Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-04-01
THE WATERBURY EVENING DEMoCRAT MONDAY ApRI11 1ssa

At first Carmen liked Sir Geoffry for he,
 fathers sake, now-now, she began tc
 like him on his own account. Col. Mas
 singbird felt that if he must part with his
 cherished child, let it be to this man
 whose nature, loyal and true, he knew
 full we'll
 Sir Geoffry Estcourt in his younger
 days had dearly loved fair young girl
 but before the marriage could take place
 death claimed the bride The disconso.
 late young lover wandered about for
 years, seeking oblivion for his miserable
 soul, now here, now there. At length
 one may conclude he found it.
 For after heightened sojourn abroad
 he returned once more to his country,
 looked after his heritage and in a quiet
 way enjoyed life But when Carmen
 Massingbird appeared on the scene, it was like magician's wand passing over his heart and changing everything.
 Everything was pervaded with her pres ence. Her sunny, careless nature, her charming, merry ways threw magic spell over him. Yes, he was bewitched
 As yet he had uttered no word of love. He thought so humbly of him. self; could this beautiful, spoilt | young girl ever be brought to love him? He almost doubted it. And l he was afraid to disturb the sweet se- | renity of their daily lives, the charming familiarity of the home circle, where he was one of the most privileged of friends, the ami intime of the house. No! He would wait little longer, and she was so young. Probably had there been an oil in Io ol tempted fortune. But while she had plenty of admirers. she had no particular tendresse for any one. And was she not carefully hemmed in by wall of guard ians? Her father, Lady Catherine and himself. Dear Cousin Adela did not count at all: She looked after the young lady at home, ill other words, let her do precisely as she liked.
 When Lady Catherine was incapaci- tated by indisposition or other contre- temps from chaperoning her young grandniece, then Cousin Adela's services were in requisition,- very much to their owners regret. She had neither the making of chaperon, nor of lady of fashion, whereas Lady Catherine Mas singbird was, so to speak, to the manner born; and many an eligible partie had been brought forward with perfect suc- cess. Lady Catherine was considered a most diplomatic and clever match maker; and many a Belgravian mother owed her a debt of gratitude (which was gen. orally paid in kind). She was skillful general, and deserved everything. But her ladyship was in despair about her grand niece, for who so willful as Carmen, or who so utterly inconsequent as to results as Col. Massingbird? And the season was over, the season that ought to have done such great things for Miss Massing- bird. And it grieved Lady Catherine
 People were rushing hither and thith- CT in search of health, distraction, amusement; some to get rid of their friends, others of their creditors. The Massingbirds, father, daughter and aunt, spent delightful month at Wiesbaden. This resort was chosen by Lady Gather inc for her own particular benefit; she really intended taking the waters, and her nephew and grand niece were quite satisfied to enjoy themselves in their own way. Her ladyship felt that she had quite earned this little relaxation. and Col. Massingbird was only too
 
 feast of St. Partridge was at hand, so the colonel, who was a keen sportsman, set his face homcwards, and with him Car men. Lady Catherine was due at vari- ous country houses, but all being we'll, they would meet again the following winter.
 It happened that the last day of Au- gust found Sir Geoffry busy in his library, polishing up and overhauling his guns, ready for the first" There was a happy smile on his pleasant, sunburnt face. He looked the very type of an English gentleman, cool calm, self reliant, and as he stood there, in the warm, mel | low light of the August day, his heart was filled with joyous anti cipations, vistas of happiness that stretched around and onward, into | the coming years. A knock at the door his day dreams.
 "A telegram, Sir Geoffry."
 "Wait a moment, Brown" as he tore it open. "All right, no answer. Where Is Miss Estcourt?''
 ''In the morning room, Sir Geoffry."
 "Thanks! That will do. But see to 'hese guns, and put them carefully in 'heir cases." And then he walked off with his telegram and made for his sisters sitting room.
 "They will leave by the 3:1O train from Waterloo, and be here by dinner time. MARCIA"
 II am very glad, Geoff, dear. Their 'ooms are quite ready" And as Miss .stcourt watched the happy smile on her 'rothers face, she reached his head down o her level and kissed his forehead.
 "God bless you, dear"
 There was no need for more words. A ender and true love existed between hese two. Miss Estcourt was a pale, ,entle woman, long past her first youth, indeed she was 40, and had had troubles nd trials of her own. Yet she longed with great longing to sec happy wife eigning in the dear old home, to hear he glad voices of children echoing trough its silent rooms. For she and Ter brother were the last of their race. Now there seemed a chance. She new her brothers secret, and how deep y his heart was set on Carmen Massing- ird. And, as Geoffry left the room, II