The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1898-02-25
A vENTuREsoME VISIT.

A vENTUREsoME VISIT.
The preliminary lines of Mrs. Lud-
lows matchmaking campaign had
been drawn with such slight difficulty
that the small conspirator began to
think that there would be no occa-
sion for go-between. Ringbrand's
hospitable welcome by the colonel, and
the easy facility with which he ingrati-
ated himself at 1.-THE Laurels," left lit
tie to be desired; and his infatuation
was so very evident that it needed moth
ing in the way of encouragement. Since
his side of the case was beyond the need
of prompting, Mrs. Ludlow directed her
efforts toward trying to ascertain his
standing with Hester-a praiseworthy
endeavor which the young girl ap-
peared to take a perverse delight in frus-
trating. At one time she would praise
him with such outspoken frankness
that it's very unreserve was most en-
couraging symptom; at another she
would criticise him in a manner that
was equally disheartening. She had
ridden down to spend the day with Mrs.
Ludlow on the morning following Ring
brands introspective journey down the
mountain; and on that occasion she
would allow no word of commentator
to pass unchallenged.
"Oh. don't deny that he's pleasant
companion" she said, in answer to one
of Mrs. Ludlow's warm eulogiums.
out being genius"
"But don't you think his literary
work is good?" asked her hostess, with
shade of depreciation in her voice.
II don't like it much; he's too abb
struse and analytical. I never did like
an author who insists upon taking his
characters to pieces as if they were
watches to be repaired
what an idea! I'm sure Hugh never
thought of doing such thing"
"He may not think of it, but he does
it just the same. Take that last story
in the Miscellany; he covers two whole
pages trying to tell why Mary doesn't
love Horace, when it's perfectly clear
that she does love him; and he does it
just at the time when you're positively
dying to find out what has become Of
the hero. It's enough to make one skip
everything but his conversation"
"What a merciless critic you are,
Hester!"
"I'm not critic at all, but know
what pleases me in story: and that's
one of the things that doesn't" She
went to the piano and ran through a
| brilliant fantasia while Mrs. Ludlow
@,.:a ~, 10 i-Jr Nf c0y,,nth;pr ole so
| to urge in behalf of the much-abused
| author.
"'Then there's another thing don't
like about his stories" resumed Hester,
whirling around on the piano-stool.
"That's the way he deliberately takes
off the top of characters head so that
you can see what the person is think
ing about. It's perfectly ridiculous;
and told him so the other evening"
"Why, Hester, that was almost vindic-
tive!"
"No, it wasn't; he invited it, and then
tried to defend himself on the score
of being explicit. told him he ought
to give his readers credit for at least
half grain of penetration"
"What did he say to that2"
"He covered his retreat with we'll
turned compliment about all readers
not being so discriminating as-as some
Others"
Mrs. Ludlow smiled: "I believe he is
quite popular"
"Qh, don't doubt that in the least.
I'm only speaking for myself. like a
story with q good streng motive and
plenty of life in it; can go to church
when want to hear sermons"
Hester. you are actually shrewish
hear you talk, that Mr.. Ringbrand had
mortally offended you."
''IIe has, in a way; he has spoiled all
my pretty fancies about authors.
thought they were superior race, and
J here the very first one meet is sim
ply a well-bred gentleman, who re-
minds you of all the CORRECT qualities
of his characters. Think it's too bad. u
at certainly is too bad when you can
find nothing worse than that to say
against him." replied Mrs. Ludlow. 81
was in hopes you would like him."
! ~ do like him. but I'd adore him il
he wasn't quite so correct" rejoined
Hester, mischievously. Just think
how delightful it would be if he would
only do something dreadfully wicked
or absurd-just the very thing one OF
his handsome heroes wouldn't do"
you're quite too ineorrigible. Hes.
ter. I'm not going to say another word
: Here comes Mr.. Ringbrand with Tom
, now. and shall let him fight his own
} battles"
At the dinner-table the conversation
turned upon Ringbrand's stroll on tbs
! mountain.
"Where did you go, Mr.. Ringbrand? p
asked Hester.
'I'm hardly familiar enough with To-
calities around here to know, but
think went as far as McNabb's Cove.
; Then you saw the home Of opl
hereditary enemies" she said. Ibid
you notice log house in the bottom OF
. the cove?'
"f did"
. "I've been telling Hugh the history oi
the feud," said Ludlow; "he threatens