Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 4, Number 41, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 11 April 1874 — Page 1
Vol.
4.—No.
41
THE MAIL
A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE,
fOr'r'-wiLl
5 THK 11 1 A VKR' IDA XAXDSrVl.
With a i«nle wearily And a countenance heavy with drwyt, A woman #it* byb«r taom
Spinning ltte"s**l*, thread by tim*«i. At tb« tireless wheel c4 Thou*bt,
AtHl uuiMpot them In cach skehi. Arotind her. fleeces Ue, more fairThan any yet hare »P««» And In a web of Koitlcn gl?w. t$b« vtuvm
tb«none
"-v
on
litre a snowy film,"' Is twisted with Tilt nombfB tint i*giorww**
More bettuUtttl each day. Yet Fate does mot for herdcerpo, Thu oetteni which she we*\c«. ltfe th» rob« will wear, ^kfme other heart the Joy recelw*. The line* upon her once smooth
Tell that youth's drawn ls» r"V Ktill clings to the vUionj #«t, Tho' she know* It cannot k« The world liw P«
1
Bo bright It
^IS
Ik*
Inthei iht
She has spun another ro»«, A fair one, pore and whit®. Through Its even pattern
There ar* laUi the foldwl y«*r*, While many thmtd of wMKnew there, I^cSlored by the dew oI tear*. Across her ears faint 1 .ess who®,
Like a tor aw«v il»ti Of fleeting foot !. p* on the •rina,
Y«( aUUiihe atone* Bnt now the moaning dle«eway, That she has heard
S®1«B*
Instead «soothing gladdening strain, That msUows into aoag. It tolls of mighty robea, that she
In darkness«at and spun Little dreaming that each held Bach destiny when done While o'er the plainly weven web,
There stole th«? purest Which shone more bright than she Had hoped In other day*. She waken# from the
The dream fade* hCT right. Yet there, yea there, 11 J*|bfric
Ue*»
1InGodsown tight.
MM
gathered up the plain smooth fold «»e shuttle ntfil flew on. wove the weh her Master tfive, And said, "Thy will be done.
A Life in the Balance.
BY CHAKLEH IKJRiUS,
Anthor of the "Diamond Sleeve Buttflit'
CHAPTER I. WATia-I-tblRS.
•5? twas four oVlock In the afternoon ilk of a pleasant Augtwt day. The *nn, Jft from the
heavens, powred Wa bright team* over the hill and pl*i*2 ovxr woofiland
5 whel
and river till the whole the pretty little tcmrn of Salem lay •mafi, clear pond, hich, fringed with a jrfrdle of gro^n bo®h6ft» *nd 1 Sc sunbeanLV^ieaised like a an emerald setting. Here and there on 1U surfnoe water OTe«M»ened thf ir white tfttpa,eagerly drinkteg in therich light, mrt yielding in retain grateftsl ft#«muoe that perftaaei tho irarromwHng Sir. At a short distance to theleft lav the town, lifting its #pire« and Ua cabled roofH out of aach a weatfih of green lea\-es *h«« it seemed to h«re been eat down bodily In the depth of the primeval fen--ff. Tho I BUM «f industry oame in nohdued tt-nto this retired scene, half drowned by theehlrt tto graMbopper, and tlir numerons cmiu raroa «»a InteeiK 1 at abundantly pmniled th tlelda.
Their id vallev in which the town w«* hnliv stretched aft on either «ide to the u' -.anee of half a «dle, ending in an ridg wh*K far a« 14ie eve «..n!.l weh, tx'i'to I veedaiit wootidi%"cr*iflc«d the neene, Willi the ^r-^m r*r^« of ttrm-h^nom jwerlog of tb-ir rfx-iMring trees. By r- :L.I -ide, I 11iffwiwfialfy down Oil thu .V.Ult D- r.^ -IK eracefhl^n, wfth blonde hair and the -...n in her eyes. Cite her nitur hadimpreasod theaeal of beautr, d«~ «tl imwrfarity of thHr oatlini^ her dta»J» the
OUJOi of he*!H vied with ther!. hue of a pore 'on. A dlrirt impress of wine- I the tipa l« their present repose and the even, now we soil, srrmr,i ftuj of
Kn.f.-svwr s! n.i!!v dndre
C»M«« ..fti..- I'lflo«' r-. rly opened li. tlw il^htuf da/,lhv-.U!- :i»fii*j»tals g!«.\r® th.- wat-r, wft!-.m easy reach fr .m t!. -T» re. Otrfy atbm«sreiw»ofb«afaea JtiL-M-ted. 0fc-j.pi!»u:d«5n^l3r i!•••vrn Dram the ..... fm-'i'sa Either heed|»«iy •V'.r-agi': th. tm-lie*, nn4 ther.^xt intant fimnd mcl.i-ped H* *i -.riiaof a d^n i-im -.1 tlw aek r.: a»d both advance *nd retreat rnd sly hin dewd, r, Srfln*f.w ol-t VntiOieluMi b«r haste lnt. tuc wry citadel of the buirti, and *r\. !..•* 1..M I?" pri-'l'- rv ifftpi"^! 1 r« n/-r v, i-» tlnwi a inta, eh it «ci tried im-
eiN ^je vk,.iion* id. Hbe 1 in
frail
t". r• h' !'.
