Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1890-08-22

among whom his grace the Duke of
Huntington holds pre-eminence With
out further parlcy, it will, | hope, be
seen that we are people Of some conse-
quence.
Mannering, it may be said in pass
ing is an inland town in ono of the
more populous of the eastern states
1t is not quite city, though its aspira-
tions are charterward, and will perhaps
be realized at no distant day. The
manor is far enough outside the busy
heart of the town to allow ample breadth
OF grounds and overarching sky, and is,
in TRUTH u goodly place. 1t was built
late in life by my grandfather, Theophi-
lus Mannering, who, having from some
cause fallen under the ban of the head
of the family in his time, came to this
country when a young man, and became
afterward the founder Of "a town, of his
own fortunes, and, later, of the family
seat.
Two years ago, while leading the no.
madic life dear to bachelor in easy cir
cumstances, was recalled home by the,
to me, startling intelligence that my
brother, Robert Huntington Mannering,
had become involved pccuniarily, and
was in danger Of compromising the fam
lily dignity by sacrificing the manor and
its belongings to the rapacity of his
creditors The letter conveying this i'll
telligence was from my niece, Madeline
Mannering. 1t was a straightforward
statement of facts, without any branch
ing off into sensationalism, such as most
women would have INDUCED in under
the circumstances From it l conceived
high respect for my niece, whom | re-
mcmbercd a dozen years back as 10
year-old child, quiet and sensible, but
not otherwise remarkable. With the
family honor at stake, | of course lost
no time in returning home, being the
more impelled to haste that the letter
had been several weeks awaiting my re-
turn from yachting cruise.
1t was on a fine morning in June that
reached Mannerington. The sun was
shining brightly, / remember, as it often
does of a June morning. y vocal con.
cert was also in progress, TO which every
body had free tickets, the principal per-
former being q Nile. Robin, of the fam
lily, it is believed, of the illustrious Cock
Robin, whose tragical end is rather
widely known. Mademoiselle was well
sustained by other performers, all OF
whom were singers of note.
Having cleaned myself from railway
dust and partaken Of cup of coffee,
proceeded at once to the manor. Ny
brothers greeting was glad almost to
bOyishness. For a moment think we
both forgot the years which had made
him fbn fat har Of a FAMILY o1,1
well, q wdif-and were back again in
the old days Of boyhocd, when |, though
the younger, had always been the cham
pion and defender Of my more Eighty
but light hearted and most winsome
brother
"Ah, Rafry," cried Robert, facing me
with both hands upon my shoulders,
don't you feel like telling me how
much have grown? am sure you are
head taller than when saw you last
But come in, come in! The girls viii
be glad indeed of this.
But about your affairs, Robbie?" !
fastened to interpose. 81 have come TO
help you, you know"
"Oh, it is all right now" he returned
with a shade of embarrassment, as
thought, in his manner 1--WE have
pulled through
He thereupon picked up pebble and
after balancing it upon his thumb and
forefnger, spun it away quite out OF
sight. 1t was an old trick of his boy
hood, which brought my heart to my
mouth. At that moment | was feeling
something Of the sad pathos there is in
tine days that are no more" Robert
may have had similar feelings, for his
face was unusually grave, but he repeated
the exercise l have mentioned as we
walked on to the house, and seemed 10
spin oil all serious emotions with the
pebbles which whizzed from his hand.
"Nou have como to stay, Raifyy" he
said at length. I'VE are going to keen
you, now that we have you back again.
| reflected that emergencies might
arise in which my help would be invalu
able, though it seemed not to be needed
now. Accordingly, | promised that, for
the present at least, would remain in
Mannerington In keeping with this
promise, / settled quietly Gown, ostcn.
sibly occupying bachelors lodgings, but
living good deal at the manor The
Misses Mannerings came, | believe, 10
regard me as a model for bachelor uncles
! attended them upon frequent shopping
torays, rode, sailed or sung with them
and was, in fact always at their con.
mand
Miss Mannering was the beauty of the
family. She had the orthodox allowance
of pink and white complexion, pearly
teeth, well cut features and crimpy
golden hair. She appropriated her
opinions from those with whom she was
intimate laughed most unsteady at
whatever was said, done or worn not
quite la mode; and was, in truth, "A
pretty, charming creature besides being
the very pink of propriety, and indeed
prize carnation. | dare say she never
originated an idea in her life. Being
however, well read, and having been used
from infancy to the discourse of cult
waited people, she could talk fuently
enough, and passed in society for per
aon Of cott ;idpru Lla I'M alla,tu,l df,cr;,,,;