A BOARDING - SCHOOL ROMANCE.
27
with a bright, laughing face, and a very manly
figure.
Mr. Frederick Willmore informed the lady that they were uncle and nephew; that their object was science, which took the form of chemical lectures and experiments -the nephew was a most useful assistant, and had made some remarkable experiments of his own; and it rested entirely with Miss Drummond whether, for a consideration, uncle and nephew should give her flock the benefit of a scientific lecture.
Miss Drummond listened and considered. Chemicals, with horrid, pale-blue lights, that make every one look livid and dreadful; snapping explosions, and all sorts of sudden and unexpected sputterings and noises, were very dear to her heart—a chance like this had not offered before, and might not offer again; the men were perfectly civil on a near approach -and before the interview was concluded, a lecture had been arranged for that very evening. There was no difficulty about terms; the gentlemen mentioned a reasonable sum, and Miss Drummond, who believed that the imparting of knowledge, as a general thing, was very badly paid, made no attempt at a reduction.
The visitors took a respectful leave, with a promise of punctuality, and grateful thanks for Miss Drummond's patronage.
As soon as it was convenient to say it, the younger gentleman remarked, "You didn't think it necessary, uncle Fred, to offer the old lady a sample of my cologne? or to inform her of the horribly-burned finger I got with that resin? I have 'made some remarkable experiments,' haven't I?"
Uncle and nephew laughed together at varìous recollections of this sort; but the former suddenly grew grave, as he said,
"I only hope that I may not blow the whole concern up, tonight! I shouldn't like that, especially with Heart's-case in the case."
Master Clifford looked unutterable things at the bare suggestion; but when they returned to their quarters, and rummaged their stores of bottles and powders, the evening arrangements afforded such amusement, that the landlord stole up once or twice to investigate the meaning of the explosive "ha! has!" that reached them below, but stole back again without being any the wiser.
When school was over, Miss Drummond unfolded to her pupils the entertainment in store for them that evening; but took good care not to inform them that the gentlemen they had encountered the day before were to be the lecturers.
The result was a general commotion.
Excitement was so scarce at Southbrook Seminary, that anything like a break in the monotony was hailed with rapture. The men were, probably, fossil remains- such men always were - but, nevertheless, they were better than nothing; and it was perfectly delightful to have something to dress up for. A few timid ones had a horror of the explosions, and threatened to run away if there was electricity; but when the servant-maid, who was questioned, gave a highly-colored report of the gentlemen's appearance, their fears were quite forgotten in the general ecstasy.
"Think of it, girls! those magnificent individuals, whom we admired so yesterday, condescending to go about lecturing! I really believe they are humbugs of some sort—perhaps princes in disguise, come to carry the choicest of us off. You needn't flame up so, Pansy Berks, just as if it could be you! But what have you been doing to yourself, tonight? I declare, you are lovelier than ever—isn't that scandalous, girls? Just look at her!"
And holding her off at arms' length, the mischievous girl enjoyed the flush that overspread Pansy's peach-blow cheeks, contrasting so prettily with the golden hair, that a single knot of lilac ribbon set off to great advantage.
"What business have you with black eyes and golden hair, I should like to know?" continued the rattlebrain. "You've appropriated the charms intended for at least half a dozen of us, and should be indicted for the crime. Pay a fine, you selfish girl! of at least one kiss apiece."
All rushed at her in a sort of tempest of admiration; and Pansy's cheeks burned; and she laughed nervously at the strangling embraces that were showered upon her. She seemed strangely excited that evening.
Then drawers were tumbled out, and trunks overhauled; and heads were tied up with ribbons in a marvelous fashion, as though the owners feared they might come apart. There was a perfect buzz of, "How do I look?" "Isn't that sweet?" "Perfectly lovely!" "What a fright!"
"Young ladies, not so much trifling. Dressing hair should not be the business of life." This was Miss Drummond's voice speaking through the ventilator.
"Easy to talk, when she has just one hair behind, and one at each side! Can't take her long," answered some sauce-box's voice in the dormitory.
Her companions giggled, after the fashion of school-girls generally; and braided, and frizzed,