A* lie «i
?d
lis
iloOooped down, partly t« remove tbe obnoxiou* un h, partly to c«m*«l the hmM that would eonie to Ma lifww
At le relieved,
olutely, half augrievkki ny illiis cheated attempt* at
him,
pl ed with 1X1 a:Kl Mi wit%
YwiMve my tliank*, air, fbr rotir sm-kfe,* ehe said, eokfly, *ami I am 1 •. i»y to have tieen able to all 1 you so mneh amusement.' 'But, miss," be cried, 1eprefatingly, 'I did not o!V ntd beyond a Hniiie. I an sure you would hwe lati el at ineln the uaepwri. i- a, I know I would have lat-i (Hi at m^nself. If I have my -ual luck, it will not be long before you have the ehantso to pay ine back iu uty own win.'
The frank good nature and heartiness of his remark at onee removed herdiw, wure.
411
no *tch opportuni
ty t/uii arise,^ she smilingly said. 'If it does, I will promise to make the most or it inwardly, but be as grave as a judge outwardly. I will bid you good evening, air, with renewed thanks lor your kindness.'
brw,
You axe not going without your flower?'he cried.
4Xo,
no jo* must let me have tho pleasure of presenting you with the lily which you lave so signally &Ued in obtain-
stepped down the bank
with a haste which was in keeping with his rapid manner of speech. The flower rase temptingly .from the centre of a circle of green leaves that floated in lasy beauty on the surface, a foot or two from the shore. Reaching impulsively forward, Us foot slipped on the grassy alone, and at the same instant that he broke the flower from Its stem, one foot sank over ankle deep in the clear water. This aceideat, ana his efforts to prevent himself frem foiling headlong into the poiul, were met by a gush of laughter, so silvery and infectious, that he involuntarily Joinei in the mirthful chorus.
Paid already!' heexdaimed. *f»this being grave as a judge
4
Excuse me sir. I really eosM not help it,' she cried, as be came «pp the bank, stamping the water from ius wet foot.
4
You wlfl at least accept tin* .flow
er,' he said, 'as a pledge of amity, and in remembrance sf our mutual ssiisfortunes.'
4
With pleasure,' she replied, taking the flower from his hand, and Inhaling with keen et\Joyment its rich perfume.
4
Where has nature, in any of her other products, united beauty and fragrance in such descree as In ttus charming gift of the waters?' he asked, donjons of continuing the conversation.
4
Very true,' she replied,
t°LJl
41am
hMta
her tn her
t* it ti,- .'lb #T' -re, 'i rui aiUi -d x*. Mr**""- I*
Glancing hafkes she tarued the earner of a street at some distance, she-saw the gentlemen still standing where she had left them, apparently In conversation.
These two were stronglycontrasted in appearance, and. In mi, presented types of different classes of men. He whom we have so fhr designated as !:.• stranger was of medium telght, and trtiher stout in btukL IBs abundant brown hair and full, dark nvwistaehe were In strong relief to his florid complexion. I^arge, dark eyes, and regnhur v. Il-cut fwUurw, made op a strikingly handsome and Intelligent feoo. expression was marked by great franknew. and bore indications of a hasty and impulsive temperament, a feet equally hu quick mode of spe?di with this ex-
tn quick Mingled It of hant
dholayrt and movement, preMdon wasa look of nanghtinesa. ratbsr repellant at fir* sight, though pMrfng frmn his face when in animated conv.*r-
«C riL she tried Isatlon. It was the look of one who Is foil at aristocratic disdain of Ms inferior*. both social and mental—an nnfor1 ini*te phase Of otwntewwiee far a person who has to make his way by the aid
1
.' ..
y*«o In saewyitiMS1
I nidimr-plaee in bin bruin, and lUiped' uthe alditing Wol rf sit.-f The face wis by «.-,k ne, but held covert sneas wtii»: iftcn prtrre* the aWllty creat ent ris««. His ai»e was un-ir-i si«.ut {Wri\ Bve,the
aion that voice.
