10
THE DAILY EVENING BlkGRAPE TRIPLE SHEET PHILADELPHIA, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1868.
CHRISTMAS COLUMN
TEE MISTLETOE KISS.
A CtlRIBTMAS BONO.
Winter is weary t md winter 's drear t
CotjbIh Annette, do you think it's trnef
There isn't a month in the long, long year
Hut alngB when I'm summoned away to
yon 1
Though yellowing leaves in the path are sad,
And mournfully echo our travelling feet;
Still something saya to my heart, be glad 1
For love id an evergreen-plant, my sweet t
Dull December's a mournful theme I
Cousin Annette, do you think so f
There's nothing bo drear as the dreary scheme
Of winter's sorrow and winter's snow.
Let fanciful poets indulge in grief,
And every woe in the world repeat;
But Jove has been at his trioka, the thief I
And stolen a heart, and regret, my sweet t
Berries on holly proclaim 'tis cold !
CouBin Annette, I am warmer thus;
A Land and a waist if my arms enfold,
The hand and waist will be oozy, puss 1
For here we can Bit and defy the wind,
Though panes are rattled with blinding
Bleet,
And happily one of us thus may find
That winter is best fur us both, my sweet t
Mistletoe grows on the oak, they Bay !
Cousin Annette 1 Bhe is fast asleep,
But this is a dangerous game to play,
For wandering rogues may on tiptoe oreep.
The miatletoe's beckoning over her heal.
My fluttering heart, you must cease to beat;
Sleep eoft t while over the lloor I tread
And wake at the touch of my lips, my
sweet I
Winter is bringing the travellers home I
Consin Annette, have I cause to fear
Lest one loved better than I may come
To claim the hand that is resting here f
The falsest women are fair as yon,
And lips as pretty have sworn deceit;
But on my honor I'd swear you true
As true as the rose at your breast, my
Bweet 1
Winter is long 1 ay, winter's long !
Cousin Annette, is it time to go f
Terchance the lover and love-Bick song
May melt forever with winter's snow?
The dearest thoughts In the heart lie deep
Through snows of winter and rose-time
heat,
But if your memory tries to sleep,
Remember the mistletoe kiss, my sweet I
LAYING THE GHOST.
AN ENGLISH CHRISTMAS STORY.
This is the story of two or three connected
incidents, not quite every day, which beteli me,
Hugh LiTfsay, a tew years ago. Or, in more
concise words and ghost stories beiog the
proper thing at Christmas thi is the story of
the lajioi; the ghost of a difficulty.
At the time 1 introduce m yseU to yo, I, Hugh
Livesay, son and heir of Henry Livesay, Esq.,
ot Uolber Holt, Leicestershire, wa an under
graduate of Christchurcli, of three years' stand
ing, spending his 'long' with his uncle, his
mother's brother, Mr. Smith Pentland, solicitor.
The Close, South wich. I had many grander
relatives, especially on my father's tide; none
other who had so much of my respect as this
provincial lawyer with more thaa a provincial
reputation. I don't bonst ot it, for I havo not
Been many men who could afford to look, down
upon Smith Fectlaud; I have seen as few who
ventured to do it. To bring one proof of his
stiperiority he had to meet the clever man's
eufireme difficulty of bearing with incompe
tency, aud he subdued it thoroughly.
nevertheless, where he saw youth, and
health, and intellect it was his theory that
opportunity 6iiouiii De measured apart be was
not easy to satisfy: the idle found him a hard
taskmaster. In these respects ray uncle was
fairly content with me, but he was oue of those
who love to resort to argument for the take of .
discovering what their opponent is made ot. I
am saying nothing for or against the practice,
simply that he followed it. Aud a 'avorite
course with him was to challenge us university
men.
'The question is, are not you specialties ?' ho
said, one day over our after-dinner wine.
You may picture my uncle a fine old figure,
With great ridges of brows below an abuudauee
of white hair, retined, almost gentle eyes, but
marked caustic mouth, with somewhat larne
hps. There were those who went in fear of my
nncle's sarcasm, but they did not fare best with,
him. 'The question is, are not you specialties?'
'Now you have put a bard ease, sir,' said I.
'Because, althoueh it is not the truth, it is next
to it. To my miud no man ts more capable than
your better sort of Oxford man.'
'lhatis, put your Oxford nun into an unusual
and diflicult position, he will come out of it more
creditably than your ordinary man V
'I think so, sir.'
'It is contrary to'tho received notions, Hugh.'
'Hut I do think it.'
It was oue pleasaut feature in my unchVs lu
tcicourpe with young men, tb.nt he treated them
as j ojsibly his equals in intelligence, if not iu
judgment. And this without at all risking his
dignity. The consequence whs that young men
tried to talk np to bun.
'Berioiihly. doii't jou think you are too finished
an article for common use? I have my doubts
of you, Ilifib, although my offu boy is jut
going to C'ambridec.'
'I wish jou could put one of us on. his trial.' I
raid, not con.eutini to iiis opiuion. 'Mo, sincu
no one else ollirf.'
'I'll take you at tout word, Hneh,' said my
uncle, suddenly. 'Mind if you don't win to
do what I ii s k, say so; I shnll respect your
scruples. 1 want you to en to a gentleman's
house in the ni-iuhborhood it is just the case
you desire, tlint 1 should make a real use of you
and take au inventory of the property ou Uis
prfmites.'
There is no doubt I was a great deal diamaved
my uucle's uuusuul an i difficult uo-itlou had
certainly not taken this forin lo my miud.
II is In a decree a friend of mine; but what
more influences me, he is a preat friend of
great friends o( miue. One of these will advance
him money lor present necessities, but requires
a bill ot sale on his furniture and horses and
carriucesas security. It h to be arranged lor as
early and privately as nossibly. Now there is
not a clerk in my ciUce I cau trust as I ought to
be able to trod you. My clerks contract a habit
of reticence, I know, but tbey are as likely as
not to beiray that their errsnd is something
sinister and unusual in their very effort not to
do so. Iu fact, if a pen' Ionian were to be found
lor such work, be Is what is wanted. And jou
say Oxford men are po capable;' my uncle push
ing bue his chair, and looking sharply at me as
he ceased speakim?.
