Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1906-06-21
CHAPTER NN.
Continued.

Continued.
My cheeks tingled with indignation
which l did not dare to express, l
followed my uncle down the stairs.
Thoroughly veXed and panied as l
was to hear my dear father so pitiless-
ly disparagcd by his brother. l was
not Mt all surprised at uncle Sans
bitterness. Circumstances seemed to
show that my father and l had both
fallen victims to the clumsy fraud of
an ignorant old lnan. But the situa-
tiOn had now become hopeful. If
uncle Sans theory was correct, as |
hoped and believed it might prove to
be, reconciliation Of the brothers was
not only possible but highly probable,
my uncle's recent declaration to the
contrary Notwithstanding.
As soon as he entered the brilliant
ly lighted dining room uncle Sam as
sumed his airiest manner, in no way
indicating the serious thoughts which
had occupied his mind u minute or SO
before. All the company, except Mr..
Rosenberg, had departed; and my
aunt and Miss Marsh, who were
dressed for dinner, appeared very
charming in white silk robes trimmed
with old lace, each lady wearing
glrdle from which depended superb
fan ornamcntcd with feathers and
diamonds.
l shall not attempt to describe either
the apartment OF the decking OF the
table, being well assured of my in
ability to do SO. Suffice it to say that
both were as artistic and luxurious
us the best artists in those things at
the end of the nineteenth century can
provide for men of lavish expenditure.
AS soon as dinner was over, we ad-
journcd to the drawing room, with
the exception of uncle Sam, who be-
took himself to the roof to smoke,
saying that he would prefer to be
alone as he had a troubled matter to
unravel, and could not accomplish his
purpose without consuming three
cigars. at is now," said he, glancinS
at his watch, "a few minutes past
nine, and l may not see you again be-
fore morning, 50 goodnight and pleas
ant dreams"
Dear old uncle Sam! How well l
knew the subject Oh which he intended
to exercise his thoughts, and how ar
IDENTIFY hoped renewal of his friend
ship with my father would result from
his deliberations!
Whether her womanly instincts had
perceived the attraction which her
sister had for me, and her kindliness
of heart prompted her to crafty me,
or that it SO bcfell of accident know
not; but to my great satisfaction, ON
returning to the drawing room my
aunt at once entered into conversation
with Mr.. Rosenberg, leaving Miss
Marsh and me to pass our time as
best We could.
What an evening was that! Why,
was almost happy and really believe
l should have been quite 50 but for
the shadow Of the cstrangement be-
tween the two brothers whose lives
We're bound up with mine.
The conversation Of lovers, so de-
lightful to the parties Immediately
concerned, is notably unintercsting
to everybody else; and it is not my
intention to bring upon myself that
ridiculc which men past the amor0us
phase OF their career 50 mcrcilessly
and inconsistcntly mete out to their
fellows engaged in if by recording
In this place my conversation with
Constance Marsh Oh that memorable
occasion. Suffice it to say that in
telling the tale of the seluins, which
I seized this opportunity to relate, l
greatly excited her sympathy. My
long silence was forgiven as soon as
its cause was understood and it was
clear to me that had established my
self in her favor more firmly than
ever.
IL understand you will be from home
all Tomorrow" | observed.
"Yes," replied Miss Marsh. II am
going to Tarrytown. Mrs. Van Rcns-
selaer has just returned from Europe,
and Is to give Il big reception"
"Wherc is Tarrytown, and who is
Mrs. Van RensselaerW | inquired.
"Tarrytown Is II beautiful village
OH the Hudson, about twenty-five miles
from here. Mrs. Van Rensselaer, is
the widow OF Martin Van Rensselaer,,
the railroad king. Everybody has
heard of old Martin Van Rensselaer,,
who died two years ago worth fifty
million dollars"
Eyes, l think have read something
about him somewhere" l said. "Tell
me, Connie dear, will the Rev. Mr..
Price be there?"
II don't know. Pm sure. l hope
not" replied Miss Marsh.
II am quite unable TO express my de-
light that your entertain such a hope.
May I beg you will Increase it by tell
ipg me why you hope he may not be-
thereW
Because he is a tease, and monopU-
Lies my time when lac has the oppOr-
tunity to do So" confessed Miss
Marsh
you to become his wife, what would
you say?"
"The came as I have said before
What! has he asked you to marry
bim""
"Dear me, yes. Lots of times"
nj