4
Salem
4
4
escape
gentleuom who hs releas-
happy to woe* yon, Jfflw Rey
nolds. I see that yam appreri&ate our pond-lilies, and urast «ay that admire your taste.'
aceom toward the gentleman had been conversing, sad was marked by a peculiar Intonaflon that brought a grave look to the eyes of the lady. •Yes, this is one of my
favorite
flow
ers,' she simply replied, and with .a bow to the stranger, and a 4ist»nt ^good-day!' to the new earner, she Airned and left them.
An up usual color boraed in hert(3ieek as she walked slowly away, -w ith a-«tate-lv yet graceful moveim-at, which 8oth their eyes were fixed admiringly, her small, shapely head bewtas if irndeep thought, or in admiraiRon of the sftoral gneroon which she had so perilously won.
4v rax»Myounger
H.r a moment tn allelic
ur ftet 'he rettrlfm •%. TT« .-noli- nrct, In nosrt tliitr«ar
the
u-hi
You do though I onmnt uruess how you have arrived at mymswie.
41
have heawl of vcwir intention to locate here. News of thatikind soon travels through a oowntiy *ow«. If yon will aceomjiany me, Doctor, I think I *an show you just the place wu want. Yoru winh, I presume, to be located on our main street, and to hero a furnislaxl office, with the oonveoieoce of living in the house.'
4
Those are dasirablepaints, I must admit. I hope I am not putting you to too much trouble In accepting your offer to show me the place In question.'
4
Not at all. I am haj®y to oblige you. Tills way, sir, it is but -a Short distance. A few steps down the road brought them into one of the cross streets of tho town, but thinly built in this part though the houses crowded each other more closely as they left tho road behind them. A succession ofmretty frame cottages^ weh snrroondea by its plot of
KIs
iund, with winding fttths bordered by of flowere, ana Umbering wines gracefully festooning the eaves of latticed porches, through whose green leaves -oyly protruded the red Hps of rune petin gly attractive to the eyw of the n«miy escaped prisoner from the brick and anor tar rectangles of
Uk
Mid
filling their places with roses.^
4
Man's efforts at ait, I shottki any/ dtllv replied the other. 'Jwanl What has man to do irtth the tfine shadow of that mnple, or with the sunlight and shade ctoudag ea*-h other In sad out of thoae leaves, at every breath of tte evening air? The best man «*n do is to trust his seeds and ffmmts to nature, who alone can combine them Isto living pictures.'
Running on thus In his cnthwlas&c alniirstkm, he failed to perceive theevpresskM of the townsman, who glanced over the scene in sheer wonder that*
way OV MU WOI WW nw*" thin hiwinng world. rou like it,' he said, In relay aunt's residence, and
•I am
The gentleman addressed as Mr. Josephs was tsll and somewhstb^nt like Won wi.«.i»tl.o weight of Ufa had fkllon lteavilt His fu» was spare, lips thin and fcko!!' as, small and keen In sheSfttKmee. Ills frstures were ro«vtiar. hut were marked by methodical proud of lier flower
in frfad •This Is
L.I
1..I. n.
ks&'ttSt seemed to de^jn, that their ,.u had never been the «tov«of an
).,-.i.u:-e.
Yet, withal, faoe was ts* «lMr, and had beenstrictly m-hoo!-xprewi only what its owner wisfcworM see, an expression might belong to villain, or mighl be that of 5 man who i. itpoor imagiturtfrtnflNWBever*
IPII
muw tnntra
Dr. Wllmer Spoked up at the
m* wm a -v.
corn!. I piled dm doctor.
,, ,V
TERRE HAUTE, 1ND., SATURDAY EVENING, APRIL 11, 1874.