'You would like mo to undertake U?" said I,
dubiously.
'If Sou would, you nee me out of a (Mfflcnlty.
However, it you at all object, there's an end.
I'm thinkiutt for tba ladies ot Mr. Guest's
lamily mostly. You wouldn't, you know, want
to mention jour relationship to me or anything
of that sort: jou mav not even see any bt the
family tilthouah, honestly, I think you will.'
In spite of what he said about there being an
end to it if I objected, yet, as he wenton enume
rating the fois and agaiusts, I saw which wav
his wishes tended. Beside?, it htruek me hslf
the trial might be in sr tin ar whether I co ld
overcome my teluctance. So 1 made up my
mind.
Well. I will do my best, 6lr. To-morrow do
yon fay? I suppose it's chairs aud tables I'm
to value. How am I to know what to call 'em,'
and I lauehed without much satisfaction; 'or
yhetU'r they be wtrth shjUins or pound V
As to call Is g them,' said my uoclc, looking
pleased, 'there'll be a list thore ready for you.
Your aunt and Flo nii'ht Initiate you in'o prices
An evening's amusement provided for you all 1'
Thst seemed likely to t) the only arreeabla
Item in the accouut. Florence kindly took a
great deal of the burden otT her mother, and we
twt made famous progress considering a
rtiroi.lc flirtMion between us of some years
standing
However, next morning, when fairly started
behind a good horse for my twelve miles' drive
to Cullerton Houe, aflairs took a different com
plexion. The business itself did not trouble me
much; what I did not know I could firms at by
audacious guessing, and reference to Fiorenvt
on my return. For the rest, wai I not to demon
stra'.e the capability of the Oxford man by tba
very fact of my tutored ability to carry off awk
ward clrcumstai ces? Ou my arrival at Culler
ton House, a place of some pretensions, I scut
in my card and a note my uncle had written,
speaking of me as a gentleman whom he em
ployed confidentially. Waiting in a well -lined
library for further dlrceilct-s, with a new sense
of strangeness lo such a place, I smilingly re
curred to my uncle's advice not to go quite as
for a morniua call. By-and-by Mr. Ouesi in ado
his appearuuee, very hurried and embarrassed.
'Mr. Livesar, I believe,' referring to uiy car l,
which he held in his hand. 'Come upon
ah Mr. Hmitli reutlnnd'u business.' I bowed.
How would it do to betrin here at once?' Im
went on to say, with the air ot a man screwing
up his coutHgc to taking the first uncomtcrlabia
header, but only equal as yet to d.ibbl'ng in the
water. 'It may be as well to exercise u little
artifice. You arc waiting for me hero, you
ub understand. Aud it' the servants come
in '
'There Is occupation for bo Tie minutes of
Waiting on these shelve?, sir,' 6aid I, gravely.
Exactly, Mr. Hvcay. Then here is a list for
your guidance. 1 will return in a few minutes.'
And to get himself out ot the room so quickly
appeared nn nlmo-t astounding relief to htm.
Completely beaten though he was by the present
humiliating situation, one could sec that by
nature ho was arrogant snd somewhat over
bearing. I could well understand what my
uncle tpoke of as Mr. Guest's perfect inability
to keep within bis income; for to him the small
but very necessary economies ot life would pro
bably seem paltry and degrading. However, he
bad bought a contrary experience, and was now
paving lor it.
We young fellows are more apt at detecting
the absurdities than the hardships of such,
situations, and only behave well about them
because, as men of the world, wc do not, in
our phraseology, go in for the embarrassing.
But in rather an odd way was I to feel the pathos
also. In going through tho lht prepared for
me, I could not fad to perceive -here aud there
a blotch of ink, hinting very sensibly at tears
spent in the writing. It was the work of a
lady one of tho guests themselves, probably.
Should 1 see her? and how would she take it?
Was anything to be made out from her work
manship? 1 set myself to examine it, but
whether or not I have small penetration into
character, it told me little. There was clear
arrangement ccrtaiuly, and completeness, if
that went any way and it did, when one
thought also of the blurred ink spots.
Voices oatside warned me to put an end to my
speculations, and made haste to be ready lor
Mr. Guest's return, which was only a degree less
flurried than his first entrance. 'I think, Mr.
Livesay, if jou would follow a plan ' Which
plan, untoldcd with much hesitation and dif
fusiveness, had evidently been prepared for him
outbide.
It was that luncheon should bo ready in an
hour in the dining-room. Mr. Guest was mean
while to conduct me upsta rs, ai it for a little)
attention to my toilet atter my journey. 'And
the rest you cau carry iu your mind as you p3
through. A very handsome bird, as you remark,
and well stuffed. ' We were now in the hall and
a servant was passing. 'John, are the ladies in
the breaking;,-room ? Come, and be introduoed
to my daughters, Mr. Livesay.'
I could see that this, donethe more effectually
to mystify the servant, whs bitterer work than
any. He betrayed it by the very sharpness of
tone, momentary as It was, in which be imme
diately atter furnished me with certain Informa
tionas if to warn me not to presume upon an
introduction that could not be avoided, but
which went for nothing in the ordinary sense.
I dare say the cautious, almost shy circuit my
eyes made ot the room and its inmates was
ascribed by Mr. Guest to rny sufficient sense of
all this Mies At.ce Guest, the younger of the
two ladies of the family, was sitting iu a spirit
less attitude by the fire: MUs Guest herself, a
girl of about twenty, was writing at the table.
