Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1891-04-17

Ralph was engaged. | was undecided
as to which 1t was of the two to whom |
had already boon introduced. Girls al
ways seem to me 80 very much alike, es-
pecially pretty girls, and these were
both OF them pretty. | do not mean
that they resembled each other in the
least, for one was dark aud one was fair;
but which was Miss Aurolia Grant,
Ralph's fiancee, and which was Miss Ey-
elyn Derrick, cousin Of the family, |
could not make out until later in the
evening, when ! distinctly saw Ralph
kiss the fair one in the picture gallery,
and instantly came to tho conclusion
that she was the one to whom he was
engaged.
asked Charles II I We're not right, as
we stood in front Of the hall fire before
the rest Of the party had assembled for
dinner, and he told me that h 4 indeed
hit the nail on the head in this instance,
though for his own part he never laid
much stress himself on such an occur
renee, having found 1t prove misleading
IN tho extreme to draw any conclusion
from 1t. He further Informed me that
Miss Derrick was the young lady with
dark hair who had poured out tea, and
whom he had favored with some of his
conversation afterward.
admired Raj h's taste, as did Charles,
who had never seen his future sister-in
law before. Aurelia Grant was a charm
ing little creature, with q curly head
and n di1nplo and u pink and white COM
plexion, and Il suspicion Of an Irish ac-
cent when che became excited.
Charles said he admired her complex
ion most because it was SO thoroughly
well done and the coloring was so true
to nature
did not quite catch his meaning, but
1t certainly was beautiful complexion,
and then she was 80 bright and lively,
and showed such pretty little teeth when
she smiled She was quite delightful
l did not wonder at Ralphs being so
much in love with her, and Charles
agreed with me.
There is nothing like a good COM
pleyion," he remarked gravcly. "One
may be led away to like pale girl with
mind for u time, but for permanent
domestic happiness give mo a good COM
plexion, and--a dimple," he added, as if
| it were an aftcrthought II feel /
could not bestow my best affections on
q woman without dimpie Yes, in
decd. Ralph has chosen we'll"
Now do not agree with Charles there,
as l have always considered that a wo-
man should have u certain amount Of
mind; just enough, in fact, to enable her
to appreciate Il superior one. / said as
much to Charles, but he only laughed,
and said it was q subject on which opin-
ion had always varied.
How did he meet herr" l inquired.
"On the Risi, last summer said
Charles, II am thinking of going there
myself next year. Lovely orphan sat by
Lady Mary at table d'hote, Read tracts
presented by Lady Mary. Made &C
quaintance. Lovely orphans travelling
companion or governess discovered to be
live sister of defunct travelling compan-
ion or govelness Of Lady Mary. Result,
warm friendship. Ralph, like IA dutiful
nephew, appears on the scene. Fort
night Of fine weather. Interesting ex,
petitions. Romantic attachment. &C.
mented by diamond and pearl ring from
Hunt u Roskell's. There is the whole
story for YOU"
Evelyn Derrick joined Us as he finished
speaking. She was tall, graceful girl
gentle and dignihed in manner, with d
pale, refined face. Sho was pretty in {
way, but not to compare 20 Aurelia
Evelyn had an anxious look about her
too. Now l do not approve Of a Cir
l. ha ryl,t - no -irrl.
and happy, with a smile for every one,
It is all very well for Us men. who have
the work Of the world to do, to lOOB
grave at times, but with women it is IL
Ierent; and woman always looks her
best when she slniles--at least think so.
Then Aureha came down, perfectly
dazzling IN white satin; then Sir George,
then Ralph, giving an arm to Lady
Mary, who suffered from rheumatism il
her foot. Then came the gong, and
there was a rustic down Of more people,
young and old. friends of the family
who had como TO act or to SEQ their sons
and daughters act. AS l never could
get even their names right u shall not
attempt to give any account Of them
especially as they arc not of Importance
in any way.
After dinner. on entering the drawing
room, found that great excitement pre-
vailed among the ladies respecting Sill
Johns jewels. About bis sad fate and
costly legacy they all seemed fully IN
formed. had myself almost forgotten
the reason Of my visit In my interest il
my new surroundings. not having ever
as yet given up the jewels to Sir George
Danvers or Ralph; but at the urgent re
quest Of all the ladies at once Ralph
begged me to bring them down TO b.
seen and admired then and there before
the rehearsal began.
"Thsy viii oil be yours, you know,
Ralph said to Aurelia. "You shall veal
them on your wedding day"
You Hre always talking about beinl
married. said AureliA, with little
pout. Il wish you would try and thinl
Of something else to say. was quit,
looking forward TO it myself until
came here, and now l am quite. quit
tired of it beforehand,
Ralph laughed dolightedly, and Sil
thot ,,-,,