478 
SEPT. 45 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
that glittered on the fringe of curling black eye¬ 
lashes, a straight little nose, and a delicate 
creamy complexion, with no spot of color save 
In the rich scarlet Ups—all framed In the wonder¬ 
ful masses of bright, nut-brown hair. 
Georgle gazed at herself Intently for a minute 
or two, and then smiled through her tears. It 
was very pleasant to know sho was so fair that 
even the alpaca dress could not quite hide her 
beauty. 
“ There, Georgle, you need not be so very dis¬ 
consolate,” said Esther, seeing the tears had near¬ 
ly vanished. " When you have finished admiring 
yourself, I will do your hair for you.” 
Georgle resigned the brush, and her sister, tak¬ 
ing the wavy, curly masses, brushed and twisted 
them deftly Into a loose coronet all round the 
graceful little head. Thun Georgle donned the 
despised black dress—somehow It looked well on 
the rounded lithe figure—fastened the rentes on, 
Just permitting a glimpse or fair white throat, en¬ 
circled by the prized string of pearls, to be seen, 
and stood rortli at last a very dainty lady Indeed. 
" If It had only been a white muslin !” sighed 
she, giving onu more look In the glass, and feeling 
1 considerably comforted by her appearance there¬ 
in. “ Perhaps f may not have to sit In a corner 
all the night, Esther,” Btdd she, hopefully. 
“I am sure not that was only my nonsense. 
Here are your gloves and handkerchief. Bo quick! 
1 heard the paUr go down five minutes since." 
Georgle took them, wrapped a largo shawl 
round her, t ied a little searlet hood over her bright 
hair, and walked down stairs very soberly, pon¬ 
dering many things. 
Starr mils was the groat house of Stavelelgh- 
le-dale. On this evening tile large drawlug-room, 
with Its handsome massive furniture and rich, 
sober coloring, was blled with almost a crowd of 
people, for Mrs. Ball’s evening-parties were an 
Institution very popular In the neighborhood. 
When Mr. Oaaterton and Georgle entered the 
room, she came forward with a cordial greeting 
and. after Introducing Georgle to one or two stran¬ 
gers present, consigned ner to the care of her 
daughter Lille, who, to Georgle’s relief, was al¬ 
most as plainly attired as herself. 
still reeling very conscious of her alpaca dress, 
Georgle shyly burled herself In a portfolio of Ital¬ 
ian photographs on a stand near her. Presently 
sho heard her name sottiy repeated behind her, 
and glancing up, recognized Captain Day, one or 
the strangers who had been presented to her, and 
Mrs. Ball’s nephew. 
May I get you some coffee ?” asked he, smiling 
down at her. 
“ Yes, please,’’ said Georgle, dinidently, her 
mind Instantly reverting to what he must think 
of her shabby dress. 
No made a sign to a servant, who came up with 
a tray. Helping Georgia to her coffee, he took 
another cup hlrnseir, and then, drawing a chair 
beside her, began to talk In a light, careless man¬ 
ner that speedily set her at her ease. Even the 
troublesome dress was at length forgotten, and 
Georgle boro her fair share In the hall-laughing, 
half-serious conversation that ensued. 
After a while he drew the stand of photographs 
forward, and turned them over for her to look at., 
telling her about Italy lu a soft low voice, that 
seemed meant for her alone, lie was a tall, hand¬ 
some man, rather fair, with bright blue eyes, and 
a moustache and whiskers that seemed to require 
an Immense amount of Attention to keep them 
In order. Jle possessed In perfection the art of 
being all things to all women, ills Indolent, 
graceful air of deference and Intense devotion, 
his low caressing voice, were Irresistibly flatter¬ 
ing. ills words were him pie enough, neither very 
wise nor very witty; but they might have been 
very pearls and diamonds of wisdom from the 
veneration with which Georgle listened to them, 
lie stayed by her side fora, long time, turning 
over and discussing folios and albums. 
At, length Mrs. Ball captured them for a round 
game at cards, much to Captain Day’s disgust. 
However, he managed to obtain Georgle for a 
partner, took care of her counters, and connived 
to throw an immense amount or earnestness Into 
t he question of staking two or two dozen. He con¬ 
ducted her lu to supper, and took core to have a 
snug corner all to themselves; and then he be¬ 
stowed on her all those peitts sotns and delicate 
attentions which are the right of some favored 
mortals, but which were something very new and 
very charming to ids unsophisticated companion. 
