Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 6, Number 20, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 13 November 1875 — Page 6

THE, AT AIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

TRAVELS BY TIIE FIRESIDE. fjgmThe ceaselesfrstn 4* felling fast,

And yonder glided vane, 1 rnuiov&blc for three day* past, Points to the misty main. Jt drives mo In upon mysulf upoi

And to the#iwnl«gl#»nili To pleasant b*ok» that crowd my shelf. And still more pleesSjUt driAm*., rrtu\ whn'nver burda have Sung

Of lanOn beyond the sea, An*l the bright days when I wai young Come thronging back to me.

In fancy 1 can hear ngtrtn •"p/" Th« A1 planum en t's roar,4

"The mule-b^il* on the bills of Spain, Tbe Ufa at Eislnore.

I se the convent's gleam 1 ng wall Itise fr And toW

Itise from its

IIWW

of pine,

r* of old calbf-dral* tall,

And' -tles by theKldue.

I Journey on my park and spite, Ib-neath centennial tr£**, Through fields with popples all on fire,

And gleams of radiant sea*.

1 fear no more the dost and heat, No more I foel fatigue. While Journeying with another's feet

O'er many a lengthening league.

l*t olh"*r* travel*®

K0^

and land.

And through ousclime*, I turn t.io world rouuw with my hand Heading these poets' rhymes. J'rom hera I learn whatever lies lu-iicnth eneh ohanglng tone, And tu-v, when looking with their eyes, ik'iter than with my own. —{Longfellow's new poems.

JUSTIN HARLEY.

A ROMANCE OF OLD VIRGINIA.

BY JOBS KSTKN COOKK,

Anlhorof "Ir. Vandyke," "Hurry of Eagle's Ne*t," "The Virginia Comedian*," Ac.

I The following, the concluding portion of t:iia|ter XX V'l (, was accidentally omitted in last week's isNtn-.j

What do yon think of the younger damsel!" Did dot not get acquainted wiih her. Sbo certainly is pretty but I say, Mr. St. Logcr. Miss lomentina is Jolly, and the old Judge la as line aa any nobleman I ever laid my eyes on. Brother Ju.sU» ought to go oftener. Where can he bo? I hope wo will llnd him at home when we got back."

I hope so." The hopo was disappointed. Harley bad not returned.

On tho next morning Salnty Ilarley nto an excellent breakfast, talking all (ho time 'vlth old James, and asking him questions rose, wondered that his brother had not returned, and llnally decided that he would walk over and son his old mammy, Ht the quarters, and his old fi-tond Haundnn*.

About one In tho day llarlov rode up the hill. Dismounting, he walked slowly, with his firm slop, to tho porch where St. Leger wus Heated.

CHAPTER XXIX. A

Niuirr

IUDH.

St. I.eger, looking intently at Harlo could s»n) that he was worn and a little fatigued—not very much, however, for bis enormous power* of onduranee had evidently resisted successfully anvthing like physical prostration. IIo had plain lv lost a great deal of sloe]), or had ridden far, but this had little effect on him His expression was calm and somewhat wad, but his bodily strength was evidently unabated, and St. Louor admired for tho hundredth titno Ills remarkable physique, which he had seen tested so wften In their long hunts on the shores -of the Danube.

Harley exchanged a cordial grapp of the hand with hi* friend, and sold "Well, my dear St. I^'ger, how have you licet 1 getting on during my abHOUOO?

Amusing yoursolf, I hope."

"In moderate degree. And now, glvo an account of yourself!" An account of myself?" "Certainly. Do yon presume to im aginn tlat a* man can 1K allowed to take himself otr In this abrupt and mysterious manner, with a friend staying In his house remain absent whole' days and nights, and. when at last he condescends to return, is not to interrogated reference to l*ls shocking neglect of all th« rules of good society?"

Hurley smiled. "lam thu* compelled to #«'count for all mv movements?" (Vit.Utily you are." question me."

Where have you been I have been riding out." 1'itr?" "^ultefnr." ".The distance?"

Well, something like an hundred «»i An hundred miles! On business, no doubt?"

