Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-11-19


have imagined, and yet it must be o
diary-Maud's diary. Turns over the
leaves and catches that woman's name
against whom he has suddenly taken a
violent dislike.
January 25.-Was at Mrs. Chatter
by's-how strange one does not say any
thing of her husband, yet he is the nicer
of the two-and think it will be bet
ter not to go again to dinner. One can
always make some excuse that will not
be quite untrue.
1.-THE dinner is in honor of Mr.
cynical, who is leaving his college and
coming to live in London to do literary
work, as Mrs. Chatterby has been ex-
planning for weeks, and to give tone to
the weeklies.
The younger men are quite devoted
to him, and we ought all to be so thank
full that he is to be within reach. His
touch reminds one of don't know
the French writer, but she does not al
ways give the same name. we hope to
see great deal Of him. So delightfully."-
cynical, you know, and hates the bour-
geoisie.
81 was terrified lest I should sit next
Mr.. Fyuical, but Mrs. Chatterby was
merciful and gave me jamie Godfrey's
father. Edward says that he is a very
able man and will be lord chancellor
some day, but he is SO quiet and modest
that one feels quite at home with him.
Last summer he was yachting on the
west coast of Scotland, and he described
the sunset over the Skye hills, and l
tried to give him a Devonshire sunrise.
We both forgot where we were, and
then Mrs. Chatterby asked me quite
loud, so that every one looked, what l
thought of 'Smudges'
1.-THE dinner table seemed to wait for
my answer, and 1 wish that the book
had never come from the library, but l
said that had sent it back because it
seemed SO bitter and cruel and one
ought to read books which showed the
noble side of life.
" You are one of the old fashioned
women, she replied. You believe in
novel for the young person. with
smile that hurt me, and l told her that
l had been brought up on Sir Walter
Scott. l was trying to say something
about his purity and chivalry, when ]
caught Mr. Fynicals eye and blushed
red If l had only been silent, for I'm
afraid every one was laughing, and Ed
ward did not say one word to me all the
way home.
February 20.-Another ordeal, but
not so unfortunate as the last The
Browne Smythes are very kind friends
but l do think they are too much con-
cerned about having clever people at
their house. One evening Mrs. Browne
Smythe said she, was happy because
nothing had been talked about except
translations of Homer. A certain guest
was so miserable on that occasion that
begged Edward to leave me at home
this time, but he said it would not be
Greek again. 1t was science, however,
and when we came in Mrs. Browne
Smythe was telling a very learned look
ing person that she simply lived for
fossils A young lady beside me was
talking about gases to a nervous man,
who grew quite red and tried to escape
behind table. / think she was wrong
in her words, and he was too polite to
correct her. To my horror, he was
obliged to take me in to dinner, and
there never could have been two people
more deserving of pity, for was terri.
fed of his knowledge, and be was afraid
Of my ignorance. We sat in perfect ST.
lence till a fatherly old man, quite a
farmer, on my left began to talk to me
so pleasantly that described our coun-
try people and was really sorry when
the ladies had to leave. Edward says
that he is one of the greatest discoveries
in the world and has all kinds of honors
We became so friendly that he has
promised to take tea with me- and l
think he does not despise my simplicity.
How long to be cleverer for Edwards
Eake, for I'm sure he must be ashamed
of me among those brilliant women.
cannot blame him. am proud of my
husband.
"May 81 am quite discouraged and
have resolved never to go to any chart
table committee again. Miss Tabitha
Primmer used shameful language at the
Magdalene meeting today, and Mrs.
| Wood Ruler showed me that l had bro
ken law 43 by giving poor girl per-
sonal aid. 1t seems presumptuous on
my part to cfiticise such able and dill
gent workers, but my mother never
spoke about certain subjects, and it is
agony for me to discuss them. When
the vicar insisted ON Sunday that
thoughtful women were required for
Christian service today, and that VIC
must read up all kinds of books and
know all kinds of painful things, my
heart sank. 1t does not seem as if there
was any place left for simple folk like
me. Perhaps it would be better to give
up going out altogether and live for
Edward and BERTHE. I can always do
something for them, and their love will
be enough reward.
November 30.-I have not slept all
night, for l made a dreadful mistake
about a new book that every one is read
ing, and Edward was so angry. He did
not mean all he said, but he never call
ed me fool before. Perhaps he is right,
and it is hard on him, who is so bright.
Sometimes / wish''- And then there
was no writing, only tear mark.
Afterward he opened the letters that
had come since her death, and this is
what he read:
MY DEAR TREvoR-The intelligence OF Mrs
| Trevor's death has given me a great shock Of
regret, and you will allow me to express my
sympathy. Many men not given to enthusiasm