Georgle was completely fascinated. She was 
very young, very simple, and very romantic, beau¬ 
tiful, Impulsive, frank as a child, with all sorts of 
wonderful Ideas iloatlng about In her graceful 
little head; and Captain Arthur Day was the 
handsomest mau In his regiment, and one of the 
most consummate flirts in existence. 
Had Georgle’s eyes and cars not been too entire¬ 
ly engaged, she might have discovered that one 
person at least showed considerable disapproba¬ 
tion either of her or her cavaller’H proceedings. 
More than once a tall, gentlemanly man had tried 
lo gain Miss Caster touts ear, and a grave race with 
dark, suspicious eyes, had watched them more or 
less all the evening. A good many angry glances 
had been wasted on Captain Day’s imperturbable 
face—wasted because, inough ne nad seeu the 
glances plainly enough, lio had taken no notice of 
them. 
When the time for departure came, Captain 
Day slipped Into the hall, and was ready with 
Georgia’s shawl and little scarlet hood. After one 
long pressure or her hand, one lingering look Into 
her dark lovely eyes, one soft low “Good night,” 
she passed out into the dim nlglit with a swift 
subtle delight In every nerve, a feeling of sweet, 
shy Joy stealing Into her heart, which, alas! could 
never be the simple child-heart again 1 
As Captain Day turned tolre-enter the hall, he 
encountered his brother, the gentleman whose 
wrathful eyes had so suspiciously watched him 
all the evening. 
Anything the matter, Frank ? ” asked he 
lightly. “ You look particularly grim.” 
The grave face grew a shade graver as he turn¬ 
ed to his brother and said, emphatically and sud¬ 
denly. 
" You have no right, Arthur, to pay such dovo- 
ed attention to any lady, much less Miss Caster- 
ton.” 
" What do you mean ? ” 
“ What I say. You have no; rlghtjto sacrlflco 
that trusting sweet little thing for your amuse¬ 
ment.” 
" How excessively ridiculous, Frank ! I meet a 
young lady for the first time In my life, try to 
amuse her for an hour or two. and you get up a 
tragtc air and talk of a sweet little thing being 
sacrificed for my amusement.! It, is too absurd.” 
“ I have seen too many of your flirtations not 
to know the signs of a new one. I know what 
your houror two’s amusement means, and i say 
you have no right to raise hopes and wishes you 
have not the slightest Intention of fulillltng. 
"Looks like a case of righteous Indignation,’ 
said the Captain, eooly, smoothing his mustache. 
“ Thanks, your lecture might be more effectual 
wore you not an Interested party,” 
“ I don't understand you,” said Mr. Day, 
haughtily. 
" Who Is It talks about ‘ volumes In books,’ or 
some such sentimental nonsense ? 1 have never 
seen you bestow two glances on any young Duly 
before j but to-night you ha ve honored us both 
with your most distinguished regards. If Miss 
Georgle Castertou is wise, she will turn the cold 
shoulder on my Irresistible self; the. elder Is a 
much more etlglblo parti than the scapegrace 
youugcr brother. 
Mr. Day turned his eyes contemptuously on his 
brother. 
" Your remarks are most uncalled-for,” said he. 
" However, 1 don’t care to discuss the matter tur- 
tber. Nothing that 1 can urge is likely to stay 
your hand.” 
“Not with the prospect of a rival in the held, 
and such a rival—Uuntelc-Koyd and Stanholme 
verxuf) my fascinating self.” 
With another Indignant glance Mr. Day turned 
on ills heel and walked away. 
"Fancy I had rather the best of that little 
game,” thought Captain Arthur, as he took out 
cigar-case. *• Not pay any attention to Miss Gas- 
teiion 1 Tbank you, Mr. Francis Day; you Shall 
not And the course so easy to walk over, If 1 can 
help it;” and the Captain took out bis silver tu- 
see-box and struck a light, with a vindictive de¬ 
termination to thwart his brother, come what 
might. 
Alas for poor Georgle! She was very young and 
very childish, and It was the old, old story’. Two 
mouths flew by on sliver wings. Captain Day had 
the field all to himself, aud ho made the most or 
his opportunities. Georgle innocently wondered 
how It was that, go where she would, he always 
contrived to meet or follow her in her walks, it 
was always so naturally done that she never sus¬ 
pected how very carefully it was planned, or that 
all her goings out aud comings in were quite fa¬ 
miliar to him. 
