The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1897-07-15

somewhat heavily thereon. l was only
housekeeper at the Hail. but from long
md faithful service, and the fact that
the girl who had just thrown herself in
such careless grace at my feet had lost
her mother when almost too young to
remember her, felt more privileged
than perhaps my position otherwise
would explain. Not child of my
very own could be nearer my heart
than was the spoiled, lovely little mis-
tress of Carlton Grange. The Squire
was too busy with his chase, his
hounds and horses to spare much time
to the treasure which in reality lay
nearest his heart. To give her her
own way, to see her always beautifully
dressed at the head of his table, to
view with proud eye the slight, grace.
full figure perched fearlessly upon
some favorite horse, to allow no one to
cross her from her infancy-here h,
considered the duties of father end
ed, and certainly, so far rs begetting a
most ardent love between the two, il
worked admirably, though, as to the
real good of my lady, l am by no mean.
sure.
"And why not?" she questioned, il
answer to my protest. II don't low,
him. II hate him."
She was speaking of her cousin Ar
thur, but as she finished, the pretty
head, which had borne itself so def
antly, went down on my lap, and the
burst of tears which followed dis
proved the truth of her assertion.
No one could have seen the two TO-
gether and not acknowledged their fit
ness for each other. Although but
cousins a second time removed, fain'
likeness was perceptible, but Arthur's
mouth indicated greater frmness, ant
the will which was so necessary in the
encounters between the two. He was
the only one who did not give up tt
Miss Emily, who sometimes thwarted
her, but always so gently, so tenderly
yet, withal. so firmly, that l think
herein lay the very secret of his charm
There was no regular engagement be
tween them, but it was an understand
ing for all that, although half the young
gentlemen in the county were con
testants for the prize, but, save lit
tie harmless coquetry, she gave then
no encouragement.
l could but smile as I stroked her
pretty golden-brown hair, while yet
her head lay in my lap, at the very
April shower which was all of grief my
darling had ever known, for, ere / haG
quite finished my few words of com
fort, applied l scarcely knew to what
she had once more sprung to her feet
and in few moments l could hea,
her sweet voice carolling through the
halls, Then under my window
heard the imperative order to til,
groom: Saddle Bess, Tom, ant
bring her round at once"
shes hardly fit to ride, Miss, this
afternoon, the man respectfully an
swered. "She's skittish at the best OF
times, and she's been SO long unused
I'm most afraid she'd prove too much
for you"
All the better" was the reckless
answer. Bring her round at once. ,
Glancing from my window as the
voices reached my ear, I saw Mr.. Ar.
thur sauntering up the walk. He
quickened his step little, as he over.
heard the discussion, saying, very
quietly, as he approaches:
Surely, Emily, you will not be SC
rash as to mount Bess to-day? You
must not think of such thing"
The girl turned haughtily toward
him, surveying him moment in 81
lence; then, as though remark were
unnecessary, turned again to the
groom:
"Do as you are bid, Tom. I will
now dress"
Emily, for my saker' l heard him
say in low tone, but the contest of
the morning in which her will had been
forced to bend made her determined
now.
"You are OBTAINING me, Mr.. Traf.
ford" she answered. 81 shall have
barely time for my ride"
"You must not, Emily; indeed Won
must not. My uncle would not wish
it, and in his absence 1 must pre-.
vent L."
The color famed like crimson rose
into the girls cheek.
"How dare your" she exclaimed,
stamping her little foot "How dare
you speak so to me? If you have ever
considered yours the right, it is can.
celled from this moment. Heaven
help the woman you would make youi
wife! She would be your slave. Give
her my warmest sympathies, Mr..
Traford; / cannot offer my congratu.
lations."
The young mans face flushed hotly,
L Il. 4 e.. L. r.