Aud, although there were traces of tears on her
face, and she could not help looking downcast,
yet she was sufficiently composed to think for
the best, and try to be conciliatory, as the most
politic course. She was not quite pretty, but
altogether nice; had nice soft, gentle ways
which did not in the least prevent her, as 1 was
not long in finding out, lrom being tho ruling
power in the house. Indeed, with no one el-e
did there seem to remain anv judgment or en
deavor. 1 felt for her very keenly when, upon
hur lather appealing to her lor the explanation
of eomethiiig in the inventory not quite clear
to either ot us, she came across to u aud
poiuted nut what we required quite patienily
aud intelligently, although all the while her
poor hand trembled so she could scarce turn
over the leaves. I very much like i the kiud
honest eyes that met mine in . momentary
glance; I very much wished the? had been less
troubled.
Aud I docUledly wished myself well out of the
room long botoru I bad finished. The father
was querulous, yet deprecatory; the girls tat on
in au awkward sihnco. A young follow of
about eighteen looked in at the door; his
father's introduction drew from him a stiff,
hostile bow; turning on his heel be went out,
closing the door with a bam; there was a dull
anger shown towards me by all by all except
Miss Gucbt. I grew to feel almost at If ihe
aeurestion was mine; I said witbiu myself that
whilst my uncle had undoubtedly acted wisely
and kindly by the Guests, he had not shown
much coiihi'lcraMou for me. True, ho had
protested to wake it entirely optional, but
then
Going through with Mr. Guest's programme,
I reached the oinlng-room and luuuiieon.
'Now do, Dick, no,' I heard Miss Gaest say,
from outside the door. 'He is very well, indeed
he is. It can't hurt jou to sit down to luuchBon
with him. It's because or the servants, you
know. Do It to please me. Dick. I dou't want
you to talk if you can't,' she added coailugl y
coming in as bhe ipake; D,ck treating me to his
ana'hemns pretty freely as he followed ber.
'J he color Hew Into her lace at sight ot me, for
certainly she had not meant me to bo of her
audience. I was soitly tempted to cirry it wuh
a Litfhband townrds Mr. Dick, but I kept before
me the especial reason of my unrle's choice, and
recovered myselt in tini. 1 readily forgave
him when I h nrd, as I did afterwards, that hs
was expecting his comml.-sioD, wheu this unfor
tunate 4:1 ims iu his lather's affairs put off bis
expectations indefinitely, een if worse did not
follow. It was natural he bhould confound me
with this tnihioi tune. Tho younger sister did
not ihow hersel. 'Alice has the headache,
pupa,' baid Miss Guest, In answer to her fathor,
us he too joined us. I guessed that I had as
much lo do with uer absence as any indisposi
tion. But we bad rot taken our seats when a car
riage rolled up the drive. 'Mi-s Bailey, papa !'
lil-a (vuest exclaimed 'She will have been into
Lorton, and of course has come ou hero know
ing it to be our luncheon hour.'
I quite uucierrtood their involuntary glances
at me, and felt it iLCumbent on me to offer to
retire. I dieted to do bo in so many wor K
witbout any preamble or reason alleged other
tl au the real oi e.
Ci riaiuly not,' she said, with the essential
politeness ot a kind nature. 'We could not
think of it.' I bill 1 proloced my willingness.
'It would be rude, and it would not bs pre
ferable even.' she replied, smiling a little, her
sttalghttorwardnest equal to my own. Well.it
is the irresistible tendency, where it Is youug
men and women who are concerned, for these
thiri'Sto b come directly personal.
Tine, there are the servauis,' said Mr. Gnett,
witn an irritable plai ce iu survey of me, fret
ting his hands nervously one within the other.
'And Miss Bailey won't see much iu our having
a-s ranger to luncheon.' Words that could
not have beon ureter frsmeil to lack the
genuineness aud ipontancousneti of his
duufcutei'g reply.
Miss Guest's first alarmed eir.Umatloo was
Justified. Mitt Btiley had calculated upon the
luncheon hour, and besides developing, a very
fair appetite lor tho material vlnnds set before
us, also developed a quite rematk able craving
at er what ladies term 'news.' 'Well, Frances,
what's the news?" was nearly uer first ques
tion. Miss Guet colored as sho professed her Igno
rance, piobably thinking, it struck me, wnut
the answer to-morrow might well be. 8o MUs
Bailey proceeded herself to Impart sundry in
telligence, iu which Mis Guest, carrying off
her secret trouble bravely (she could not keep
back a preoccupied sigh now and then), feigned
much intere.-t; satisfied so that her father was
not called upon. We appeared to be success
fully tiding over the mai-apropos visit, until, as
luck would have It, tbc lady's lnquisitiven"s8
was directed towards me. Then I qulio laid for
everything to come to grief.
'Ah, I suppose, Mr. Llvesav, vou are a
stranger to this part of the country ?' said'she,
catching quickly at words that implied as
much. Khc was what 1 call a dreadful woman;
well preserved, fifty or so, with a laeo placid,
yet shrewish; amiiing benevoteutly on you
with her eyes, but her mouth in contradiction,
I said I did not know much of the country.
'But perhaps you nieau to get acquainted with
it? Perhaps jou are thinking to settle down
amongst us ?'
1 said I was simply on a vi-it, and Mis Guest
contrived to get the couver.-atiou into a different
chsnncl but not tor lone.
'You find tho air keen here, don't you, Mr.
Livesay ?' Baid Miss limley, uuou u ui-cosion of
the weather giving her au opening. 'I'm sure I
did. But then I'm a native of Devonshire, and
you may conic liom northward.'
I wished Devonshire had kept her as I said
that, on the contrary, I had always live 1 more
to the south.
'In London, perhaps?'
'Bless the woman 1' I thought. 'I'll Iry the
truth if that will stop her.' lle-itnting a mo
ment between Leicestershire aud Oxford, I
chose the latter. As it turued out, an unforlu
nato choice.