Ono thing, however. Captain Day had not bar¬ 
gained for; and, had any one suggested the Idea 
to him, he would havo repudiated It with scorn— 
he had not bargained for falling In love himself. 
Nevertheless, two months’ almost dally inter¬ 
course told upon him; Georgies fresh young 
beauty and sweetness won a great deal more than 
admiration from him, and he eared a good deal 
more for her than he would have confessed to 
himself—more than his easy gracerul selfishness 
would care to think of seriously. At hist they 
were engaged for better or worse—so far us any¬ 
thing could be called an engagement which was 
neit her known nor sanctioned by the powers that 
were. 
On the last evening of this memorable visit they 
stood together In the beech avenue of the Hall. 
Her hand was lu his: her sweet eyes raised to Ills 
la mute entreaty. 
“ Not even a letter, Arthur?” said she. 
" My pet, how can I write to you without. Its 
being found out? And then Just think of the con¬ 
sequences. If Frank knew of ou r engagement, he 
would be furious, aud that would ruin every¬ 
thing.” 
"But,”hesitated Georgle, "howcan his being 
vexed make any difference to you ?” 
"Because he Is rich and 1 am poor; and he 
holds the purse-strlugs,” said the Captain, bitter¬ 
ly ; he might have added that to his hall-brother 
he was likewise Indebted for his very handsome 
allowance and sundry other small favors, the 
continuance of which he did not choose to risk at 
the present moment. 
“ Perhaps bo would help us as he Is so rich ?” 
suggested Georgle, timidly. 
“Not he; besides, I won’t ask him. Georgle 
darling, we must just wait and hope for some¬ 
thing to turn up; and, my pet, our engagement 
must he a secret between ourselves.” 
" if 1 might only tell mamma!" pleaded Geor¬ 
gle. 
"No, no Georgle. No one must know. My 
darling, is ll not the sweeter to you that no one 
knows or meddles with our happiness?” And ho 
took the fair face between his hands and kissed It 
passionately. 
" It seems so like deceit," sighed she, wlstiully. 
And thou Captain Day set to work to explain 
away her scruples, it was not very dltUeult. 
Georgle’s faith and trust In her lover were bound- 
less, and It never entered her head to question 
the wisdom or propriety of anything he might 
wish; so before his specious reasonings her hesi¬ 
tation and doubt soon vanished, and she promised 
all ho asked—not quite blindly perhaps, but with 
all the trust and confidence of a fearless, guile¬ 
less love. 
When the time came they parted with one 
long, mute caress, and Georgle, her lips tremu¬ 
lous, her sweet eyes full of tears, turned quickly 
homewards. 
Captain Day stood under the beeches till the 
slight dark figure vanished, and then he too 
strolled homewards, considerably perturbed In 
his mind. He did love Georgle, after Ills own 
fashion—he did honestly mean to be married to 
her some day; but it was uot In him to make any 
effort to Bhorten that, time, and tilings Just now 
were uot very propitious for any scheme of matri¬ 
mony. 
“Little darling," thought bo—"what a sweet 
wife she will make I it’s a confounded shame we 
can’t bo married now—and a precious long time 
It. will be before wo shall. I’ve half a mind to toll 
Frank—he might help us perhaps. No; 1 won’t. 
I’m certain he Is rather touched lUtusclf; so of 
course ho would do nothing. Hang It all, I wish 
I had not got into such a mess I” 
Next morning a bouquet of exquisite llowers 
was left at the vicarage for Miss Casterton— 
rosos of all kinds, from the richest damask to the 
delicate subtle-scented Provence. As Goorgle 
stood at the window looking at them and ponder¬ 
ing the message of farewell and secrecy they 
conveyed, the Starr JIUls carriage dashed past; 
she caught, a glimpse of a handsome face, a pall¬ 
or blue eyes glanced eagerly out, a hand was 
waved to her, and that was the last Georgle Cas¬ 
terton saw of Captain Day for a very long time.— 
[Concluded next week. 
A DOCTOE DESPITE HIMSELF. 
A RUSSIAN LECEND. 
BY C. II. E. 
One of the first Russian explorers, Oi.kakius, I 
think It was, relates that In the time of the Grand 
Duke Boris Godunuff, there lived In Moscow a 
boyard, Dimitri 1’adi.ovitcu Janikff, whoso wife 
Nahkjna Ivanovna, was a great flirt. Dimjtki 
while fully aware ol tins true state of affairs was 
powerless to modify them. Thus he became ad¬ 
dicted to the tlowlng bowl, and from tlmo to time, 
us a means of consolation and amusement, he ad¬ 
ministered, or caused to be administered to his 
recalcitrant wife a very satisfactory beating. 