"SAY NO MOHB-YOU KNOW NOT WHAT YOU DARE I" involuntarily marked his
Yes sir,' replied the other, with a polite bow. •Then perhaps y6u will bo kind enough to favor nio with a little Information.'
41
will be happy to oblige yon, to the extent of my abuty.' There was something i« the tone of the speaker that seemed distasteful to iiis questioner. Ho frowned slightly as he continued his rems^ks:
I am a stranger in your towti have just arrived, in fact, and stopped out to view the surroundings, a»d tor an afterdinner stroll. I must ssy th* you are prettily situated here.'
4
So we are inclined to "bliinlc. Wo are rather proud of our little kw», sir.' Not unreasonably. I am about becoming a citizen of Saleow, and would lie obliged for some information as to where I can obtain good board, and an office in a central location, suitodAe Iio purposes of a physician.'
4
looking
anx
iously around, as if not q*rite•satisfied with this colloquy with an enfise stranger. 'Good afternoon, Mr. Josejfljs.' she continued, answering the bow -rtf a person who was passfaqg, and tooping to gain an opportunity of escape without offence to the eentleua ed her.
May I ask if I speak 'Doctor Wilmer?'
street?' he asked, as they turned into a wide street at right angles to the one they
Mnv I inquire if vou area resfclcatof had been traversing. It was shaded oh .i nanh oiitn hv ft flm row
each sido by a fine row of trees, while its numerous stores attested it the business cent re of the towju.
if
i(Miasm emuwoi oy ««,y, un
responsive tones of his veioe, and his
nf
4
She proceeded through several quieter streets of the town toward its eastern extremity. Tho principal street ofSahan ran in an easterly and westerly direction, following the general worse -ofUie valley, and was crossed at intervals by streets running at right angles, there being but two or three avenues parallel to the main portion of the town. was tkus very long and veiy narrow, and she walked quite a distance before stopping at the porch of a pre&emtiaias residence, on the eastern oageof thet place.
The young lady sjwang up like a bird, at sight of their vkntac.
4
Why, if It Is not Miss Reynolds!' she exclaimed, in atone of delight that showed the visitor to be a favorite. 'I declare if this Is not awnrprise,' embracing and kissing lier.
4WJiy1
4
city. Over all the
afternoon sun shed a rich warm light t, that doubly enhanced scene, producing magiort oflects of light and shade, whitih only the slant win is capable of giving, and which mreth© chief charm of the morning and evening light. 'One moment, Mr. Joseplw.' saH his companion, pausing before the anest attractive of the resident*. *1 ampose vou are weary of all this tiling. but I must confess to some cntlmslaam^n the aubiect of nature's effort* at art. I am just getting the bricks ami ofiay eye*,
fiat.'
_,
'That hM no oil in his soul,' lie I hardly know tl»e diffetvnee myself, *dd to hlmaelf. 'He Is one of that kind so I can forgive your ignorance.' tlmt float on the surface of life like a dry
4
chip on the water. My fancied ideas are mysteries of flats and sharps, we have a likely to make very little impression on sensation for—-, But what a beautiful i-i— wji *•«. utm mMhrtiiM not hta* in» You surely have not been peril-
hint.* Well fault, poor whom nature rtttnM, 'Excuse my want of tlMmght as that la.' Mr. Joeeplw,' he oonUnoel aloud,
4I
drtalnlng you. which hi scarcely air, af- recompense. I did not phi ok ter Ttmr kiud oflbr to escort me.' self, however. I had sn sdvei
«Ifo apology, sir. &m at liberty at present, and consider mywtif mre
4*"i
f^Sr
you are at least
two weeks^before vomr time. Has Salem grown so lovely In your eyes that you cannot upend all yowr holiday out of it?'
4
It has its charms, I must confess. It has you, for instance.*
iWr me, that Is a«harm! am glad you have discovered it. For my part, I am not in love, eltlier with me or with the town that la so Highly favored.
Miss RevnokJs tamed with a slight laugh, to "tho mother, who cordially shook hands with her and to the other lady, whose greeting was restricted to a QO0I now*
I hope vou have been well, Mrs. McBride?' asked the visitor, addressing the mother of her enthusiastic friend. 'Very well, I thank you. Shall I ask you the same question? The summer seems to have paled you than to have given yon color. I hope this Is no Indication of ill health.'