'At the university? Ah 1 At which college
would it be? Christchurch ? ah I Hue had a
nephew, such a dear fellow, but he was at Brace
note. Did I know him ? Dawson, Frank.
Dawson? No, I didn't? Well, perhaps she
might be able to bring about an acquaintance.
Oh, Francesl' turning to IMiss Guest, 'Alice
Dawson has bad the sweetest pho'ograph taken.'
'Has she?' said Miss Guest, with the slightest
drooping of the eyelids.
'Oh, the most charming portrait 1' blandly
beaming on us all. 'l'ou have not seen my
niece, Mr. Livesay my niece, Alice Dawson,
dear Frauk's sister? 8hewus staving at Kouth
wich a month ago. If you were ridiug or
driving Harford way, and looked iu ou my little
snuggery, I might, now, be able to give you an
introduction.'
Through all this questioning and my corre
sponding answers for, once brought to booK, I
bad plunged boldly in media s res, and talked
Oil old to any extent, as deeming ths truth
safest, from belnjr least open to suspicion on
either side as it went on from one assertion to
another, Miss Guest's eyes had opened wider
aud wldr, and even youug Dick was roused
from his moodiness. For all their caution, I
caught them signalling their amazement at my
audacity to each other with their eyes and, I
thought, also the relief my ingenuity, plajing
on Miss Ballej 'a credulity, brought them. But
when it came to the proffered Introduction,
accompanied by all Miss Bailey's reserve of
blandoers, I thought they certainly must have
exploded with laughter; the better I kept my
countenance the more I tried their gravity. As
for Mr.. Guest, he looked the reverse of amiable
all over at what he took to be my effrontery. At
length Miss Bailey proposed departure. They
all accompanied ber to the carriage, but whilst
Mr. Guest remained for a parting word or two.
Miss Guest and Dick made a speedy escape back
into the hall. Chancing to bo near tbe door. I
had tbe fortune a second time to overhear taem
'Oh I Dick !' said she.
'Oh I Fanny!' and they went off into sup
pressed laughter, one against the other.
'Did you ever hear a chap cram like him ?'
said Dick, suspending his laughter only for the
words.
Dear Fnmk !' said she, as soon as she could
get breath. 'And dear Frank's sister I But
don't let us be stopping here.' Aud giving
themselves a minute to recover themselves they
came in.
1 purposely caught Dick's eye, and be walked
to t ii e window as the sole resource against a
second explosion; for being, as you will have
observed, a young fellow quick to stand npou
his dignity, of course he could not willingly
demean himself to exchange mirth with a com
mon clcik I But kind, thoughtful Miss Guest,
quick to believe that kindness was meant, could
tot let it pass without an acknowledgement of
my good nature and piomptness to avoid em
buriassmeut tor them. And she knew well, none
better, bow to thank without admitting too
much. I felt it some return for tne inevitable
disagreeables of my work only to have had it in
my power to put her in so much better spirits;
this was just what her fine insight taught her,
ai.d by what she emphasized her thanks. Uhe
-ked it she could be of any a?istnnce quite
cheerfully, and even conversed up.m general
topics a little. She only ventured ou a passiug
allusion to my daring inventions lor as such
she wholly regarded them I was half sorry to
know it troni beginning to end over the luu-cbeon-tab'e.
and that of the demurest.
'You appear, Mr, Livesay, to be quite familiar
with Oxtord; even more so thsn witb Suuth
wich.' And iu spite of Lerself, a smile lurked
somewhere about her pleasaut face.
'I I in fact, Miss Guest, I 1 was appren
ticed at Oxford.'
(When I came to this point in telling the day's
proceedings to my uncle, he laughed ten ini'iutes
off, and then admitted that I had extinguished
him. 'As ot course I should,' I affirmed.
'Merely from the result of a high-class education
which would, as a plain fact capaide of being
argued, be a recurrence to first piinciples aud
the simplest tactics.' Wben my uncle informed
me my assurance, as he was pleased to cull it,
wanted no further elaborating.)
I achieved my reply to Miss Cuest In my
giavebt manner; but she tnrLtd nway, bit.ug
her lip, and, 1 could see, doubled my gravity,
just as I had netected the arriere pensee in hers.
I was fttronply impelled to disclose tbe whole
truth ahcut mrselt, but the fear of compro
mising Mr. Smiih Pentlund restrained ine until
Mr. Guest and discretion entered together.
Bo I brought in v business to a'conciusion,
and I diove away lrom C'ulleiton Hmue and tbe
Guests, feeling that I had also brought to a con
clusion a strange experience for wbich nothing
certainly in my life had prepared me, wlncn
blanched off from it io au odd s irt cf way,
without any kind of connection with it other
than ths slight accident of Mr. bniitii I'eutlund's
unpieiiH Uiiu'i d request, aud which at oucu
passed into the cutalogue oi simple rumuiu
Li ant es.
True, after lib ft South wick I cues or twice
made iuqairies lor the Guests in my letters io
my uncle. But the subject was no longer in
teiestmg atter hu wrote t tun there had been a
revival in their lortunes an old maiden mint
some relative or other, dying and leaviug them
io end ot a lortuue. 'And,' said my uncle, 'to
see Mr. Guest was enough to know thnt no odor
of impending bankruptcy cmne now between
the wind aud his nobility ' My law hours' ac
quaintance with the gentleman taught me all
that my uncle would convey, and I was cou-trint-d
in my first reading of bis character.
