Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-05-12

the matter from the conversation as soon
as possible, and before tho end of the
evening her mood was so far molllhed
that she introduced the subject of the
Honorable Ernest's arrival.
eyes, Virginia" she said, cit is forty
one years ago that made the ocean pas
sage with that young mans father, and
we have corresponded ever since. That
is what comes of being systematic IN
ones habits. Now, don't go fancying
that there was anything more in it than
therereally was. We were friends simply,
nothing else. But friend means some
thing TO me, and / mean to receive this
young man into my house and show
him every attention in my power. And
YOU tell me that you have met him in
New York, and like him very much?
am not match maker, Virginia, like
your Aunt Helen, but it will doubtless
be very agreeable to both the families if
you young people should happen to take
fancy to each other. Stranger things
have occurred, and since 1t is evident to
me from an intimate knowledge of your
character that you are sure to marry
some day, l know of no one whom it
would please Inc so much to intrust your
future happiness to as the son of my
old friend. lis presumptive rank would
probably weigh far more with you than
with me. Provided the young man has
high principles and steadfast purpose,
| shall be content"
laughed gently in reply. | had made
I'd my mind not to thwart the old lady
openly. 1t would be time enough for
that later if the honorable Britain ever
should come to the point. 1t was such
Il novel coincidence that my aunts should
agree for once on anything that the
thought of quitting myself i'll antaSonlsm
with them did not occur to me seriously
for u moment felt the humor of the
situation. and was also filled at once
with the desire to harmonic them for
ever by means Of this common interest.
"We will see, Aunt Agnes, what he
thinks Of me-" | said; and all through
my visit of two days dropped hints of
fhe efforts Aunt Helen had made in
New York to prejudice Mr.. Ferroll in
my favor
"She has spoiled all, | dare say, by
| showing her hand too openly" hristled
/ Aunt Agnes the first time mentioned
| the subject
IN that case you will have to let him
| have glimpse of the Harlan pride, l
answered. II shall depend on you not
to allow INC to be forced upon him, Aunt
Agnes. am sure, however, that Aunt
| Helen means well in the matter. She
may be little indiscreet, but if you
Were TO talk X over with her | am sure
Won would come to satisfactory agree
ment. Now, it strikes me as an ex-
ccllent idea for you to come and spend 2
few days Will, rs at Newport. 1t would
would give US both very great pleasure
Please do think of it seriously"
Newport? Do you take me for o
fashionable do nothing, child? Why,
your aunt wouldn't lot me inside tie
door! have only SIX dresses n the
t;orld. Newport Tell mel"
What nonsense, Aunt Agnes. prom
Use you that you shall have the warmest
of welcomes If you will come, and you
may, if you prefer, wear the same dress
all the time You are there"
| did not press the matter at the mo-
ment, but REQUIRED to it many times
afterward, and as soon as got home
told Aunt Helen Of Aunt Agnes propo-
sal to invite Mr. Ferroll to her own
house, and of her general enthusiasm III
regard to his proposed visit.
Bravo" she responded, clapping her
hands. Your aunt shows her sense for
once in her life, though one would have
TO be blind as mole not to see that this
is one chance in a thousand
What should you say to asking her
down here for few days.
Certainly, dear She doesn't know
any one, to be sure, and would probably
dress like an antcdiluvian. But people
wouldn't think anything of that If it
was whispered around that she was lit
erary and peculiar. think, on the
whole, it would be good plan to ash;
her can give her "A few ideas as to
how nobleman should be handled"
"Precisely," | answered.
Accordingly Aunt Helen and | each
wrote Il most urgent letter of invitation,
ana after some further correspondence
my efforts We're rewarded with the pres
ence IN my house Of my fathers sister.
For the first twenty-foUr hours, despite
my cordial welcome, feared every mo-
Iuent lest she should announce her inten-
ton of going home again Her manner
was SO stiff, and Aunt Eelen'5 so airy, that
was apprehensive Of "A catastrophe. But
at last, by the display of tact and by
carefully humoring their respective pic j.
udices, | drew them gradually together,
and when at last WAS taken apart by
each of them successfully ono evening,
to be told that save for certain un(ort-
unate peculiarities her rival WAS an ua-
commonly sensible woman, ! felt that
could safely retire and leave them to
their day dream of making me Duchess
of Clyde.
Duchess or no duchess, it would be
an admirable connection" said Aunt
Agnes.
And there is no shadow of a doubt
that his wife win be duchess" added
Aunt Helen