Ballou's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXVII, No. 1 — page 71: what you’re looking at

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Defeated. 75 her book, and cared but little whether she looked well or not; but she did not see it, or even him, until Florence said, softly, “Agnes dear;” then she raised her large blue eyes languidly, and met the gaze of the handsome, dark-eyed stranger. “ My brother Ralph, Miss Calvert.” “Tam happy to meet and welcome to his native land, one whose name and excellen- ces are so well known to me. It is indeed a pleasure.” “A very pretty speech,” thought Ralph; “and well studied, I dare say. Confound it! I must reply, I suppose. Well, here goes: And I also am happy to meet Miss Calvert, to whom I owe a debt of gratitude for honoring our poor house with her presence, and thus whiling away hours that must have otherwise hung heavily upon the hands of my little sis- ter. There, that was about it, I fancy.” And he smothered a laugh that would have indeed destroyed Miss Calvert's hopes, had he given utterance to it. Miss Calvert took the chair he proffered, and seated herself, spreading her ample skirts about her with artistic care, turned carelessly the gilt-edged leaves of the blue and gold vol- ume, and began her work of captivating Ralph Ingraham. First, she began by bringing him to a rehearsal of his travels; carried him by force through the cities and wilds of Merrie England; whisked him over the highlands and lowlands of Bonnie Scotland; tried to wink out a tear over the sorrows of down- trodden Ireland; trotted him across the Chan- nel to France— “Good gracious! where is this female going?” thought he. Florence saw the look of distress, and came to her brother’s rescue, saying: | “ T wonder where Letty is. her since dinner.” “ Letty? O,I dare say she is well enough; although one cannot help feeling anxious about her, she is such achild! You have not seen her yet, Mr. Ingraham ?” “No, I have not. Nor do J] wish to, if she is like you,” he mentally added. “She is troublesome sometimes; but, after all, she is a dear little thing.” “So she is, Ralph, a perfect darling; and look! there she is. Is she not a fearless rider? See her!” For an instant, Ralph could see nothing for the cloud of dust; but presently she came in sight, the black horse clattering furiously down the road at a tremendous rate, urged on by her impatient driver, who seemed almost a I have not seen child. With a bound, they cleared hie low hedge, and galloped across the green sward up to the piazza. “By Jove! That leap was immense!” ejaculated Ralph, half rising from his chair. “ Yes, Letty rides passably well,” said Miss Calvert; “ but it makes me nervous to see her, she is so reckless.” : By this time, horse and rider were at the steps, and with a light spring, the young lady dismounted, and stood upon the piazza. “ My brother, Miss King,” said Florence. Letty King stood holding the bridle in cne hand, her dress soiled and dusty, and her glossy black curls tumbled into a confused mass, her cheeks glowing, and her dark eyes flashing; and Ralph could not help glancing from the studied elegance of the one to the careless ease of the other, and thinking, “I am certain of one thing. This young lady has no designs upon Ingraham Hall, or its owner. I am safe here.” Then he stepped forward, bowed with grace, and held out his hand. She gave him hers in a quiet, child-like fash- ion, saying: “Tam glad you are come, for now I shall not have to ride alone every day. Florence has been obliged to remain at home every day, because she expected you, and was afraid you would come in her absence.” “And you were annoyed, I dare say.” “No. For had you been my brother, I should have done the same thing. But now she will go with me.” “ May I go sometimes ?” “QO yes. It will give you a good chance to observe the improvements that have been made during your absence. One can see clearer on horseback, I fancy.” “Why did you not remain at home to-day to welcome me ?” “‘ Because I could not give up my ride; and I knew there were plenty here, and then there would be time enough to get acquainted. Or, rather, that is what I should have thought; but I believe I did not think anything about it when I rode out. Are you tired, little Bess ? Come, we must have something to eat, and let company take care of themselves.” And so saying, she led the horse toward the stable. “Miss King, allow me to save you that trouble.” ‘“No, thank you. You will soil your clothes; and more than that, Bess would not think me grateful for my ride, if I were too lazy to see her safely in the stable, with a good supper 9 Qo before her. conmiclboolkss.conn