( hriftmas came, aud was, as iu duty bound,
spent iu the home at Holber Holt. We had au
excessively good tnueot.it; such a goo4, jolly
time that nothing slioi t of Hie wedding ot my
great chum, Tom Htopford, aud the positive
necessity he laid on me ot acting as his best
man, could have induc-'d me to quit home tor
the Slopfbrds' place in Sussex. Once at Hetton
Pai k 1 found m j self Involved in festivities of a
week's duration. These over, my return was
tiM further delayed, because the good laith of
Turn's brother Bob was at least he said it was
- implicated in tbe securing me for a graud ball
that was lo come off at Grill Hall the residence
oi some new comers to that part of the couuty,
whose favor Bob evidently sought. They had
only not been of tbe company at ffetton because
they were from home at Ihe time, From what
I heard on difleient sides, the Masous were city
fieople. very rich, aud without c lildreu. But
he a traction for Bob, aud o ber of the fellows
as well, was certain two fair nieces whom they
budmvtttt CnU during the sbvoiiug tewou,
and who were again tbc Masons' iucts. The
brother had also lately joined Bob's regiment,
and spent every farthing ot his allowance, and
probably something over.
. Poor Bob was very epoonev, and raada me bis
contidant. He med to moralize lrightially, with
A comic face, but not quite taking It all the
same. 'I'm a younger son, Livesay, and younger
sous don't no dowu with mammas and aunts
specially where there's money. Hang money,
1 say I There's Tom's wite, as jolly a little enri
as ever a fellow wants to pet him and think him
perfection. Would h have fallen in love witb
me? Mot she. And jet sho isn't a bit in the
world mercenary. She wouldn't have been
allouxd, my denrflfellow. It Is all manoged for
tbcru. Oh, women are kittle cattle to deal wlthi"
And Bob's weed went out of tbe wludow, and
we sat on Iu a rather sentimental silence.
'So, ss I said befoie, if you'll arcept the
Masons' invitation, jou do me a kindness,' he
continued, as soon as he could descend to otac
tical mat'cr.s. 'You arc credited with boiug a
catch lo the matrimonial market, and we young,
rrsons ateonlj looked pleasant upon whuu ' i
have bigger fish in tow. Mrs. Maon was
proudly pleaded when she saw a po'sibility of
getting Mr. Hugh Livesay. She doesn't fall lu'.o
testacies, you know quite goes iu for there
fined stjle of thing. But she's the deuce aud
ail to ci. me at. It waa grand, I assure yoi,
quite gtund, to see how sh? mnieuvred lor
Frank Carpenter, the swe ll who married old
Mason's niece. These girls beloug to her oau
people. Come, say you will go 1'
beenig th'it a irost bad set in, to the probable
stoppage of all huii'irg tor some days, and that
I had still a fortnight of my vacation belore mo,
I kaid that I would do the obliging, and stay lor
the ball. Only ho, wasn't to make a fool of
himself.
Dou't vou, that's all,' exclaimed tho wildly
grateful dtagoon. .'But I say, do any amouut of
tlirtiiig with nil or any, only dou't cut me out
With Alice.'
'How am I loktow which is Alice? They
dou't go about labelled, do thej ?'
'Shi 's the younger. Besides, she's oh, she'a
so much prettier I'
'Very well, thou; If I '
'Shut up, now, will you?' said he, fetching
me a tremendous blow iu the buck, iu appre
hension of my chaff.
We were late In reaching Grill on the night of
the ball, and dancing had commenced. When
Bob took me up to Mr--. Mason, I felt convinced
I must have seen that lady before, so familiar
lo nie seemed her well-formed features and
stately carriage. As Bob had predicted, she was
very gracious, and kept me in conversation until
the conclusion of the dance iu progress, whea
we entered, aud she offered to find me partners.
And if there was roanoevrtng iu it at all, it was
very skilful, for she was very careful to intro
duce me to three or four ot tbe prettiest girls
in the room, and only finished with her eldest
niece.
Radiant for trouble unburdened from her
though she was, bright and beautiful as, say
what you can, good lortune will raako people,
yet I knew her on the lustant. The broad fore
head, the good honest eyes, the sonsie face. (
could not mistake; although there were jewels
now in the fair hair, and every circumstance
was so contrasted. Aud she knew me.
'Mr. Livesay Miss Guest' Mr. Ma9on called
his wile's attention from u-. and so, perbaps
fortunately, the surptise of recognition on Miss
Guest's side and the surprise and confusion on
mine esceped berhootice.
In a sort of desperation of embarrassment I
asked for tbe next quadrille, aud she, in equal
bewlldeimcnt, assented. But as the minutes
gave her a better comprehension, she clearly
came quite to expect me to withdraw from the
positioD. However, I stood my ground dog
gedly, Lalf resenting it, although she, of coarse,
could only think me guilty of an unwarrantable
breach of privilege. The Impression ou her
mind would be that I had used my remarkable
powers of invention and a sufficiently gentle
manly exterior to obtain admittance iato
society for which by condition I was not quali
fied. She, however, must submit to go through
the dance with me, but she did so iu a manner
to cold and constrained as to show that sho
could be hsr lather's daucnter in spits of the
sweeiuets of her disposition.
I took it as most decidedly a matter of course
that I should be believed, but yet, as you cau
well think, it was so difficult a subject to ap
proach that not tor some minutes could I satisty
myself how to begin. 'Miss Guest,' I said, all
possible solicitude in my voice, 'I am aware
up earances are against me.' Certainly by her
manHir bhe showed no intention of contradict
ing me. 'I beg of jou to suspend judgment
until I have bten heard in explanation.'
'Most decidedly some explanation is required,'
the replied, locking haughtily down, and being
at no pains to conceal her anuojance.
'If I may be allowed to take you to Mrs.
Mason when this set is over, I am sure I cau
saiisty you,' I was going to Bay, but substituted
'her.' bhe made no reply; I could not tell
whether I had at all shaken her in her bad im
pifsticn of me.
'1 assure jou I have done nothing a gentle
man might not do. I wish you could think I
am speaking truth.' 1 had waited for a favor
able interval in which to say it, growing more
aud more eager lor w hat she might answer,
fche looked up at me quickly, with one of those
sudden relcuiings, ball-capricious and wholly
sweet and kind.
'I can't quite know yet. I think you are.