Yes," said Harley. llist head droo|ted as he spoke, and his face grew grave and sad.

I will iell you where I havo been, Nome day," he'ailded, "and answer all you* questions, friend. 1 owe you that."

Tlie word* brought to St'. Leger'* mind his eternal thought—"Is he. or is lie not, mnrrietlf"

Yon really arc a nerSbct bird of pa»ssg*. Harley, he said, alw:ws moving always on the wing. Why doirt youaettlo down?"

4*8ettle

down

And get married." Married?" js ihat proceeding urt enormity In humnn being*?"

Ko, but I have net the lesst desire to jusrrr." Womsn-hater!" llave as you will.1

St. Leper assumed his most careless tone, and said: I rfcally would not be surprised If ynn had tried the business, snd hsd a wife «lnWy living."

Harley turned his head slightly sf them words* and was silent ftr moment* Then he said, coolly:

What an idea I But you are eterually Resting." •f At least, there must be some reason for this repugnance. Virginia is a nest of dov«s to tempt any hawk. Try whew 1 h«v» failed

No, thank you. If for other reason*because you will go k." You are mistaken, mr.i have abendoneid all prptension- ', band af ilw tsir Kv«lyn."

Are you pertNHlv certain? tMd she? UiAt Is* liave Vot heit I am growng iH-brcd! I sa» into your iuivate alMrs, and 1 $ certainly xwild I'c Hi worse taste-" stall! not at St. I»fer hastened to say. "A frbj way ceruiulv drsp ceremony with mend, "•fba «-wtain point* yes, not be

least, the proceeding would not be comme i7 /aut, St. Leger groaned Internally,ana gava op Che straggte. To continue his qoeations would""be Ill-bred, intrusive, by no means

WHUM

/out! Had not Har-

ley told him so X. W« ell, my dear fallow," he *ald, let uc drop tho aubjoct of matrimony, and come to other things. I have not told you the news. Salnty has arrived. 8aiolT I"

Doee the fact please you or displease you It delights me bevond words."

And, indeed, Har -$ j*4a ge suddenly

"WhereIs her" 7 The answer was given by Salnty himself, who saw his brother frtn a distance, began to run, and reaching the steps, rnshad up, and hugged Harley with both arms.

My dear old brother, what an age it seems sine© I saw you!" exclaimed the boy.

Well, here you are, mongarcon .'said Harley, with a happy light in his eyes.

tiHow

did vou leave all at fcton Flourishing, brother! But let Eton alone. I have forgotten all about it. This Is the place for me."

I really think it is! And when did you get home Did you have enough of uionev I believe I am growing boy Come tell me ing

quite young, everything." And Sainty Ilarley proceeded to tell

his brother evervthing. He was in the middle of his narrative, when old James came to say that dinner was ready to be 9crvcti«

I am glad of it," exclaimed Sainty Harley, "I am as huugry as a woli, brother, and I suppose you are too, as vou have been riding. Where have you been? Mr. St. Leger didn't know

I went to see a friend. But there is just time to get ready for dinner. I'll go mako my toilet, and 3*011 will tell me the rest of your adventures over a bottlo of claret.

Harley went to his chamber, and changed his dirty suit for one of plain black. Dinner followed, was removed, and talk over the claret succeeded. Saint George Harley gavoa full account of himself, described his visit toOaklull and that to Blandfield, and as they rose from table wound up with the observation.

Why don't you court tho tall one— Evelyn She's the one for you, brother!""

Harley smiled and said: 1 have no intention of marrying, my bov and now let 1110 diroct tho conver nation to yourself. You are two inche taller 1 You are going to have a moustache and whiskers!"