Not at all, I have l»eett very well.' Of course you have, and so have I and 90 have we all. Who could bo ill In sucK glorious weather as we have bad for a month?' cried the yaung lady, •such charming sun-risings and settings, such delightful breessa, and such a good time generelly.'
4
It is all very well, my dear Laura, up here In voor mountain valley,' said Miss Reynolds.
4I
In en
4I
think
work is more attractive to me than play, at least it must seem as If I am eager to a| bark to) It*'
You are going to give me lemons again, of tourw. Why cannot we commence them at once, without waiting for
By the way, my dear guide Into tile
Into mud ami water for the single Itowen even rharmiag
am I have often run groater risk for 1
Vothlng worth
doo.'
mm
this my-
•An adventure! Pray, what waa It •mm Reynolds?' asked the tody who hsd before spoken, bending forward with th'-re*t.
rptatlng, Miss Air»
'Water-lilies area weakness with me arid the poeeowion of one "f them is well worth a couivst with blackberry briars.' 'Ho with ym even havn their tliurw,* ejclmm^d Liter*. 'I thought th.it was the sole prerogative of the rose.'
4Even
my lilies have
thorns,' was lh» rather sad reply. 'But hat is your sensation? Do relieve my anxiety.'
4
4
How provoking you ore,' replied the other, with affected impatience.
4Then
4
trnfifl. while its
Yes and tho place of which I spoke lies but a few steps down this way,' said his conductor, turning to the right and leading the way down the closely-built street.
But we must leave them for the present and follow Miss Reynolds the young ladv who had been the involuntary cause of tneir introduction to each other.
4
4
There were seated horethreo ladies, enjoying the pleasant air of the late afternoon. One wasa jtm-ng lady of about eightoen, with langhirig piquant face, and brown, wavy curls, that danced about her fi?ce in unison wifih the merry rattle of her voice. The «eoand was an elderly lady, whose tlwie-tihsstened likeness to the former proclaimed her the mother. The third was.also elderly,with a well preserved uncertain face, that might have been of any ace between thirtv-five and the ndiady side of forty. She had a grave, somewhat prim ex! pression, something «f the typical oldmaidish look, yet preserved many traces of former ljeautv in a.fttce that vm still attractive beaufiftil still, in fact, when lighted up by the sudden fire of enthu|drew siasm.
why
But you do not know how pleasant he is, and such a traveller though he is as
much a boy as if be had just left school. .•ii'
He is one of the kind old.' Yon certainly have iy pects for the coming winter.'
There is a little of Laura's enthusiasm
in this,' said Mrs. McBride •you are already aware that she looks at the world through rose-colored glasses.'
Ami why not, if It makes the world more lieautiful She is certainlv a trainer by the habit.'
41
wish I could lend them to you for that,' cried Ijiura. 'You deserve to have a pair.' 'When do you cxpect your coosin?' asked Miss Gordon.
Every day now. He is too uncertain in his movements to name the day with certainty,' answered the mother.
Come, do play us something,' said Laura, drawing her teacher by the hand 'The piano has oeon mule so long that I do not know If it fans any of the old music left in it. I am afhua to touch it, for fear of wakening on discords.'
Miss Reynold smiled as she yielded to the gentle energy of her lively pupil,and followed her into the shaded parlor that lay back of the porch. The long-closed instrument was flung open with a bang by the hasty bauds of the cicerone, the stool and imirfc arranged as rapidly, and in a few moments the brilliant tones of the piano poured in a sparkling shower through the open doorway and into the shadowv "Street. The instrument was an excellent one, the air chosen by Laura a rattling wait7^ and the performer po9essed of a soft, quick touch that thrilled with delight the ladies on the porch, and set Laura wildly dancing about the room, as the blood in her veins I kept time with the rapid movement of the tune.