'Thank jou,' I replied, warmly. 'I esteem
myself already moie ihan compensated for this
momentary misconstruction.' Apparently she
noticed nothing ot my exceeding earnestness,
look ir g straight before her w ilh grave eyes and
mouth.
I was not quite lo escape a scene, however.
Opposite us I saw Mr. Guest, regarding us with
the greatest astonishment. Tocouaini himself
lie had to resort to his eye-glass, and upon what
he saw, went hurriedly and with a face of
extreme displeasure to where Mrs, Mason sat.
I was fervently thankful, as much for his sake
as n,y own, to see that he had sufUcent command
over hit indmuation aud disgust to reserve bis
accusation until he had diawn her from the
crowued ball-room. The dance over, I was
just going to suggebt a seaich tor him when he
touctito n.e ou trie arm and peremptorily desired
a woid wuh me.
'And if jou will allow me,' he added, with
fleering politeness, "I should prefer to have
Mus Guest under my own care.' Taking, his
daughter en his arm, he stalked out of the room,
1 following, half-ancry; also, such is the force
ot attcudi nt circumstances, with something of
the air of a culprit. Iu a small room at tho
buck was till. Masou, looking anything but
'proudly pleased.' 'Comfort yourself, my dear
woman,' 1 thought; 'it is me. We'll soon have
itiigut. And theu we'll Bee.' By Jove, though,
it began hot, and I came out in a character iu
which I hardly knew myself; something new it
was to hear patiently Biich wordi as were now
uodresstd to me by Mr. tucsf.
'So, sir, perhaps you will explain by what im
position jou have contrived toobtuin admittance
into Mrs. Mutoc's house?' He was so arrogant,
that really if it had been any one but Mi.s
Guest's father I must hao taken my revenge in
chaffing b:m.
'J might well take offense at jour tone, Mr,
Guest '
I simply wish to know, befoie I ask you to
relieve as of your presence, how you obtuiud J
ailu lttauce iuto my sister's house?'
'By the express iuvitatiou ot Mrs. Mason her
self,' I rcpiUd, as temperately as it was in
human nature to reply to u quc-iion worded so
iusiiltiugly. 'As a tnend of Mr. Itobert Siop
Jord's, of whose family 1 am now a guest.'
'I bat is no answer at all. How am I to tell
how aud wbue you made Mr. 8topford's ac
quaintance? 1 have bad a sample oi jour in
genuity belore, Mr. Livesay, if that's really your
tihiue, It is my opinion you are nothing more
than an udvvutiucr, sir; a low adventurer.'
He was lapidly talking himself Into a rage,
and 1 cenftss to a considerable degree of heat in
my own answer to this, I drew myself up with
angry contempt.
'My name is Livesay, I beg to inform you I
am not iu the babUof assuming false names.
My lather is a gentleman of standing in Lelces
tercbire. With my uncle, Mr. hmlt a Pentland,
I believe jou are well acquainted, I was staying
at bis house when I madHacull upon you, I
admit in a rather singular character. But it was
at Mr. Pentlaud's request, and solely because
none ot his people of business whom he could
send on an etlair so private were at liberty.'
'Ah I 1 quite understand you. You will bold
Bo threats oyer me, Ujougu, A gentleman used
not be ashamed to have been l difficulties,
although it might be cotiveuieui at the tme to
keep it quiet, xou won't tbtea'en tns' I coal i
not get a word of disclaimer iu edrywav, no
wrathful was he. 'it is more tbno ever mj
opinion that you are nothing b'Jt an hdvei.turc.
I raw something of jour Inventive powers tuen,
remember!'
'There was no invention about i Mr. Goes'.
I wat, and am still, studying at Ox onl.'
Mist Guest's fare had hern entreating her
father thin long while. 'I tulnk Mr. Livesty is
to bo believed, papa,' she bal.'-timldly Inter
posed. Francs, I am Burprlsed you should have so
little tene of propriety.'
Miss Guest, winclrg ander her father's se
verity, and reddening violtntly, made a minut
study of her bouquet. I meant after tbis to
eiact a price for the afftont put npm mc, and
so again recovered my temper, and strove lor a
peaceful solution.
With what vuil you be satlsacd, Mr. Gue3t?
With Mr. btop'ord's word?'
'I don t vouch for all Mr Robert Stooford's
acquaintances.' Poor Bob! it he had only
heard.
I mi.de a gesture of impatience.
'is there no one from your neighborhood here,
Mr. Livesay ?' asked Mrs. M.ison, who would be
only too pleased to have me verified, and yet
retained her caution. 'My btotner Is naturally
dcsiri us ot proof; vou nod not take it us a
perscuul matter. There is Lady Duncan Knox ?'
'Lady IMhichu ? Oh, 1 am qu te reudy to be
con'ronud with Lady Duncan Knox.' A little
scoin ul 1 al'owed myself to be. now that I saw
my wav out of the inuCdle. 'I'll go into the
bull-room, it you olease, and you seimrnte your
self lrom me- it shall ail be plain now and cull
Lady Dut.cun's attention lo mo. Itbiulc you
will I e satisfied, Mr. Guest.'
Of course the proof tendered was unimpeach
able; and seeing me so contident, Air. Guest
cooled down with rather ludicious rapidity,
and ludeed was altogether nonplused. Like a
cieatmany people, who mostly bod themselves
In the end in a preilicnnient because of it, ho
had determined, with or aanlnst reason, that a
certain thing teas to be. He had dcaided tbat I
was an Impostor: aud now that it appeared
nirre than doubtful, he was not very com
fort able.
'It is so difficult to know whom to believe,'
he said, almost apologetically, as he led the way.
Miss Guett, with Mrs. Mson, followed us at a
short interval. 1 caught a ci de-glimpse of her,
talking with, for her, uousual impetuosity to
her aunt. Once in the room the proceeding
showed itself to Mr. Guest yet more equivocil.
'Keally, we might. I thick, dispose with auy
test,' said he, condescendingly.
