Sacramento daily record-union., 1888-12-01
MY SUMMER OUTING.
Indeed it was.
-C1ticdgO MQi.

When Aunt Evelyn Roe, a brilliant
widow, took me from my humble country
home to her elegant cottage on the Hud-
son, the transformation was so complete
that was at first too much surprised to
comprehend my increased social advant-
ages. And it was not until an, unwelcome
lover was pressed upon my notice that l
understood why l was so favored, and that
my aunt was resolved that l should marry
we'll and become an ornament to the So
ciety which she herself adorned; she lost
no time in putting her plans in execution,
for, though young in years, she was old in
the tricks and shams of fashionable life.
One evening, after my maid had arrayed
me in satin and fine lace, my aunt came in,
and, surveying me critically, expressed
herself as delighted with my appearance
She intimated that she intended me to "do
well by which she meant me to marry
a rich man.
A number of guests were staying at her
house, for she was never happy unless she
had train OF admirers. Among them, l
think liked Mr.. LeBaron, my suitor least
of all. He had been encouraged by Aunt
Evelyn to make love to me, and the cool
way he did SO, and took it as settled
think that / was his destiny" caused me
to despise him with all my heart
Not long after my arrival at her house,
Aunt Evelyn received a letter which
seemed to please her very much, and she
informed me that it was from Cyril Wor-
ba hoA Of
and whom she esteemed highly, She had
long expected visit from him, and now
he had written to inform her when he
might be expected.
| took small interest in the news which
seemed to elate her so much, for | was
nursing my pet grievance, which had be-
come so aggravating that | could hardly
bear it longer. l did not care who came
or went; the coming of another man did
not signify; there were too many already,
thought, especially of such as LIE Baron.
1t did no good for aunt to lecture me,
which she often did, dwelling upon the
theme of amiability; she insisted that it
did not matter if were not interested in
any one who conversed with me, l must
smile and appear so; also, when young
lady was thinking OF her settlement in life
she ought to consider the social standing,
and, above all, the wealth of the man she
married.
All this advice irritated me, and aunt,
seeing my state of mind, wisely forebore
further counseling for the time.
Mr.. Cyril Worcester was expected on
Wednesday, and aunt was very much ex-
cited over the anticipated arrival. All
day long she remained at home to greet
her guest, but he did not come, and in the
evening some one proposed going to the
opera
When making up the party aunt counted
me off to Mr.. lie Baron. at once pleaded
headache. So it happened that / did
not go to the opera, but, like Cinderella,
remained at home.
After the party had gone l fell into fit
of melancholy musing. How long was this
persecution to continue? | could not bear
it. And brooding upon my woes, was on
the verge of tears when maid brought in
a card. / glanced at it carelessly: cyril
Worcester"
"Show him in" l said
| was annoyed at the interruption, bnt
was obliged to meet this man, for here he
was, coming forward and extending his
hand.
''The guests and Aunt Evelyn have all
gone to the OPERA" / explained.
"Ahp he said, in soft, musical tone,
so you are the niece | have been hearing
about? Correct report"
| looked at him, wondering a little what
he meant He smiled back at me with
the loveliest eyes | had ever looked into
Ny foolish heart futtered; the crimson
was dyeing my cheeks. l lowered my eyes
in confusion and begged him to be seated.
l hardly knew what we said to each other,
but We were very good friends at once,
and felt that he possessed attractions
hard to resist.
He spoke of Aunt Evelyn He had met
her abroad, he said, and / gathered that
the two were on the best of terms.
The next day aunt questioned me very
closely about Mr.. Worcester. answered
guardedly, for felt there was reason for
my doing so. She also talked of that de-
testable LIE Baron. He had been COM
planning of my coldness and wanted her to
intercede for him.
& encouraged him to go on" she said
with calm assurance, as | was certain he
would win in the end. You are young
and thoughtless, but, my dear Stella, you
can go too far. Besides, you know my
wishes"
Aunt" l said with emphasis, "you
also know mine. hate and despise that
odious man !"
Why, Stella, Mr. lie Baron is a perfect
Crosus, and am sure he is not ill-look-
ing"
Then became angry, and said 1 didn't
care if he possessed all the United States
and Canada, too; ibid not like him, and
! would go home at once if he inflicted his
company upon me any more.
Aunt, seeing ! was seriously vexed,
adroItly changed the subject and inquired
how liked Mr.. Worcester. / said that |
found no fault with him.
'tHe is gentleman of culture and re-
fnement," she said. But, dear Stella,
don't fall in love with Cyril, for he had a
heart of adamant."
"You need not fear for me, aunt"
Some charming days followed There
were excursions on the river, long strolls
over the hills, and readings from favorite
poets. l would have been very happy,
had not LIE Baron shadowed me wherever
/ went. Sometimes | eluded him, and had
quiet walk and chat with Mr.. Worces-
ter; and then it dawned upon me that
Aunt Evelyn did not relish the idea OF
my receiving any attention from her friend
One evening Mr.. Worcester and l had
sauntered down to the riverside, and sat in
the cool shadow of tree while we watched
the brook in the distance and talked oi
many things. After while he said:
'Stella, if this goes on people will say
that we are too much together, and Aunt
Evelyn will scold you, maybe. Have you
thought of that?'
"She does not like our friendship bit;s'
/ replied in my simplicity.
"Ahi | thought as much" he replied
"But we do not care for that, do we, Stel.
la ~ smiling down into my eyes.