Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-12-18
why four or five shillings she will have to pay

and that's all about it."
 To have conciliated Martha was some thing; but it was hardly enough to make life sndurable to one who had hitherto lived in a world peopled by friends, and Chris could nor but feel sore when week after week passed by and these friends gave no sign of remember ing her. The newspapers told her that the Duchess of Islay, and Lady Barnstaple, ana host of others were in London, and that Lady Grace Severne had been presented; but none of them found their way to PrimI ose Hill, and Chris had nothing to do and nothing to look forward to. Moreover, her aunt grumbEeo at her unceasingly.
 CT have surrounded you with luxuries, the old woman would say (she pronounced the word 'tlugsuries," which somehow gave It a richer sound) ;'and yet you look miserable and seem to consider yourself ill-used. That was just your poor mothers way. She dldn't know when she was well of. She insisted upon marrying 8 man who spent her whole fortune in year; and fully expect that you will follow in her footsteps"
 It really seemed quite possible. If Val Richardson had made his appearance at that time, Chris would probably have co ented te marry him and if he could have obtained control over her fortune he would assuredly have dissipated it within the period named. But the longest lane has a turning. One day. about the middle of the month of July, the denizens of Balaclava Terrace were startled by the apparition of @ very smart victoria which dashed up to the door of No. 25, and out of 1t stepped stout, homely looking lady, who asked for Miss Compton.
 "My dear," Lady Barnstaple said, when she had embraced her young friend, and had been introduced to Aunt Rebecca, who fixed 8 stony, covetous stare upon her diamond earrings, "you have been calling us all sorts of bad names, I am sure. But you see, l ofb bo ovnincp 011f anvUhara while you were in such deep mourning, and next season, when you discover what it is to have an engagement for every hour of every day, you will find it more easy to pardon us. But Heaven be praised the season is almost over now, and next week am going to take Oracle down to my little cottage in Devon shire to recruit. Will you come with us. if your aunt can be induced to spare you for a week or two"
 Miss Ramsden inclined her head solemnly and sorrowfully. "I should be unwilling" !" said she, "to prevent my niece from amusing herself in any way. I have done my pest i; but can not flatter myself that she has found my society amusing"
 Lady Barnstaple smiled and looked as if that announcement did not greatly surprise her. "A little change is always good for young people," she remarked. GAS far as amusement goes, I'm afraid we haven't much of that to offer you, Chris; but it will be 8 great pleasure to Oracle to have you with her again, if you will come. I ought to tell you that she has been bothering me to call upon you for weeks past. To-day she has gone to Birmingham with one of her sisters. If you haven't seen us long ago, you must blame me and try to forgive me-"
 Chris, who at first had been little in- clned to hang back from the tardy advances made to her, modified vixen Lady Barnstaple took her hand and squeezed it and looked at her with broad, good-humored smile.
 ''I did think Oracle had forgotten me-" she confessed; "but I'm glad she hasn't, and l should like very much to go to Devonshire with you, Lady Barnstaple."