Thev fell into easy talk, and an hour passed. At the end of that time Sainty's conversation grew less animated, his eyelids droojKd little, and once or twice he nodaed in his arm-chair, in front of tho cheerful blaze. His long tramp had told upon him and after a manful effort to remain awake, he laughod, yawned, rose, and said ho bolieved he would go to bed. "Do so, Sainty," said his brother "sleep Is necessary at your age, and we will tmish our talk to-monrow.:

Tho youth quicklv availed himself of this permission, bade them a^laughing

flarley

ood-night, and leaned back in his chair reflected rose in a few minutes walked to and fro, and looked out of tho window. "What is the matter. Harley?" said St. Leger. "I should think you would bo glad enough to sit down and rest yourself after such a tremendous ride and here you are jumping up and walk ing about, and pacing to and fro like that tiger I saw in his cage in London. What's the matter?"

Well—thero is somo business which I am afraid I shall have to attend to tonight."

Business?" "With Judge Pland." Judge Bland Why he is at Blandfield."

I shall be compelled to go there to night, I fear." St. Leger looked attentively at tho speaker.

Your business must bo pressing to take you out such a chill night, whon you are so much fatigued."

I do feel ttitiguod—for tho mv busings is pressing." And vou are going?"

Whv

rest,

Ye*. 1 shall havo to, I think." "I will with von, then!" said St. IiOg^r, quickly that is, If you desire my company." "You? Tho ride will not bo very agreeable." "No matter. Sainty gone to bod, and I ive the evening on my hands Order rn hors*» when yon order yours." ••I wlit i» so at once, and owo 3*011 many thanks. My own socloty is no CTvjit luxury to me but vou must not count on s* long visit. To bo frank—I wish to p'Mirn by nine or ten o'clock."

Harlev hesitated. Wei* have an appointment," An in '.ointment? S "AtHuntsdon here—between eleven and twelve."

St. Ixiger's curiositv was so much excited bv this tesjionso, that he would probabivhava lost sight of hia friend's views on prving into things, and pried but Ha-.'. went straight out of the room rder the horse*. They were now r.'sflv* *nd, just as tho darkdoss had fuliy\*»me, the friendsset out slowly toward Biandlleld.

tho opi»*:!» sex ^-curiosity. All about Harley L-iJ cjmfi t» interest hlin enormously, but unfortunately his friend ha«l,

*. F'\R words, rendered direct

intern.^.n Impossible. Still, some things w.-ro not subjected to this prohibition I when they bad ridden on for a tnli so. St. Leger said:

I hav.^ ething to tell you that I think wi.i uure^t you, Harley." A What is that?" was Harlcy's iwiponsti.

IV) rrn know that the grounds.©f llnntsdt sro i.uinted?* U.J a

Yes-

a woman urned his head quickly. a woman!** fi .an deesaed la black.*' ,1 1 ng, SU I-eger!" .sting ia the least—I have

II*r By "A

"I »r

•een»'

bar?**

II ai

»X

cn r!r*st y*^ rode away on wisn know nothing about. St. Lea*r thereupon Informed his Mend rf «h* sdventurea which had be* fidlen i: 1 return from Blandfield, the nv- with the vaKranta, tim laterrk v\ with Itieroon* an tbe appearance of ti '1 wr :n*n In black under hia wind*

I Yiai UsNMifvl to tbe narrative in al

J5IYSW* & -S525:«

1,19or oth«r, whirhlie woul 1 ot thai after reflecting fw soma moment*, beat 1 nd to pry ic^ 14 ther"- Haven «», win eon Ma to m% yowowo a*ia tn»a*i*U«ta frnAi

441

,J, ^ir (S-U»MPS InwoOo'n., *•".

bar- i.vU"

&SJZ]

Interrogate ^ou, u-.' vary Har^y rafter el daaplyi bead

TERKE SAUTE SATURDAY EVENUSTGR JVLAJJU

dropping his eyes fixed upon tbe ground. Foor thing J" he muttered.

St. Leger was burning with curiosity but before be could speak, Harley said: I will be frank -with you, my dear friend, and say that your aoeount of this poor woman's visit affects me deeply. I will tell you more about her before very long: I can only s*y now that the long ride I have just taken was oonnected with her. I have made every effort to find her, but without success. I thought I could trace her, but have not been able to do so. What you tell me may enable mete discover ber now—but the subject ia melancholy let us dismiss It." "Very well, but

How chill it is growing. It was well we put on some wrapping. It really feels like snow. What an extraordinary climate! The morning was particularly warm."