'1 prefer that Lady Duncan should be spoken
to. I insist upon it, indeed.' I hadn't half
done with Mr. Guost, jou see. I might want
him again.
At once more assured and more uncomfort
able, he went across to my lady; I standing
alone tor some minutes, outwardly with an air
ot unconcern, inwardly with an absurd sense of
bt ing surveyed, boon I became aware that Mr.
Guest was guiding the lady through the crowd
to w heie I stood.
'How do you do, Mr. Livesay?' said she.
coming up Willi extended hand, 'how do you
do? Mr. Guest happened to mention jour
name, and I begged him to escort me to you.
We are only just from Home, and I am dying
for home news. Is Mr. i orris going to stand
lor the county ?'
Lady Duucan Knox was a merry voluble
womun of flve-and-toirty or so; very friendly
wiih my mother, and a relative of my father' j
besides.
'I dou't think Mr. Norris will stand.'
'Then jour father, perhaps?' said she, with
immense interest.
'No, I think not. My father prefers his pre
sent seat for the borough.'
'And whn Bhall 1 see my dear Mrs. Livesay
in town ? Not before the House sits, I fear?'
'I suppose not; my mother is l ot foud of
town, you know. They aro arranging the sets;
may I have the pleasure of this dance wuh your
ladyship?'
'Me? I'm engaged five deep. Perhaps a
later one.' And she moved away.
I locked hastily over my shoulder to where I
knew Fiauces Guest was, and upon impulse stie
smiled buck her pleasure. I was making
towards her when her father detained me.
'Mr. Livesay, 1 don't know how to frame my
excuses to vou for my rudeness. It is little
atonement I can make except in the way of
wordt.'
None is needed, sir,' I answered promptly;
because, of course, I wasn't going to make it a
quarrel now. Aud indeed he badn't sookeu
badly. We are all liable to slight mistakes, Mr.
Gufst'
'I can't forgive myself to easily; I am afraid
I was too much annoyed to be just. We do
hear of ench deceptions nowadays that really I
totk tbe alarm too quickly. It seems almost an
Insult alter what hat passed, but if at any time
jou are down at Southwich, and you like to
call at Cullerton House, you will be sure of a
wilcome, and you will do me a favor.'
I thanked him heartily, and proved my sin
cerity by escaping to Miss Guest as soon ns
politeness allowed. I found it would be late
before she could give mc a dauce, but, half in
pique, I stood out uniil my turn came.
' ou are not dancing much tc-night,' she said,
as we took our places.
'Sometimes 1 like the other thing best.'
'I'm afraid,' said she, in a tone of vexation,
'it's because the evening has been so disagree
able for you.
'L's very good for you to distress yourself
about me. But it has not been altogether
disagreeable, indeed.'
I could not help speaking significintly;
somehow, the tone had got into my voice, aud
I cotld not get it out.
'What jou did, Mr. Livesay, you did in kind
ness, too.'
But 1 do take some blame to myself. You
see, Miss Guest, it is not right tor a man to put
himself iu a false position. At least well I
ciol'1 know, I'm sure. 1 onco argued who. my
uncle, and we left off precisely where we began.'
'But you did it in the kindest way, and with
the klrdcst Intention
Well, you know, it becomes really pleasant to
accuse oneself when one has eo cuarming au
ndvicate, self-enlisted. I said some loolisb
words of the sort, hhe blushed, but sho had
sucb a staid, demure way ot listening to gallant
speeches that really oue was tempted ou to words
iLoie and more meanli.g.
'I say, wiren't jou flirting last nlsrbt, Livesay V
6aid Bob next mori lug, striving to organize cer
tain piecemeal recollections.
1 put him off with some light speech, for you
may he sure I should not make his coutldeuco
reciprocal. But 1 don't mind admitting no at
tbat 1 let t tbe Masons' ball wuh a very gravely
damaged anatomy. I must have bteu hit deeply,
lor the frost broke up, and 1 still preferred
f-ussex for the remainder of tho vacation. How
ever, it is reassuring lo know that I could take
interest in tne furtherance and enjoyment othe
d'fit rent social courtesies between Hetton and
Grill Hall. Nor was this all. On the next occa
sion of seeiog Mr. Ism it ti Pentland I expressed
such pleasant remembrances ot my lauautumn't
visit that he iuvited me to repeat it iu tho
coming one. But I am almost ashamed to say
that, once ut houthwich, I still more adroitly
contrived to be invited on to Cullerton iisetr.
For the parrridae-shooting, my host said my
own object I did not talk much about then.
You won't say I spsd badly, though, whn I
tell you tbat Ihe Christinas saw me at Grill
Hall, the accepted and approved suitorof sweet,
dear Frances Guebt.
Ah will, tbat is five years ago. My wife sits
by my hearthside to-day, with sweeter, dearer
wajs'thun ever, I think.
NTIWINDOW KATTLER,
for i w filings, Cum, KteuuiuouiM, Etc.
nevfnta RntlllnK and Shaking of tbe Win
dow a by the wind or other cuuses, tlgntana tbe
sash. 1'ievents tbewlndanddnstfroiu eutcrlug,
t-usliy mtacbed, and requires but a alugle
glHone to Judge of its inertia.
Cull on lue Ueueral Agent,
! O. P. ROSE,
No. 727 JAYNE Street,
- Between Market and Chesnut,
12 11 Xmw3m
Philadelphia.'
HOLIDAY GOODS.
GREAT D I 6 P L A Y,
! ' ' j
HOLIDAY GOODS. , I
Writing Dcf-kft,
Rosewood, Mahogany, Walnut and Paple
.ai acne.
Leather Writing Coes.
Iliukgnmnion Hoards.
tiold l'cus;
fames. Water Colors.
l'urlor Croquet, from $10 per set np. j
Boxes of Taper and Envelopes, stamped Willi
blrda, butterflies, flowers, elo., for Presouta.
i
R. HOSEtlNG & CO.,
Stationers and Engravers,
AO. 013 A It C U S T II 12 13 T.
