The Seldens of Sherwood, Chapters VI-IX [pp. 612-622]

620 The Seldens of Sherwood. [SEPTEMBER,
Margaret do you not intend to put some sort of
ornament on your own head, or something showy
about your dress?"
"No, I think I am dressed for the evening.
Mamma, does not my dress look sufficiently neat
and respectable?"
"Respectable!" said Virginia, laughing; "one
would suppose you were some housekeeper, or
old woman."
"Your dress fits you admirably, my dear,"
said Mrs. Selden, "and is neatly and tastefully
arranged, but it is somewhat too severe in its simplicity; let me fasten this pink sash around your
waist," she added, selecting a peach-colored ribbon which lay on the bed amongst various ribbons and laces, "it will give a pretty finish to
your dress."
Mrs. Selden fastened on the sash, Virginia
pronounced the effect to be charming, and said,
"Now, Mamma, please make Margaret wear her
wreath."
"I rather think that is out of my power, for if
I mistake not the wreath is no longer in her possession."
"How provoking you are, Margaret: to whom
did you give it?"
"Look around you this evening, and perhaps
you may discover," said Margaret with a smile.
"It is time you were off," said Mrs. Selden,
looking out of the window, " the carriage is
waiting for you. and Cesar seems to find some
dificulty in keeping the bays quiet. I never feel
altogether easy when those horses are in the carriage."
Mrs. Selden kissed both the daughters affectionately, and accompanied them to the door,
that she might charge Arthur to take especial
care of their safety.
"Oh, I am glad you have come, mother; you
have saved me the trouble of going to look for
you. I want you to see how well my new coat
fits, and to compliment me, in fact, on being such
a fine looking young fellow when my dress does
justice to my appearance," said Arthur.
"A perfect Adonis," said Mrs. Selden laughing, "and the coat really does fit admirably, but
Arthur, now I have done my part, you must do
yours. I entreat that you will be very careful of
your sisters this evening those horses are so
spirited that I feel somewhat uneasy lest some
accident should happen. Above all, caution
Cesar against drinking too freely, and if this
should happen after all, drive the girls home
yourself."
"Yes, yes, I will do every thing you desire;
though really there is not even a shadow of danger, it is a pity to torment yourself about nothing."
"I shall rest satisfied with your promise to use
all necessary caution, Arthur, and now a pleasant evening to you, my children; Margaret shall
entertain me to-morrow with an account of the
party."
Mr. Selden just then entered the portico, where
they were all still standing. He looked at Virginia's lovely face and sylph-like figure with the
most evident pride and pleasure, though he only
complimented her on the manner in which her
hair was dressed, and the beauty of the wreath
she wore.
"Margaret must have the credit of whatever
taste has been displayed in dressing Virginia's
head, as she worked most assiduously at it," said
Mrs. Selden. She was hurt to observe that her
husband had not looked towards Margaret, he
had been so much engrossed in his admiration of
Virginia.
" Margaret has shown her good taste, as well
as her good nature," replied Mr. Selden, somewhat conscious that he had entirel overlooked
her. He then added, "but why did you not do
the same kind office for yourself, Margaret, had
you not a wreath too?"
" Oh yes, papa, I had one, but wreaths do not
become me particularly; but come, Virginia,"
she said, drawing her hand affectionately within
her own, "it is time we were off."
So saying, they both tripped lightly away accompanied by Arthur, scolding at their tardiness.
Margaret had understood perfectly her mother's look and tone. She knew that she was hurt
at Mr. Selden's apparent neglect of herself, and
in her heart she felt thankful for the uniform
kindness and wisdom, that had always been manifested in her mot]er's conduct towards her.
"And yet," she thought, "it would be unreasonable to blame my father for the pride and pleasure he feels in Virginia's beauty, it is so natural."
The evening passed off very pleasantly, and
the party did not disperse until a late hour. It
was one of those delightful summer nights, which
are so refreshing in our climate after a very sultry
day, and the splendor of a full moon lighted our
party on their return home. Arthur gave his
horse to the servant, who had accompanied them,
that he might have the pleasure of riding home
with his sisters and talking over the events of
the evening. -
"Well, we have had a very pleasant evening,
have we not?" said Arthur.
"Yes, very pleasant," said Margaret, "and
we shall have a delightful drive home; the pleasure of it Gould be quite perfect, if I did not
think mamma was lying awake now, anxiously
listening at every noise to be sure that we had
returned home in safety."
"Pshaw! my mother has too much good sense
*
620
The Seldens of Sherwood.
[SEPTEMBEP,