The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1891-07-02
A LESSON IN LOVE.
BY L. B. G.

SuCn q glorious sunset! crimson
and gold and amethyst clouds piled
high in the western sky-a pale, clear
opal, with slender silver crescent Of
moon slowly climbing it's pearly
stair to it's throne in the heavens.
Over all a perfect peace-the drowsy
hush OF the country. Only the mus
ical murmur OF the pretty little river
winding in and out like silvery rib
bon between emerald banks dotted
with wild flowers,
Miss Huntley's calm eyes took in
the peaceful scene; the long brown
iashes dropped upon her pale, exquis-
itely tinted cheek, and she gave her.
self up to the slow, seductive delight
of a reverie. 1t was seldom that
Ethel Huntley allowed herself to think
or dream. Hers was too busy a life
the hard grind of the fashionable
woman whose existence is made up
of frivolity and society. She had
been ''going the pace" if one may
use the expression in connection with
the queen of the fashionable circle in
which she reigned.
The winter had been one giddy round
of balls, theatres, receptions, operas
and late hours. Spring found the
petted belle and beauty pale and
spiritless. DR.. Denton shook his gray
head wisely. He was brusque old
man, and never hesitated in the mat
ter OF telling the truth to his patients
"1ou must go into the country
somewhere he pronounced, after a
close survey OF the delicate features.
81 don't care where you 60; but it.
must rot be a popular resort-a place
to dlssipate, and further enervate
yourself with fashions frivolity and
late hours. There must be no more
nonsense Of that kind for this sum-
smer"
"But-doctor-I am due ATT
"1ouwillbe due at the grave smouth,"
interrupted this uncomfortable old
man, grimly, land that very soon,
If you do not take my advice. Quiet
-absolute quiet"-he shrugged his
broad shoulders significantly -'I wash
my hands OF the entire case, if I am
NOT to be Obeyed."
So, somewhat alarmed, Ethel de-
cided to choose quiet and the despised
country rather than probable trans
lation to another sphere. Her trunks
Were packed, q note written to an old
acquaintance in the town OF Penfeld,
and, arrangements having been made,
Miss Huntley left for the country.
Weeks passed, and now, seated up
ION the broad, -wreathed veranda
OF the old farmhouse, hergolden head
resting against the soft cushions of
most luxurious lounging-chair, her
beautiful gray eyes closed, her white
hands idly folded, Miss Huntley was
resting--really, deliciously resting
In f1eecy white muslin tea-gown
tied with pale blue ribbons, she looked
;lovelier than she had at the last grand
reception which she had honored with
her presence. 1t was of that very re-
ception that she was thinking now
almost longingfor a return to the gay
ETY. OF fashionable life. The leopard
cannot change his spots, nor the
Ethiopian his skin, so woman of
fashion will not wrench herself away
from her wonted routine without an
immense effort. Some find it impos-
:sible.
Mr.. Grey, the old farmer at whose
hospitable home she was sojourning
soon made his appearance with a
letter.
"For you, Miss Huntley," he said,
and EthePs eyes flew open, and she
seized the letter as thoug h it held the
issues of life within it's square, family
scented envelope. Opening it she
read it slowly. A letter from her
mother, bewailing EthePs enforced
absence ..-
"And Roy Effingham has come home
at last, }" SO ran the fourth page of the
long, chatty epistle "but he is not at
all strong His sojourn in Europe
seems to have been of little benefit to
him. 1t is reported that he will soon
leave for Montana, where he thinks
OF buying sheep farm; he must live
an outdoor lite, SO he assures me- He
inquired for you, Ethel, and with
such look Of interest; asked hun
dred and one questions concerning
you and your present abode, and
seemed awfully disappointed that you
were not at home. You never would
know him. 1t is so long sinceyou met
eight years, is it not? And he mas
grown so pale and delicate. He is
worth half a million in his own right,
and it does seem hard that you could
not be here. l believe he starts next
week for Montana. And now l must
tell you," etc.
But Ethel read the items concerning
Roy Etfingham over and over, once,
twice, thrice.
II wish | had met himp' she ex-
claimed. ut is, indeed, eight long
years since our little Irritation. He
was poor then, but this fortune has
1been left him since, and he is the catch
-of the season. ugh! lam getting old