It was plain what these words meant, and St. Leger said no more. They rode on in silence, and at last saw before them the lights of Blandfield.

As thev rode up the avenue, Harley held out his hand. A white flake settled upon it. He locked up at the dull leaden skv. "I was right," be said "it is snow ing. toft

chapter XXX.

WHAT "WAS TAKING rr.ACE IN JUDGE BLAND'S 8TUDT.

As the friend approached Blandfield two members of the household there were engaged in animated conversation and this conversation had direct reference, as will be seen, to Justin Harley.

The two persons were Miss dementi na and Judge Bland, and the place was the stud}* of tho master of the mansion a small apartment in the third story.

Judge Bland has gone up to his sane turn, carrying a cup of tea in his hand, to study an important legal "record." Before aoing so ho had supped, and be

fore supping he had gone through kindly and affectionate ceremony, which conveyed so clear an idea of his amiable and courtly disposition that it will be briefly described. Courtesy was with Judge Bland a natural instinct and ho had always through life carried out his own principle, that "true politeness was founded 011 benevolence, and a sedu lous regard lor the happiness of all around us. He treated his family with unvarying sweetness, and. it may be added, courtly respect and his deportment toward Mrs. Bland, his wife, had been the same when she was a gray haired invalid as when she was a bloom ing young bride. For the suffering in valid as for the little beauty he had kept his sweetest smiles and nis courtliest bows. He would suffer no one but him self to wait upon her, and invariably prepared her meals with his own hands selecting tho choicest parts of every dish and then when the waiter was filled, ho took it with his own hands to his "beloved Marie," and was made happy if she seemed to relish her meal. It was a beautiful sight to see this gray haired and stately gentleman—to whem all, high and low, took off their hats— forgetting himself entirely, and dedicating himself with a tenderness which no lover could ha\o surpassed to the comfort 01 the poor Invalid.

And when Mrs. Bland died, the un happy husband, after mourning for her as few mourn, seemed to miss the object of these lifo-long attentions most when the moment came to take her meals to her. He would Bay grace— evory one would sit down but the old judge would look around him for his body-servant, gray-haired like himself, who had been accustomed to bring the silver waiter. Theold servant, standing respectfully behind him, would only look grave and sorrowful. Then the poor husband would utter a weary sigh seat himself at tho table, and scarcely touch the food which ho looked at through a sort of mist. At last, he found somo consolation this was to wait upon his mother, tho aged Mrs Bland, who began to keep her chamber, IIo returned to his former habit—carried his mother's meals to her as he had carried his wife's—and on this evening ho had just performed the ceremony in question, finished his own supper, and gono with a cup of tea in his hand to his study—a plain, rather dingy littieapartmont, with tables covered with papers, and shelves filled with dusty law volumes—when tho door opened and Miss Clementina came into the room.

Miss Clementina was waving her fan in a somewhat agltatod manner, and a little tromor might hnve been olworved in the ribbons deonrating her headdross. She bad beert all day reflecting upon the interview which was nbout to take place. She considered it her bounden duty to act with deconim and let it bo said here, in order that tho character and motive* of Misa Clementina inaj not l»e understood, that she was actuate* by the rerv best motives, and not in the least by a love of tatlc, or a desire to interfere. Tattle was dear to her, but she had uotcome to indulge her favorite propcnMtv. On that morning sho had been put In possession «f certain reports which caused liar great nneasiness, and •a these reports* and their orijdn.wore mentioned in the eovorsatlon which an sued, vvo shall proceed at once to the said conversation.

Good evening, my dear," said Jadge Bland, who, although he had just parted from Misa Clementina, proceeded thus to do tho honors of his sanctum.

wAreyou

very busy, brother?" said

Miss Clementina. "Oh no,"said the poltta judge "do ou wish to see me? Sit down, my

I do wish to have a few momenta* talk with you, brother, and on a painful •abject."

