The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1894-03-31
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Ill. (eV uEu. Is Jim coming
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asked Miss Talbot Of her pretty niece.
Maud. who was enjoying an afternoon
cup Of ten In the lowest chair she could
find In her aunt's coy little drawing
ROOM
She was the only daughter OF Miss
Talbots favorite brother, and had been
conscicntiously spoiled by both father
and aunt, whose considerable means
enabled them to indulge most OF her
whims, on the plea that she inher'
tied her dead mothers delicacy of con-
stitution and must not be worried. The
lntest Of these whims had been to en-
gage herself at eighteen to a good
looking young barrister, who, like
many Of his fellows had not yet had
an opportunity OF giving his eloquence
to the world. He was not what would
b called a good "parti,r but he was q
gentlcmanly, pleasant fellow genuine.
" In love with Maud, who, under all
her fanciful, spoiled childishness, had q
warm loving heart, that had really
given itself into Jim Burgoynes keep
ing. Therefore, 1t was with no small
surprise that Miss Talbot heard the an
swer to her question, spoken 10 an ag-
greivcd tone:
"Noi l told nurse to send the car
riage for me Mt six. hope that is not
too late for you? Jim is otherwise en-
gagged"
'.Otherwise engagedl' echoed Miss
Talbot, In nmazement why, Maudie,
what do you meant"
''Jnst what say, Aunt Joani Jim
seems to lind other things quiet as anus
ing as looking after me, SO naturally
l don't trouble him more than l can
help" and the speaker put down her
cup. and clasping her hands round her
knee looked essentially at the fire.
And pray when did this state of
things begin? asked Miss Talbot, re-
Stunning her interrupted knitting, a
smile Frightening her kind gray eyes,
oh, you need not laugh, Aunt JOAN"
answered Maud, solemnly; lit Is very
serious. ] am excessively angry with
Jim; and It will be some time before
can forgive him. and-and he does not
care bitl' This with little catch In
her voice that made her aunt look at
her sharply, and find that the eyes
staring at the FIRE were full OF tears
Tho still handsome, stately woman
rose, and drawing chair beside her
niece, put her hand upon her shoulder
saying:
ssChildl what foolish tiff is this?
What has Jim done to offend you?"
Maud hesitated moment, then her
Indignation found vent.
II will just tell you the whole thing
she cried, land you will see II you think
he has behaved well. II all began Mt
that ball we went to last Monday
week. had promised him some Of the
first waltxesHnd refused other partners
and he never came till more than an
hour after we got there. Then, instead
Of apologizing, he merely said he had
been unexpectedly detained by a friend
whom he had not seen for some time.
and hoped would give him other dances
to make up. l said could not, and
told him was not pleased, and danced
with other people all night. He calmly
went and amused himself Us II nothing
had happened. md danced three times
with Mary LOWELL would not go in
to supper with him, and made father
come home early. Jim came down to
the door with us, and asked me to LOON
kindly at him before said good night,
but was much too angry, and never
looked at him at all. The next MORN
ing he came, and actually laughed at
my reproaches when was quite in
clined to make friends with him, and
did not see why complained. The
result was that ! got angry again, told
him that II he did not care for keeping
his appointments with me he had bet
ter not make any, and would not listen
to any excuses on his part, but left him