SECOND THOUGHTS ARE BEST.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 823, 10 February 1877, Page 3

SECOND THOUGHTS ARE BEST.

{Danbury Nans.) c Look. Walter, that young girl’s face would make an artist’s fortune!’ ‘Byall that’s wonderful, if it isn’t my cousin May,’ said Walter, reining in his horse so suddenly as to throw him upon his haunches.

‘Well, you gipsy, what arc you doing fifty miles from home this morning ? Some mischief, I’ll warrant. ’

‘Visiting,’ May answered saucily and concisely, from her station by the lawn gate. ‘ Visiting whom ? some ancient maiden like yourself ?’ May was sixteen, and she could afford to be rallied upon her age. So her blooming cheeks dimpled with a smile as she answered.

‘ Not so bad as that. Walter. I’m helping Susie Arnold nurse her uncle— a crusty old bachelor—who can sympathise with your sufferings from the gout. ’ ' It still takes some trouble to get the start of you, little coz, Susie Arnold, here ?

I’ll just run in and see if she has a place in her memory for an old friend. Jump on, May, and take a ride. My friend here will bo most happy to escort you. By the bye, I must introduce you Philip, this is my cousin May Mr Orne, Miss • Alleyn. Steady, Gyp; there May, let me assist you to mount. ’

’ Thank you. Walter, I am aorry to disappoint you, but I must decline to make my debut without a sidesaddle.’

‘Gyp is gentle as a lamb ; not the least langer in the world. Fie, May, I thought you were as brave as you are saucy,’ By this time the spice of daring in the girl’s nature was aroused, so she suffered Walter to assist her to a seat upon Gyp’s back, saying : ‘ Well, I see you wish me to appear ridiculous, so I will gratify you.’ She adjusted her dress and assumed an erect, graceful position, which did not tell of an inexperienced equestrian, and taking the reins in her hand, she turned her arch face towerd her cousin’s friend :

‘ Mr Orne, I challenge you to a trial of speed—that distant oak to be the goal.’ She touched Gyp lightly with the whip and started off, her curls flying in the wind. Philip Orne followed closely, but she kept the advantage gained by her sudden start, and reached the tree first.

Philip Orne’s exterior was that of a hero of romance, but as yet himself and sentiment were strangers, and he was cold and haughty. This was the gentleman whose claims to consideration Miss May Alleyn decided to ignore. She read the pride of his curved lips, and mischieviously resolved to punish him for it. May was an enigma to him —a new specimen of the human family. So pretty and lady-like in her looks —so wild and untamed in her actions.

He looked at her much as he would a velvety-furred kitten, pleased with her beauty, but wondering what freak would next amuse him.

* I think Walter has by this time made his call, and will be looking for Gyp’s appearance. ’Twould be good enough for him if we didn’t come. Tried to break my neck, don’t you think so, Mr—Mr— 5 * Orne, at your service.’ ‘ Ah, yes, Orne—a peculiar name, is not not V

If Philip had a weakness, it was pride in his family name, and his tone was very cold as he said :

‘ I believe it is peculiar to our family, There is but one head to the Ornes. ’

‘ Adam, probably ?’ the fringed lips drooped demurely as Philip’s blue eyes flashed out of their coldness, and touching her horse lightly with her whip she cantered off with a gay—-‘Good-bye. Tell Walter I’ll be back before night,’ and was away Philip had time to recover his good humor. ‘ I wonder whether this is a fair specimen of young ladies,’ was Philip’s thoughts as he rode slowly back to where he had left Walter, wondering how he would relish his cousin’s jest—when there, by the gate, was the runaway girl dismounting from her horse, and looking as dignified as though she had not mystified him to the extent of her ability. * Miss Alleyn, are you a magician ? Howin the name of wonder did you reach this spot ?’ ‘ When Mr Orne turns priest, I’ll maybe choose him for my confessor. Until that time ‘ guess ’ must be his oracle.’ May was secretly delighted at the success of her ruse, which consisted of a cross cut home that saved some distance, and taken at full speed had brought here considerably in advance of her companion. Just then Walter made his appearance, and after a few parting words the two friends turned their faces homewards, and were soon out of sight. Philip Orne and Walter Alleyn were together in the latter’s room, Philip was reading, and Walter was sending a cloud of smoke from a fragrant Havana as he glanced through the letters. ‘ Well, I declare ! Can I believe my eyes ? That little humming bird to be caged at last !’

Philip looked up inquiringly, and Walter tossed a little perfumed note towards him, saying: * Read that, and Bee what you think of it.’ He took the note and read :

‘Dear Cor;,—Come and visit us as early as the 10th of this month, and, if possible, bring your friend Mr Orne with you. A wedding is to come off on the 12th, and I want you to officiate as groomsman, I have two very pleasant young ladies selected to stand as your vis-a-vis. Do not be frightened and stay away, thinking that I may inflict myself upon one of you, as I have a more important part to act. lamin a great hurry, so cannot stop to explain particulars, but will do so when we meet. Goodbye.’ ‘ Will you go, Orne ? I think it would be a pleasant change from the dusty old city. Say yea, and I'll write May to that effect tonight.’ Philip consulted his calendar, and finding that he had no pressing business set down for that time, made up hia mind to accept the invitation. The appointed day arrived, and with it the two gentlemen, who were duly introduced to the young ladies who were to be bridesmaids. As |May had said, they were pretty and attractive, and the five formed a pleasant party. ‘ But, May, you have not told us who is to be the happy man. Where is he, and why don’t you introduce him ; ’ said Walter, after a time. (To he continued.)

OOR SALE —A new Four-roomed Cottage V match-lined throughout, with good g irden, cooking range, and hen houses, and giod supply of water. Price, £l6O cash. Apply on the premises, Albert Cottage, Willow Bank; or, to Mr J. B. Dale, Cathe* oral square. 4820