A painful subject?" Very painful." Ajnd the lady took the aeai on the opposite skis of the fireplace, on wbone iron andirons a few sticks were blazing cheerfully. On tbe long table, covered with green atuff* two oandlea were keeping watohover a chaos of law-papers.

I wish to apeak of Evelyn, brother* and—of Mr. Harley." Mr. Harley, my dear!*1

It is rrry disagreeable to me to have to do so, but I really think it is my duty. Evelyn is so young and Inexperienced, that her friends Aottld at» tbat she ia not deceived, and I very much fear that* from the eonrse things are now taking, our dear child is about to lay up In irtoi* tor herself an amounl of trouble which •he never dreamed of."

Judge Bland was aware of Mwa Oementlna'a propensity to indulge in mysterious Inuendoea and significant hint*.

Edlte

EJI!

brin^ that night

irigtrincftj

He «n» accustomed tolisien* with his

smile* 0.1 sncli occasions, waiting some distinct announcement of th« lis adopted this course miag back bis elbows the

on ibe present' occasion. Leanlaa back In his lain* arm-chair, resting on Ibe cushioned arms, and joining tne

H««aing that ber auditor was In aa attentive state of mind* Miss Clementina agitated ber fan. and flowed on. •*I ftar that Evelyn ia 1-"-:ung interacted in Mr. Hsriey."

Ah?—la Mr. llarleyr Yes, brother and I need not say

that I do not mention this in any spirit of Mastp." "I am sore I can aoquit you of that, my dear alater."

I love our little Evelyn dearly, and those things are always best looked atraigbt in tne ihoe, and—where thore la an objection—met at once. You agree with me, do yoa not, brother?"

Assuredly, sister. What yon say Is full of good sense. But you must oon vince me of two things."

And the Judge smilod benevolently. What two things, brother?" Elrst, that Evelyn is interested, aa you say, in Mr. Harley—(you mean, of course, Juatin Harley "Yes."

And, seoondly. that there is something oblectionable in that fact—some reason why she should not regard Mr. Harley with such interest."

WoW, brother, I must content myself with merely stating my oonviction aa to the first point. I would not like to be more expliqt, for It seems like spving and betraying confidence—though there is none. I am sure Evelyn is very much interested in Mr. Harley, who oertainly began his acquaintance with her under circumstanced calculated to prejudice a young lady in a gentleman's tavor. He saved her life, and she is naturally and properly grateful."

Yes. And she is beginning to regard him with something more than friendship, I think."

Do vou think so?—but, the objection to Mr. Ilarley Miss Clementina was on firm ground again. She assumed a guarded expres sfon of countenance, drew her chair a little closer, and said, in a low tone:

Brother, are you sure that Mr. Har ley is not—married I have reasons to fear so. Indeed, I am wellnign convinced that such is the laot, from something: which has just come to my knowledge

CHAPTER XXXI.

.-?33£

S VIEWS OK MISS CLEMENTINA.^ ,, When Miss Clementina made this in tcresting announcement to Judge Bland —the announcement, namely, that she was in possession of facts wellnigh amounting to a demonstration of Har ley's married codition—sho looked very grave, and for some minutes preserved silence.

Tho Judge did nqt break the silence He seemea to be waiting, and it could only be deduced from his slight smile that he was somewhat incredulous,

I can easily understand," said Miss Clementina, at length, "that what I have said surprises you, brother. I do not expect you to think as I do until I have told you what I heard."

You have then heard somethingsomething which seems reliable?" Yes."

One hears, you know, so many re ports, for which thore is no foundation whatever. Indeed, I have often been tilled with astonishment at the ingenui ty of certain persons in inventing/' "This is no invention, I fear. Clara Fulkson, who was here this morning told me, and you know she is strictly reliable."

The Judge preserved a polite and suave silence. We wero speaking of Mr. Harley,' continued Miss Clementina, "and Clara very naturally asked what had Induced him to return to Virginia. I replied that I presumed he had come back to look after his estate but Clara shook her head, and said the impression with many persons was that Mr. Harley had been followed to Europe by his wife, and had returned to escape from her." "His wife! Has the youg man \u\fct that is the point."