Naukjna cried and lamented her hard rate in a 
manner that would liave softened any but an In¬ 
jured husband. She consigned Dimitri to classic, 
but unmentionable shades,—aud pursued her old 
ways as before. 
At the lime our story opens Dimitri had fallen 
into a regular habit of beating his wlfo on Sun¬ 
days and Fridays, Immediately' arter the noonday 
meal, and Just before his post-prandlal nap. He 
fancied this act gave to bis dreams a delightful 
color, aud that the consciousness of having done 
his duty gave to slumber a delightful tranquility. 
Now, If Naiikjna was given to lllrllng in defi¬ 
ance of her husband, In return sbe thoroughly ab¬ 
horred the law represented In the person of her 
husband, and Incessantly schemed for a Vengeance 
which eluded her most, artful endeavors. 
It was not that sho desired merely to escape the 
too frequent whippings, she yearned also to Inflict 
on Dimitri, blow for blow, an equivalent for 
what she had received, and In addition, to rid her- 
seli of his presence forever, it was her conviction 
that Janibfp should sutler the tortures of the 
damned lu the way lu which they are supposed 
to suffer, that Is perpetually. But nothing worthy 
of her purpose occurred to her sluggish faucy. It 
was of the first importance, moreover, that no be¬ 
trayal should disclose the Instigator of the pun¬ 
ishment. After many vain attempts to accom¬ 
plish her purpose secretly, she finally became 
desperate and resolved to adopt heroic measures, 
although so repugnant; when, happlly.lt was 
rumored about MOSCOW that the Grand Duke was 
afflicted with the most frightful attack of gout, 
which physicians frankly confessed tfiey wore 
unable to cure. It was also said l hat the Grand 
Duke hud offered a most attractive reward to 
any one, physician, boyard, peasant or whatnot 
who would relieve him. Moreover the successful 
one should be ennobled and decorated like a 
heathen idol. 
This bit of news came to her ears on Friday, 
when, alack! she had received an extraordinary 
allowance of the customary lash. Her resolution 
was taken. It might not be, she mused, the 
realization of her dream of vengeance, but at, any 
rate, it would bo something effectual in its way. 
She bent her steps In the dtrectlou of the palucc 
of the Tsar, and arriving demanded admittance 
to the royal presence, explaining that she carried 
a remedy never known to fall in curing the gout. 
She was shown up at once, when, prostrating 
herself before majesty, who happened at the mo¬ 
ment to be spread out on a leather divan, In any¬ 
thing but royal state, she said“ Ah, sire, It I 
were only my husband! to-morrow you would 
be cured.” 
The Grand Duke regarded her quizzically. 
" Yes, Master, 11c knows a remedy safo and 
simple. Why, but a fortnight since he cured a 
neighbor, who, I am sure, will be happy to con¬ 
firm what 1 have said. But, alas I Sire, Dimitri 
Paulovitch pretends that the welfare of Moscow 
demands that you should die. it Is for that rea¬ 
son he lias refrained troiu coming to tho palace I” 
The Tsar was naturally surprised, but quite un¬ 
accustomed as he was to Huoli free confessions on 
the part of his subjects, ho decided to detain Na- 
dejna in durance while messengers were Imme¬ 
diately sent out for Dimitri Janieff, 
Our boyard was Just awakening from a delight 
ful sleep, and giving his fancy rein, when tho 
minions of the Tsar arrived. Without a word in 
explanation the amazed man was hurried to the 
palace. 
“The remedy, where Is the remedy?” shouted 
the enraged monarch as the "doctor” was 
dragged before him. " Gome, the remedy, or I 
will have you thrashed until your teeth shake.” 
Surprise was but one of a crowd of emotions 
that caused Dimitri to remain speechless, 
“What! S’death*. don’t you hear me? Monster 
that you are, who, while able to cure, would let 
your master die.” 
And as Janikff did not understand, and would 
not reply, at a sign Trom the Tsar he was taken 
In baud and woefully beaten, after wblek he was 
lodged In prison, onco more alone he reflected, 
trying to seek an explanation of what had 
happened. Then, suddenly, without knowing the 
why or wherefore, he cried Instinctively: "It’s 
my wlfo t” 
ITesently he was visited by the physician of 
tho Tsar who kindly explained what was re¬ 
quired or Dimitri. 
