Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1894-04-27
Miss Chichester.

"My cousin, Miss Chichester" }"
said Tom LlngtOu, with a wave OF
his hand.
The three men to whom he thus
presented the shabby little girl,
whom be called "My cousin, Miss
Chichester bowed in their several
turns and in their several fashions.
They we're all brother officers OF
Toms. who had accompanied him
to Brook House that they might
share in the pick Of the shooting,
beginning on the lmn oral y b.
They were naturally all very good
shots-had they been other ise
they might have whistled, so 10
speak, for invitations to Brock
House at that particular time of
year-and last, but not least, they
we're al very tolerable looking.
"NIy COUSIN, Miss Chichester" ,"
looked frightened. She was a tiny
creature, pale and slim, with dark
hair, blue eyes and brOws and
lasheS of midnight. Her features
we're small, and the nose bad a
tendency to turn upward rather
than downward. She was very
shabby and was dressed in Scanty
frock of black stuff, very much the
worse for wear. She looked doubt
fully at Tom and at TOMS friends
and very much as if she was not
sure whether she ought to 60 OF
stay.
"Where are all the others, PussyY
Tom asked, putting an end to heI
idea Of flight.
AUNT Agnes did not expect you
until the Z o'clock train, TOm,' she
replied IN rather quayeling voice
"Then l suppose they are all
OUT" said Tom in a matter of fact
tone.
"Yes, Tom; they have gone to a
garden party at Lady Northam's.
and my uncle is on the bench to.
day"
ooh, well, we shall manage to
exist till they come back" said
Tom, with the unfeeliug tone that
onlya brother can assume. "They'll
be home soon enough, BY the bye,
couldn't you give us some tea OF
something We are all famished
and thirsty
"Oertainly, Tom. I'll 60 and
send it at once" she replied eager.
Iy, and moving toward the door as
she spoke.
Cant you ring and order it
from bere y Tom asked impatiently
"Oh, yes,"-then doubtfully-
"but l think l will 60. IL is iHsj
the servants
"Sit STILL" SAID Tom impeliously
under his breath.
He rang the bell, a good sound
ing peal, as he spoke, and turned
toward the door when the servant
came, without waiting for biz
cousin to speak.
"Oh, William, bring us some te3
as soon you can," he said.
"Cerialniy, Mr.. TOm," replied
that functiOnary in his most urban'
tones.
When Mr.. Tom was at home, hi
presence always had the effect o
quickening the service of the house
not because he was hard to please
or not absolutely civi! to his in
feriors, but because there was al
ways a ring in his voice whicl
meant command. In an incredibly
short time the stately William re
turned with the tea and set it il
front OF MISS Chichester, who h3C
subsided onto a chair, with he
little hands clasped together befOr
her, in an attitude of patient wait
ing. She poured out the severa
cups of tea, and Tom got up AM
mlnistered to bis friends in yer,
hospitabIe style, finally going bacl
to his cousins side for his own cur
"William has brought a en-
short" he remarked and before sh
could speak went TO the bell an
rang it again.
Il don't want one" she stan
mered nervously.
"Nonsense Oh, William, anOthe
cup. Thanks.
They had barely flushed th
sn,all meal, when the door va
opened, and three ladies' came int
the room. "Oh, my dear Tom." erie