Well, brother, that is, ss you say, the point, and Clara Fulkson tells me what I certainly never know before, that Mr, Harley had an affair with a young lady living in or near the Carolinas, and tho young lady, it was,, supposed, eloped with him. "V "Ah! indeed?"

Clara declares that she has it on tho best authority, and although sho would not give her authority, I am sure that sho is convinced of the truth of this much."

That Mr. Harley and a j'oung lady eloped Yes."

And wero married "It is supposed so, of course. The story is that there was opposition of some sort. Mr. Harley had engaged tho young lady's affections, and they went off and were married."

Singular! And is the lady living or dead now?" Sho Is said positively to be living."

Where? Humph! But tell me, first, your friend Miss Clara's theory upon the main point in this surprising matter, my dear. Why has young Mr. Ilarley always ooncealed his marriage, and why do not ho and his wife live together?"

There Is said to havo been .1 serious disagreement A disagreement For what cause

Tho cause is said to have been mis conduct upon tho part of the lady and nothing Is m«ro probable. I mean that I should sooner expect almost any one than Mr. Harley, who is a person of calm and patient temper, not without much sweetness under his gloom, and could not havo misbehaved, I am sure.

My opinion ol Mr. Harley ooinciden with you re, dear sister. Marriod Is it possible? Ami his wife—but there was a separation, no doubt?"

It seems so." .'•And Afr*. Tar ley f. Where is she?"

This is the most curious part. She is said to havo joined a company of it rolling-players, and takes delight, pco)lesay, In following Mr. Harley, and tarasslng him."

Ilumph! All thia has a very roman tic look, sister." 1 would not pay any attention to it, were it not fbr Evelyn."

You do not think Mr. Harley capable of paving his addresses to a young lady whilst Lis wife—if be has a wife— is living?"

In the first place, brother, he is not paying his addreases to Evelyn." Yea! yea I You mean, however,"

That Evelyn may booome—even is— interested in him, regarding him Man unmarried peraon. "Humph!" the brother

And en, have you thought of anotber thta^ brother T"

Mr. Harley may have bee in this colony, and dwrrtrd, pases, elsewhere and yet tb

have been married be sap*

poses, elsewhere and yet that form of divorce may not be binding, or, as I have heard yoa say, qwrrtiw, here."

Judge Bland knit hia brow*. Misa dementi na waa talking the soundest good sense. There waa the ehanoe that she had. by accident, as It were, toochsd with her finger the morbid point in Harley ber supposition might be the actual fact. He mtgbt have been married* might tkimk ktmmty free, and might not

It would be frtrlbl," continued Mlaa Clementina* **it Evelyn's feelings wero engaged they might oo on and marry without fault* that they knew af, on either sid«L and might not be married."

Judge Bland knit hia brows more and more.' Yon are right* sister," be said. "Then ia always tbe possibility, and it

la our plaoe lo lake oare of the poaaiblli ties." Assuredly it la."

Your advice"

*'Ts dlaoourage, as flu- aspoealblelany intimacy between Evelyn and Mr. ley, brother."

That will not be difficult, as he seldom cornea to Blandfield and does not go out."

Fortunately." And a worn will suffloe for the rest, I suppose. My daughter need only have it hinted that therela doubt and mystery about Mr. Harley."

Mies Clementina, better possibly with her own sex, bious.

00iced du-

Evelyn had best go away," sbo said, until Mr. Harley returns to Europe, as he soon will, they say. She might accept the invitation to "Rosewell." Mrs. Page is longing for lier, she says."

An exoellent idea! aister. I do not share your anxiety fully, and, to be frank with you, I doubt this whole story about young Harley. But you were very right to speak." "*I thought it my duty." ,2s ...

Luckily—if there bo truth In these rumors—tne young gentleman has entirely ceased visiting us." "Yes." "And it is doubtful if we will see him again before his return to Europe."

Muffled hooftrokes were heard on the road beneath, and Miss dementia went in one of the dormer windows. A light to the hall shone through the front door.