“ Great Heavens I why, I’m destroyed entirely,” 
moaned .J a nieff. "Why I’m uneducated—know 
nothing—and less of medicine than anything 
else. Oh! that frightful woman!” 
And he gnashed his teeth In Impotent rage. 
Jf Naprina could nave only seen film then, she 
would have bad, though never so exacting, a mo¬ 
ment or rare satisfaction: but Naoejna, also, was 
at the moment reflecting seriously, in another 
cell, if, on the whole, she had uot made a mess of 
It. 8hc began to have grave doubts about the 
success of her scheme. 
The same evening Dimitri was summoned 
beTore the dread presence. The poor fellow 
trembled and wept, protesting that his wife had 
acted Infamously; that as sure as tho sun shone 
he was not a doctor; and that the Tsar was 
great and good! 
This speoeli was worth fifty strokes of the lash; 
which were promptly given, then the cell once 
more. 
During a fortnight tills treatment was repeated 
dally, and hls wile, (liberated on the second 
day) visited him after each chastisemeut, com¬ 
forting him with words of ironical pity and 
commiseration, that would have almost driven 
hlrn wild, supposing hls loutish mind had beeu 
capable of feeling a torment of this character. 
Such assiduous attent ions ou the part of Nahe- 
jna had borne their fruit In a quarter which she 
was specially desirous ol propltlaiiug, and tho 
Tsar, in acknowledgement of her wifely devotion, 
conferred on the crushed flower a pension or fifty 
roubles, the first quarter oi which, according to 
custom, was paid In advance. 
Dimitri I’aciovitch Janibff, thanks to tho 
beating which ho dally received, with a regulari¬ 
ty and punctuality truly discouraging, thanks 
too, to the comforting visits of hls wife, which 
enraged him more, perhaps, than did the corporeal 
punishment, had become tho mere shadow of hls 
former self. He wished for death with all tho 
forces of ills emaciated soul, until ono night, 
being more calm than usual (he had uot scou hls 
wife that evening) lie reflected that there was a 
way, at least, to attempt Lo end this punishment, 
lie resolved to bo a pfiyslclau for the nonce, If he 
killed hls patient, tho Tsar, in tho attempt. Tho 
next day, then, as he was led out for the customary 
drubbing, he said to tUc officer •• Hold! I consent. 
1 have concluded to save the life of the Tsar.” 
Then there was a groat change. He was 
liberated, smothered with attentions, and menials 
without number placed a t hls command. Pres¬ 
ently ho despatched couriers to tho banks of the 
occa, to the Volga, to the forest of Jcsna, with 
directions to fetch from those salubrious locali¬ 
ties certain various herbs. This done he made 
an infusion, and on the day foUowlng tho com¬ 
mencement or the treatment the Grand Duke 
visibly improved. Then as he felt so good, he 
ordered hls new doctor to be uncommonly well 
knouted for thus delaying the cure. After which 
he rained honors upon him. 
As the disease had probably run Its course, 
Dimitri and hls simples were a great success, 
and ho was sent back Lo his home with tho title 
of honorary doctor to the Tsar. 
once home, on seeing Naoejua for the first 
time he was seized with an overwhelming desire 
to strangle tfio lady. But he reflected: " if I do It 
I will undoubtedly be very lonesome at times.’> 
Then he took counsel of wisdom. "No, It Is better 
to be good and forgive her." 
Since then, continues the legeude, this model 
couple have lived happily; rich, loved by their 
sovereign, honored by their equals, and respected 
by all. 
TIT FOR TAT. 
Thomas K. and Peter B. were cronies of the 
film water. If either could raise money enough 
to buy a bottle of whisky, he would share It with 
the other in tho most generous manner, and in 
summer a selsta under a tree In a pasture lot, or 
in winter lu an uninhabited ashery or distillery, 
with their beloved bottle well filled, was the 
hlght of their ambition and an unmistakable 
evidence of their joint prosperity. Neither would 
soil hls hands with work, contending that the 
world owed Mm a living. Both had friends (rela¬ 
tions) who would not see them starve and who 
donated to them enough cast-off clothing to con¬ 
ceal their nudity. Cronies and vagabonds as 
they wore, their antecedents were entirely differ¬ 
ent. Tom had been a lawyer with a liberal edu¬ 
cation and could quote from popular authors and 
repeat maxima In Greek and Latin, Of course, 
he felt hls superiority over hls mueli-reapected 
friend Petb who was shockingly Illiterate but 
ma 
