Democratic messenger., 1888-11-03
MY SUMMER OUTING.


MY SUMMER OUTING.
Aunt Evelyn Roe, a brilliant widow,
took me from my humble country home
to her elegant cottage on the Hudson, and
the transformation was so complete that
was al first too much surprised to COM
prehcnd my increased social advantages
And It was not until an unwelcome lover
was pressed upon my notice that l under.
stood why Twas SO favored, and that my
aunt was resolved that l should marry
well and become an ornament 10 the SO.
cicty 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 array
cd me In satin and fine lace, my aunt came
In, and surveying me critically, expressed
herself rs delighted with my appearance.
She intimatcd that she intended me to
do welr'-by which she meant me to
marry rich man.
\ number Of guests were staying at her
house, 70: she was never happy unless she
had q 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
coo. way in which he did 50, and took ii
as ettled hing that was his destiny,
cau-cl me % disrse him with al my
heart,
Not long ailer my arrival at her house.
Aun; Evelyn received a letter which
seemed to please her very much, and she
informed me that il was from Mr.. Cyril
Worcester, a gentleman she had net at
Rome, 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 aggravated that l could hardly
bear II longer. did not care who came
or went the coming Of another man did
not signify there were too many already,
I thought, especially of such as LeBaron.
1t did no good for aunt to lecture ne'
which she often did, dwelling up9 2
theme Of amiability she insistetb
did not matter IL were not init
any one who convcrsed with u
smile and appear SO; also, wh3
lady was thinking Other settlei
she ought to consider the social s...u..s,
and, above all. the wealth of the man she
married.
All this advice irritated me, and aunt,
seeing my state of mind, wisely foreborc
further counselling, for the time.
Mr.. Cyril Worcester was expected on
Wednesday, and aunt was very much cx.
cited over the anticipated arrival. All
day long remained at home to greet
her guest, 1T hc lid not come; and In
the evenin.; some one proposed going to
the opera.
When making up the party aunt count
cd me Off TO Mr.. LeI,aron. lat once plead
cd a headache. So II happened Z ~ I9N
not go to the opera, but like Cinderella,
remained at home.
Amer the party had gone | fell into a
II, Of melancholy musing. How long was
this persecution To continue! could not
bear Il! And brooding upon my woes, !
was on the verge OF tears when maid
brought In a card. glanced at ii care.
-siY: Cyril Worcester"
HOW him in," said.
Twas annoyed At the interruption, bu, !
was obliged to nj A'>inan, tor here he
WAS, coming forward ;.ss. Sending his
hand
"The guests and Aunt EvclyhS Y
gone to the OPERA" explained.
"Ah !" he said. In u soft, musical
$50 you are the neice have been hCt
about Correct report"
looked at him, wondering what
meant. lie smiled back at me with tH
loveliest eyes had ever looked into. My
foolish heart fluticred; the crimson was
dyclng my checks. lowered my eyes In
confusion, and begged him to be seated. |
hardly knew wla, we said TO each other,
bu, We were very good friends al once,
ant felt lat h. possessed atii ctlohs
haid To rcsist.
lie spoke of Aunt Evelyn. lie had met
hci 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. lanswerrd
guaricdly. for ! ielt there was n reason
for my doing so. She also talked Of that
dctesiable LcBaron lie lad been com.
planning of my coldness and wanted her
To- iniercc,le for hin.
Il encouraged him to so on," she said
with calm assurance. "as WAS certain he
would win a, the end You ARE young
and ,houehilcss. but. my dear Stella. you
can go too FAR Besides, you know my
Wishes"
Aunt. said with emphasis. "you also
know mine hate and dIspisc that odious
mani"
"why, Stella, Mr.. LeBaron Il perfect
cr@sus. and I am sure he Is not IN look.
Ing"
Then became angry aud said l didn't
care n he possessed all the United States
and Canada. too; I did not like him. and
I would go home at once n he inflicted his
company upon me any more.
Aunt. seeing Twas seriously vexed. ad,