In the two horsemen who had stopped at the door, and were dismounting, Bhe recognized Harley and St. Leger.

CHAPTER XXXII. IN MRS. BLAND'S CHAMBER. The visitors were mot at the door by an old servant, who made them respectful salute. A door was open on the right, beyond that leading into the din-ing-room, and a bright fire was burning in the fireplace of the apartment—tho aged Mrs. Bland's chamber. Tho old lady was seated in her great arm-chair, knitting busily by thought of a candle, in a silver candlestick, which candlestick stood upon a small circular mahogany table, nrilliautly polished. The snowy bod, with tall, slender posts and a tester, was near, and a cat was asleep on tho rug, in the bright light of the cheerful Ore.

The visitors unconsciously glancod through the open door, and as tho old lady had raised her eyos to see who had come to Blandfield upon such a night, the recognition was mutual.

Come in! Come in to the fire, young gentlemen," said Mrs. Bland, in her cordial, silvery treble. "You must not bo ceremonious. I am only an old woman, and evcrrybody comes into my room, since I cannot go out. Comoin! I beg it is growing quite cold-»-quite cold, indeed—and tne fire is burning brightly here.

The invitation was too cordial to be declined, all the moro as, in giving it, Mrs. Bland paid her visitors tho compliment of placing them upon the footing of relatives or familiar friends, toward whom ceremony was unnecessary It must be added that St. Leger. at least, found that beautiful blazing firo most attractive the sight of it was charming. Having removed their wrappings, they entered, taking tho seats which tho smiling old lady pointed out.

How very skilful in me to entrap you, young gentlemen, and entice 3'ou in to sea me before the rest," said the smiling old lady. "You will not havo a cup of coffee? Well, I am very glad to see you! The society of young is quite delightful to iue. I think you must be tho younger are you not, Mr, St. Leger? You, Mr. Harley, must be nearly, or quite, thirty?"

I am just thirty, ma'am," Baid Ilarley, gently, highly pleased with tho serene and elegant old ladv.

I thought I could tell yeu your age, my dear. Excuse nio, I am too unceremonious* I have a way of counting back. Your father was married in—let 1110 see—but I need not troublo my poor head about all that now. You are thirty Well, well, how time passes! And you have been to Europe a long time, it seems. Come home, now, my dear—excuse me—and live in Virginia."

Harley smiled. But Itnntsdon is so large and lono iy, Mrs. Bland." 4

Then get marriod, my dear." Is such your advice, madam "Certainly! certainly! Young gen tlemen should not marry too early. would not be in haste, for thero is great deal, a very great deal of respon sibility iu marrying. But marry whon the time comes and that time cornea, mv dear,—excuse ma—at thirty."

r'So

1 am not yet old enough," said

St. Leger, laughing. "1 am but twentylive, Mrs. Bland." That is a very good age."

And I should' proceed* it seems, to commit matrimony at onco!" The youug man sighed, Was he thinking of a certain young lady, who, at that moment, was windfug a string of pearls in her hair, just over his howl, with ten feet, somo plaster, supporting boami, and a floor between "To form one's opinion from your view, Mrs, Bland," ho added, "marriage is unalloyed bliss."

The old lady smiled, and glanoed at him alxive her spoctaclos. There is nothing in tho world entirely unalloyed, Mr. St. I^5ger."

And marriage Is not?" "No indeed. Everything1 depends upon the person one marries. And too much care cannot bo taken in forming so Indissoluble a tie." "Indissoluble? Is it so Impossible, then, to get rid of the fetters ot mstrimony

Not impossible, my dear but I have never known a divorced couple to lead haffpy lives. Better, a thousand times, live ungla throughout a long life! Am I not right, Mr. Ilarley

I use your expression, madam, and say wft», a thowand timf*.' You must have observed such oaaaa?

I have, madam." Tho old lady went ou knitting busily, and talking. "Itmakes no differeweswhich is to blame: the result is always bad for both* though* of course, much worso for the wife than fbr tbe nusband. There was poor Julia

But what the full name of the poor Julia waa, or what bad bean the lata of that unfortunate lady, was nover known to Harley and St. Leger. The door opened, and Miss Clementina sailed In, followed by Judge Bland. The lady made a formal curtsey the Judge bow ad, and held out hia hand with grave oonrtesr.