A slight exclamation from her mother her into the porch. Miss Reynolds played on, not noticing her absence,
1
The wait* ended, she glided into a softer I melodv. The charm of her own music 1 soon made her forget her auditors. From strain to strain sho passed, till a low, sweet. Nocturne thrilled the air with its nameless charm, rendered in plaintive unison with some hidden cord of melancholy in her nature. Lost in tho dreams called up by tho unseen spirit of the tune that lapsed so sweetly under her skill l\il touch, sho heard not or heeded not the noise of approaching footsteps, and of quick, lively greeting. The sounci of a manly voice mingled with tho musical tones of Laura, and with the graver accents of her mother but the player played on, too deeply absorbed In her own thoughts, and in the tuneftil ecstasy that throbbed in her soul, to heed what dramas of life the outer world might be enacting. But such a self-absorption coukl only be temporary. As her skillful hands yet wove low sweet tunes on the Ivory keys, the voices of those without broke in upon her. She hears, as in a dream, Laura exclaim: I
4
fear a few month* scorch
is In the city would kave damped ji»ur ithuslasm,' Mav-lje it would. And Is that what brought vou back here early •That "had its share,' Mid the visitor, taking the ohair offered her,
And so, you naughty cousin Bob—or Robert, which mother says is more dlgnificd—you have been half the day in town, and this is the first glimpse we have had of vour countenance! Come, sir, unless you can give a satisfactory acI count of yourself, yon run a risk of incurring my displeasure, and know the serious consequence of that.'
Serious, indeed,' said a voice that she remembered having lately heard. must endeavor to escape such* a dreadful alternative, Well, then, I ate my dinner, I took a walk, smoked a «.igar, made an ftffjnaintanee and hired an office. Will tftat dor «If it I* all, it will do, not otherwise.,
Is i:"-, that half a day's work?' No for my rapid cousin Roliert. Confess, si
r.
there's niwre yet to tell.*
14
A slight episode only, I found a fawn iu a net of briars, I set the poor thing Ions and -rowned It with lilies. Was not that meritorious act
A low exclamation from each of the ladies his oalv answer. 4 \\\U,
Price Five Cents#
an excTnrrrHnrs fmm the rr-r^pr-nn, as theladv 'iiiTO.l, a?!-' hef.iv/ •. re Mm the lit-ivisie of :»n. :oo» advent ore, Mid lint ui iiis l-i'j remarks.
CHAPTER
4
You anxious about a sensation! No, indeed. It is enough for a rattle-brain like me to confess to that. It will take more than any of my poor sensations to move you out of the even tenor of your way.'
4
did you raise my young hopes, only to blast them in their bloom?'
Laura laughed merrily, tapping her 0t«ai^l^bt3y on the dicek.
4Poor
thing! Well, you
shall know. Cousin Bob
4
Cousin Robert, would be more dignified, Laura,' said her mother.
41
know it would. I meant to be dignified and say Robert, but semehow it would come out Sn one syllable. He is coming here to settle down and practice medicine in Salem'.'
4
And you are building extensive castles in the air in consequence.'
Keld
10 never grow
4
apparently you don't approve of
the rescne of fawns,* he said, in tones of surprise, 'f thought my gallantry was going to win me the thank* of the whole taitaV mimnnfty. Permit me to step in ami listen to the music while yon recover from the
Hi* words were balf drowued fn the loud Mtralns that were now pealing from the jMnno. He entered the parlor with theassnied tread of a man of the world, followed timidly by IjAUra, the other ladies remaining on the poreh«
A
irt^ntiim*
capital jaayer, I^aurn,' he
cd, twrmsg hadk to bts compankm, ^mt rst her louo. Introduce raw/ Laura, with a quiraical smile, atoned forward, saying:
II.
A V*.TJC WITH 5IISS OORDON.
Dr. Wilnn was somewhat disconcerted at tliunexi" ctcd vision, a foeling t*nt ^t lc--isned by tho low, rer«aet! lauu-h of his cousin.'
Th® is the ntlcii. tti of v.'-om I spc^w to you, Mi-aRcy uokte,' -t. saW, continuing her intrwluetion.
4
Dr. Wll-
r, or in Robert, as lie sometimes me ca sim wli i. he is in a good humor.
I
believe you two have already
had a rural introauction.'
4
Why. something of tlial kind, I adit,' said the Dot in a hesitating 1 had the jn... fortono to entrance to the town by
mit tone. i«e
I had them fortono to signal-sig my entrance to the town by relievrel ing Miss Reynolds from a most unpleasant dilemma.'
You were fortunate in your first patient ingi dan.
at,' replied Laura, 'which is not saytii&t sho was fortunate in her phytsi-
It takes ho great skill, either medical or surgical, to rescue a fawn from tho briars,"said Miss Reynolds, with a traco of sarcasm in her voice.
I have put my foot in it,' said tjio Doctor to himself', as tho lady sat, half turned to him, her faee in grave repose, her hand lightly lingering floe keys.