OrEN EVEMNO. 12 1'2 stuthetrp
31 C V. A. TRUMPLER,
AO. 1)23 CllEMiUT ST.,
Offers for Holiday Presents
MUSIC FOLIOS,
U
s
I
c
JONES, TKMI'LE 4 CO.,
FASHIONABLE H A TTKItB,
No, 26 B. NINTH Rlreet,
' First door stiove Cliesuut street. 4 9
ELEGANTLY BOUND MUSIC B00K3,
SHEET MUSIC,
12 18 6rp ' 1
OPERA GLASSES.
HOLIDAY GOOD 8.
We bave now on ban a the Urgent nrt flat m-
settmentof XAbCY uooiw ever cflVrwa tome poo
l's, ot tbe newest deslgijii, oi law Importations, and at
UM'iecedeutedly low pric.-r.
tKONZK U.OCKH. bTATCABY, INKSTANDS,
PAK1AN GEOCPS, BUSTS, BTATTJETTK8 AND
CHINA AND BOT1KMIAN VASES, TOILET
kh.ru UOV UUtT 11U1.KKKS, ETU
LAVA feMoKINU HK'l'rt, C1UAR HOLDERS.
WA K H AMD TOBACCO JJOXEa.
J AKDINlEKKHoi vmrlous designs, rlchl7 moantel
tin Wood D1 Kronen. BKONZE ASD CHINA CRD
STAMH FLOWER roTti, HANtiiNU VASEd.
ETC ETC
S. A. HARRISON,
Ho. IOIO CHESNUT Street,
11 8tulh0lrp PHILADELPHIA.
HOLIDAY GOODS
At Greatly Red need Prices.
AWN VAIN,
TOT BOOKN,
l'BAl Kit BOOK,
BIBLES, ETC. ETC.
CHARLES JJESILVJGIK,
No. 1220 CIIESXUT Slrccl,
12 16 tbslu9Mp PHILADELPHIA.
HOLIDAY AND WEDDING
PREBENl S.
WILSON & STELLWAQEN,.
No. 1028 CHESNUT STREET,
PHILADELPHIA.
WATOHB S.
JEWELRY, DIAMONDS, BRIDAL BILVEtt,
MUSICAL BOXES, AND FINE
FRENCH CLOCKS.
All of which we are offering
AT REDUCED RATES. 12 17 lit,
HOLIDAY- GOODS.
EDWARD OHRISTMANN
OFFERS A LAIIOE VARIETY OP'' PAKCT
ARTICLES,
DUE- SINO C'ASI 8,
PERFUMERY,
XOILET REQUISITES,
COl'LERir, ETO. ETC.
ALL AT THE LOWEST PRIOfS.
EDWARD OIIRISTMANN,
12 leutrp So. 702 CIlKSXUtT Street.
TISFUL AND ORNAMENTAL HOLIDAY
U PRAsEMH.
UhS. M. A. BINDER'S,
No. Juai CHKNUT Street.
Polls, Card Bankets, cigar Cases, bwoklng daps,
I'oi imiouualia, Leather Ootids, Zephyr Huppera,
CusIiIuiib nu Tidies, Lace Ujodn lu 'liirnad, Muipure,
Cluuy, ValtudTues. pulut Appilque, Collars, Beta
and liarceo, Colflurrs, HuudkerclUbM, Will to walita,
lieriliaB, Cheujloeius.
A beautiful assortment of Flue Jewelry, new styles.
Jet, Ollt, Pearl, bieel. Coral, aud Halo heta.
ClialbH, MecklacFH. Haudkerulilef Holders, Studs.
Sleeve Bullous aud Hi nee em.
Head Ureases for Panlea and Operas,
Ine l aua anil Faury Ho"Un.
Rlbboua. Jouvln'a Eld Ulovfs, Bridal Vel'S aud,
W realLS. "ren Ii Cornel. Hoop Hklrt.
lfu pairs very rlcli Embroidered tsllppera at f 1 75
aud i
Store open even In s during holidays. 12U12t
P B E IS JE N T S.
KoilfH nnil 'WoMtciiIioIm'M Pocket
lilliVl'N, KlIZOl'N, 1111(1 NC'IMNOrtt.
LADIES' SCISSORS, IN CASES.
OEMS' DRESt 1KU-CASES, ETC.
51 A1KI ISA'S,
No. Ill TIIMH Street, below t'hesmtt.
PKKSKNTS FOR A DKAV PRIEND are the IiN
81 Kl Ml'-IsTd lo asitibt llie HEARING, at MA
DEIRA'S, No. lit Team m.. below cuesnut. U 18
HATS AND CAPS.
v WAUBUKTON'a IMPROVED VtSNTI
4a laied, and eaHy-ntthig T'resa liaia (patented), la
all Hie Improved laaliious ot tbn deaeon. CHICS
NUT Btreet. next door te tbe Font Office. UMfip ,
JOHN C R U M P,
CARPENTER AND BUILDER,
81itpHiNo.213LODGESireettaud No. 1733
CHESS IX Street,
PHILADELPHIA.
ALEXANDER (3. c TTELL & CO
PRODUCE COMMISSION MERCHANTS,
No. Hi NORTH WHARVES
AND
No. 27 NORTH VyATJCR STREET,
tit llAUELi iilA
tt
LJJAH OATTBOJk
WILLIAM S. GRANT
Commission merchant.
Nr. 1 8. DELA Wi RE Avenue, Philadelphia.
AUK NT FOR
Dnpnnt's Onnaowder. Reflued Nitre, Charcoal, etO
W. Baker A Co.'a Chocolate, Cocoa, and Brouia,
trucker Uroa. Co.'S V allow Metal fthea.hlng
fiOlW, Mid Nails. 14