Good evening, gentleman I" ha said.

am glad see that yoa have been invited to my mother's chamber: it is tbe most agreeable room In tbe House. I k»ow »be has oflfcml you a cup of tea and I trust, as It la anowing heavily* yon will allow una to have your horaee put sway, and spend the night. It will not do for vou to return te Huntsdon on such an V-*«ment night."

Harl I remained standing. I regret that it Is not in my power to r, my dear sir. Are you busy to-

y# 1 [ht? If not, may I bag a few mo

ota cli_.. .. manta* private conversation? I need your advic? upon a point of law."

"A legal opinion I will assist you in any manner in my power, with very, great pleasure." I

Harley looked round. Hia meaning was plain. Perhaps it would be beat to go up to my study," said Judge Bland.

As Harle^

uainted

can then return to the ladies." Harley bowod. I was about to suggest that our conversation would not probably prove very entertaining," he said. oke, St. alight laugiL ^Harley looked with inquiring eyes.

uttered a at him

I suppoae there never was a more in-

discreet personage than myself," said St. Leger. "I was just about to say that nothing intareats me moro than discussions and points of law. Luckily I have said nothing! Your conversation may l« bo on confidential* matters, and I will I not intrude."

Harley evidently hesitated. Then he 5 said: There Is no reason why you should not be present, my dear St. Leger, if you desire it—none whatever. It will boa mere legal consultation. Come!"

Sc. Leger smiled, and followod Harley and Judge Bland up-etttirs to the study of tbe latter. I: [TO BK CONTINUED.]

POrriNO THE QUESTION EARL Y. A precocious five-year older received, with her sister, a slico of wedding cake to dream upon. For three nights in succession it was placed under her pillow, with three slip of ptqwr bearing the name of three little boys. Golden hair had an auspicious drwuu concern- 1 ing hor next door neighbor, a lad of seven years. It was exultingly related I to the family circle, and on tho following day, when the children were at play, tne little dreamer took aside tho boy on whom hor fate depends, and hi said, archly: I

Willie, will you be my husband I dreamed it." "There are other Willies In the & world," was the reply.

Yes but it is you," sho said. Willie retreated a step or two and answored: -f

It takes a woman to ask that question." •*«. ,,

CLEAR GRIT.

An honest faced stranger called on tbe justice tho other day and inquired what his honor's usual feo was for joining a couple in the holy bonds of wedlock.

The feo is two dollars in case you come here," was the reply. Less see," mused tho man as ho handed out a roll of bills "there's throe dollars for a bedstead, eight dollars for a sooond-hand stove, two dollars for dishes, two dollars to run the house on, I and—that's every blamed cent!" fc.-

So you are snort?" inquired the Jus- a tice. "There's the pile," replied the young man. "but I'll knock the two dollars off for the dishes and give it to you, for I'm bdund to be harnessed to my girl fe this week if we havo to boll 'taters in E tho tea-pot."

And in less than an were made one.

hour tho two

ALL TIIE STYLE.

You can't get an old showmaker t6 blunder. The other dav when a weighty woman sailed into a botrolt shoe store and selected a pair of number fours and sat down to havo thoni tried on, tho shoemaker saw that sho wanted sevens. But ho didn't tell her so and start her out of tho shop on a gallop. Ho smiled and softly saidf

Madam, all the aristocratioladlosare now wearing shoes three sizes too largo for their feet, in order to havo cool extremities, and of course you want to follow the style."

Sho smiled like a duck in reply to his smile, and repllod: You are in a position to know best, and I leave everything to your judgment."

When sho went out sho said sho never had such an easy fitting shoo on in hor whole life.

THE Vassar girls mako up fine Othol1 OH

and Hamlets, but thoy can't got along with a pistol pocket.

Mfc

"Cherry Time" "lillyof tlie Field."

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