hawkes. swept ina tall,
~fine-looking man, somewhere in the TWEEN
ties with hazel eyes, a nut-brown mustache
ana Il fdiiSt. Allc0 toohtd d~uoiousiy az
him. He looked with a puzzled air at the
fair apparition in blue velvet and ermine.
For one minnte-and then the whole
situation seemed to fash, as it were, upon
Alice Hawkes. mind. Mrs. Whyte Wayte
had never mentioned the age of her son
Could it be possible that this young man
was the cha rye? She felt her cheeks grow
scarlet as she dropped the sugar dog into
the depths Of her pocket.
IL beg your pardon" said Miss
Hawkes., laughing and coloring, Il expect-
ed to see a much younger person.
The stranger rose and bowed. Alice
Hawkes. was a well-proportioned girl, but
the gentleman lowered mead and should
ers above hers.
"And beg yours, ma'am. he said, Il
was prepared to see quite an old LADY,
1T is Mr., Wayte, isn't is hesitated
Alice.
That is my name!'
II am sorry we are so late-it is all my
coachman's fault. The carriage is waiting.
Will you allow Ralph to take your
checks p
lie smiled as he touched the valise and
color-box that lay on the floor at his side.
Il have no other luggage than this!'
Old Ralph, with eyes like full moons,
bestowed the two boxes on the seat beside
him, and held open the carriage door for
his mistress and her guest TO enter.
"Ma'am,'' he could not forbear whisper
ing with a slight giggle, there won't be
no call for them there sleds and marbles
and the kite, shaped like a maa.
Alice pretended not TO hear, bat she
knew that her cheeks were as red as the
scarlet feather in her hat.
as this the old placer" he asked leaning
out of tho window, as they neared the grey
stone portico in front, every column drap
ed in glossy green ivy. cit will make
beautiful picture"
do you thing SO - said Miss Hawke
smiling. Wait until you see the southern
elevation; 1t is still prettier and more pic
turesque."
The housekeeper, old Hannah, cams
smiling and courtesying TO the door; bu
she started a little as Mr.. Wayte, springinG
first from the carriage, assisted her youns
mistress to descend.
eff you please, mem" quoth she, "wher