Shiner gazette. [volume] (Shiner, Tex.) 1893-current, 1902-04-09

me an offer o. nlarriosa, as you call
It,"
Her iadyship weA triumphant
HAS he not?v he said "Then, II
/ were you, my dear, ! would have az
little more to say 10 him as possible
Young men who dilly-dally, and put
off the evil hour, as he appears to be
doing, seldom or never mean anything
dare say he is only agreeably Will
ing away his time down here, and viii
think no more OF you once his back is
turned"
Mabel was choking with rage, but
could think OF nothing to say. Lady
Caroline, who sat little behind her
aunt, put out her hand to her daughter
with gesture OF sympathetic affec-
ton, but she was nervously afraid OF
this terrible old woman, and knew not
how to interfere effectually.
Young men now are not what
young men were." continued Lady
Esgleton, impresslvely, and l think
Mr.. Blount one Of the worst specimens
1 have yet seen. His manners are so
cool; and he is SO insolently self-pos-
sessed; and he has none of the we'll
bred difHdence, the courtly elegance
that distinguished the men of my gem
GRAFTON. He is not half good enough
for you, my dear, even were he in
earnest, which am pleased to consider
extremely doubtful. will receive you
for month or two, Mabel" declared
her ladyship, magnlficently land in
troduce you to those with whom you
ought to associate, You shall return
with me to my home. and gain those
advantages that this secluded country
place can never afford"
Your ladyship is wonderfully kind"
returned Mabel, "but find this Sc
cluded country place quite good
enough for my tastes. Besides, could
not dream of accepting your invita-
ton"
May ask why not?p demanded her
grand-aunt, majestlcally.
Because there is nothing in the
world to which | should more strenu-
ously object than to spend two months
in your ladyship's society" answered
Mabel.
you wicked girl" almost screamed
Lady Eagleton, rising and supporting
herself on her gold-headed stick while
she quivered with anger. How dare
you presume so to speak to me! Caro-
line, why do you not order her to leave
the room? Am /, at my age, and after
all the sacrifices have made for my
family, to submit to the impertinence
of a chit of girl like that?"
Poor Lady Caroline was terrified
Dear Aunt Harriet, she did not
mean IT," she said "she did not in
deed-did you, Mabel? Speak, darling.
and tell her 1t was all mistake
"She shall apologize to me, or 1 will
\ leave this---hla2 sAsyal ia -eatat.. it
again." protested Aunt Harriet, still
raging
so she will, am sure. Mabel, my
dearest, tell your grand-aunt how sorry
you are for having used the language
you did" said Lady Caroline, implor-
ingly-" apologize to her.
Apologize for what?" demanded
Mabel. "She asked me to pay her a
visit, and declined. She then inquired
my reasons, and gave them, l do not
see that any apology is necessary.
However" she went on, turning to-
ward the old lady, and executing an
impertinent little courtesy, ''if it will
in any way crafty you, will beg your
| pardon, and admit that am extremely
sorry to think was the cause of put
ting you in such dreadful temper"
Lady Caroline, after considerable diff
ficulty, having managed to smooth
down the old lady's ruffled plumage,
she consented to forgive and forget,
and once more peace was restored.
/ But Mabel, when the terrible "last
hour" came the following day, though
she never for moment doubted Roys-
ton, yet felt somehow shy and con-
strained. remembering wildly that one
little biting question OF Lady Eagle
toms. as to whether he had ever made
her the requisite offer of marriage
Meantime Roy's sorrow had swal-
lowed up all nervousness and every
other sentiment. leaving him only able
to hold her hands and entreat that she
would never forget him
II shall be back soon" he said-"sc
soon that you will scarcely have time
to miss me- and meanwhile shall
write by every post, and you will dc
likewise, will you not?'
To which she had returned sad
half-reluctant yes"
Had he been less wrapped up in sac
thoughts about the coming parting, ht
might perhaps have fancied his love
somewhat cold and cruel; but, as II
was. he saw nothing. Presently ht