The entrance of the other ladies made diversion, which relieve', him from his slight embarrassment. turned to them, and broke intoaralmogconversation, responded to chietly Oy Miss (Gordon, who proved far less inclined to silence than she had seemed to be upon the porch.
Miss Reynolds meanwhile resumed her music, at the request of Laura, plying a number of the favorite pieces of that young lady, while the mother sat a
leased listener, and Miss Gordon still the Doctor in conversation. It would have
been
pleasant pros-
4
evident, however, to a closo
observ er, that his thought* were otherwise engaged. He listened as if with an effort, made inadvertent answers, and devoted his attention much more to tho piano than to his companion. Thm might have proceeded from a desire to cmoy the music and her remarks at tho same time. It was certainly displeasng to tho lady, a covert frown marking her brow even when she tried to be most animated in conversation:
Their rather oonstrained interview was broken by the volatile Laura, who called out
Come, Miss Reynold", there is nothing more worth piaying, or If tbe*e m, itwill wait. I haven't begun to have rn^ talk with you yet, and therfcli 6ome«.uing I want to 'show you. You must all excuse us, mother. Miss Gordon and Cousin Robert we will give you enough of our precious society at some future period.'
Miss Reynolds appeared quite ready to second the demand of her pupil, and with a graceful bow to those left behind, followed her from the room.
41
must be going too,' said Miss
don, looking at her watch.
Gor
4I
had no
idea it was so late. Don't disturb yourself. Mrs. McBride, I will get my things.' She rose and left the room before ner slow-moving hostess could anticipato her. In fact, this seemed intentional on tho part of the latter, who turned to her nephew as soon as her guest had disappeared.
You must go home with Miss Gordon Robert.' The latter made awry faco at what appeared to him a premeditated arrangement.
41suppose
4
4
I must as long as you my
so.' he replied,'but I would much rather have your other guest for company.' Now you are letting your fancy get the better of your reason. Miss Gordon is a wealthy lady, and of great Influence in the town. You wish to establish a practice, and you can have no better mode of starting it, than by getting her on your side.'
Yes. I know it is all so. If I am to make my way as a doctor, must manage though you know, Aunt Ma^y, management does not run in my blood. Does she live far from here?'
4
Near the other end of tho town.'
And shail I make myself doubly a beau by returning to seo your ptgicr guest home?'
4
No my other guest does net need company {besides, you are not dono with Miss Gordon yet,' repHed his aunt, with a slight laugh*, which was full of malicious meaning.
He looked at her for an explanation, but at this instant tho guest appeared dressed for the street. Hastily possessing himself of his hat, the doctor approached with a bow.
4
May I have the pleasure of seeing you home t' he asked.
4
But I will lie depriving Miss McBrido of the pleasure of your company, which would be scarcely fair, as yon nave not seen each other for so long,
4
Oh, she will see enough of mo to mako up for all past delinquencies, so I must
4
In that case, doctor, I suppose I must yield.' said Miss Gordon, in a prim tone, though she could not hinder an expression of pleasure displaying itself on her face. .»•Have you never had a fixed location l»cfore. Doctor? I am told you have bfen a great rover,' *he continued, as they proceeded along tho street.
Something of the kind, I grant. Tho army sjxiiletf mo for a settled life but have my wild oats pretty well sown, anf intend to be as staid and correct as a country judge.'
You might easily be more so than some of our country-Judges. Excuse me for saving that dignity and discretion are required to gain a successful practico in this district. I feel an interest in vour suoce»", I would not venture to offer advice t- a gentle^ of your experieiio.*.'
4
Yo could not give ft where it h» more eeded. My experience indeed I It has been more in setting fractured limb* after a battle, and in dealing with the H'i »pirit?of the camp, than In doctoring peevish children for the measles or aootuing the nerves of quiet invalids.'
4
4Mtss
Reytwlds, ex-
cose my intcrrnpting yon. I wish to make yoa oaqusinted wiUv—•' Hw farther words were hindered by
:jjp
Your morb» of life will be very much changed, but tor the better, I hope. Soch an experienaa must bo very trying to tho constitution,'
4
Mine is not much worse for it,'said the Doctor, with a short laugh. I would like to hear some of your experience i« the battle-iiehrt. To*us quiet home-bcdies of women it: isw a thrilling intern*, psettrularly when
U«B
[COKTT SUED OX
know
XT.XT
itailllsis
FAOK-L
1