Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 4, Number 28, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 10 January 1874 — Page 7

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DOWN INTO THE DUST JOAQUIN MILLER.

Is it worth white that -we Jo*tie bmtoer.* Bearing his load on the rough road or life?

it worth while that we jeer at each other In btekne» of bart we war to theknile? God pity usall in oaf pitiful strife

God pity us all as we jostle eaOU other God pardon us all for tbj .triumph* w*

feel

When

a fellow

gees

flown

Were

it not «-«•»,

Look at the

plain

Man and man only

jj»ie$U.b his load

the heather,

Pierced to the heart: word* are keener

tbaa uteeL

And migtater fas for«we or for weal.

in tfai« brlff lUtle journey

On over Hi

h'Ji

»l iinto

W** ifiv'i iiiiii ilo ,t i'l »f a

tl4§,

«erpent.

Kra & t* i» and abide Forever aui a.vin ituM at ULs sitle

WCSVIIT.

Look

-I* trli other

tlif

li^rrf- nil at

pea«e on the

makes war

hrot her,

And lautth* in hw

pain

Shamwi

worth whii-i'i8t »v

Home

hi*

n^^rt at

faW peril and

rliel»ea*'« 'lia! go Uwn on the

plain.^

J* it

battle to humble

poor-ieliaw-HOlflier

down into the

God pity an all! Time ett jtoen will tumble All or as together like leave* in a gant, Humbled indeed down into tlie dnst.

[From the Overland Monthly.]

A Daring Game.

It was the usual hour for the arrival of the Oakland boat, which conveyed the passengers from the overland train across the bay to the city. Among the throng assembled on the wbarl to await its arrival, was a young man of fair complexion, tall and ali„btly built, with nothing remarkable about him but a strikingly high-bred air, which presented a sufficiently strong contrast to the appearance and demeanor oi the majority of the bystanders.

As he stood leaning on a thick walk-ing-stick, apparently quite regardless of the bustle and confusion around him, watching the approach of the still distant boat, an older man, short and stout, with a pretentious, busy, important air, came elbowing nis way through the crowd, and touched him on theti in.

You here, Lyster! I didn't know you were in the city. When did you get

Only a short while ago. How are you, Mac?1 said the other cordially shaking his band. 'But I need not ask, for you look as blooming as a rose.'

Can't say tbesatnH for you,' rejoined Mac, eyeing him with a professional look. •Country air hasn't done as much foryou as I expected it would. Family well?'

Quite, I thank you. Expecting some one on the boat?' Yes a relative whom we have never seen. AMiss McLean, a young Scotch cousin of our, who baa recently lost her parents, and is coming to reside wish us in future.'

Does she come direct from the old ountjry?' Yes. The programme was, I believe, to spend a few days in New York on the way but as I «ee her name on the list of overland passengers in this morning's paper, there can be no doubt about her coming. I wanted to go over and meet her on the other side it would have looked more considerate but unluckily I got here just too late. However, I dare say she has picked up some acquaintance on the way, who will look after her people generally do.'

Of course. And so you're going to have an addition to your family circle! How does Miss Belle like the prospect.' 0! very well,' said Lyster, carelessly. 'This young lady will bean acceptable companion for her.' •Providod she doesn't stand in her way—eh, old fellow?' said the other giving hint a sly thrust with bis forefinger, which produced not the slightest variation in the muscles of the young gentleman's countenance, upon which an expression of imperturable gravity had settled.

That is hardly possible,'he answered coolly. 'Isabel has her own plac in our household, and the arrival of a stranger could scarcely affect her established rights as my mother's adopted daughter, and—'

And the adopied sifter of Henry Rutherford Lyster, Esq." Exactly.'

Something in Mr. Lyster's perfectly courteous tone seemed to suggest to bis friend, Dr. McDonald—whom we may as well present at ouoe under his proper name—the expediency of restraining his inclination to indulge ia a little harmless raillery on a subject which was evidently not an acceptable one and dropping his tone of banter, he introduced some unimportant topic on which they continued to converse uutil the boat neared the wharf.

As the plank was lowered, Harry Lyster pressed forward, and was one of the first on board, for he felt anxious to atone for bis seeming negligence, and to avoid all further delay.

He was not long in discovering the object of his quest. the deck stood a young lady of about twenty years of age, plainly dressed in a traveling-suit ot black, who. though apparently quite alone, testified no impatience or anxiety, but looked about her with the composed and indifferent air of an experienced traveler, who knows there is no occasion to be in a hurry, and is willing towaitquletly until a suitable opportunity offers for making a leisurely exit. The name of 'McLean' in conspicuous letters on a traveling-bag at her side, seomed a sufficient warrautfor Lyster to approach at once and present himself to her notice.

Havel the honor of addressing Miss McLean T' he asked, lifting his hat, as •he directed a cur*ery glance toward him. The glance was prolonged into a searching,though momentary, scrutiny of his face then a flash of color rose to her own^as she bowed an assent.

I am Henry Lyster. I mast sincerely apologise for my remissness in not having met you over at Oakland, but I have been absent from town for a few days, and got down from the country this afternoon, just too late to catch the boat. I hops you have not suffered much inconvenience 'O, no!' Then with extended baud, and the most winning smile in the world. *6* yon are my oousin Henry! To tell you the truth, I am very giad to

see

you, fori was toginning to think that nobody could ke expecting me.' I am glad you are glad to see me. If for no other reason than that,' he rejoined. 'Let ins assure yon of tbe pleasure which

your

arrival affords me, and will

equally afford my mo' her and cousin, who are eagwr to welcome you to our horn* Take my um, and let ms pot you at once la a carriage, while I go and look after your baggage.'

You won't have much trouble in ooileoting it,' she answered with a allvery tough. 'It oou*i*u of oas trunk, ot no very startling dimensions.'

Then you are more sensible than most ladles, who usually find it impossible to travel comfortably without four trunks, six hat-boxes, sad an In

TEKNK-

finite number of parcels, large and small.' Perhaps you won't give me so much credit for my good sense,' she rejoined lightly, 'when I confess to you that I might have been tempted to bring the four trunks and the six hat-boxes, only I had nothing to put lb them.'

Harry put her in the carriage and went off after the trunk, deciding in his own mind that his newly arrived relative was a very straightforward, candid, agreeable girl, with no nonsense about her, and that she had uncommonly pretty eyes. This lstter opinion was especially confirmed wbea he had a further opportunity ofobserving her, and iound the eyes ready to do very effectlveduty in lending aid to the expression of a face not otherwise remarkable for its beauty. Her complexion was fair, slightly freckled, and almost devoid of color her features irregular, though small ber brow low, and her hair very profuse, withan unmistakable dash of red, which by some people would have been termed golden. At any rate it was not an offensive shade, and Harry's fastidious eye benignly overlooked it in consideration of those large, lustrous, bewitching, gray orbs, that glanced up with a 'slumberous fire' in their depths from beneath the shadow of the longest lashes -be bad ever seen. Her teeth were beautifully white and regular, and in his admiration of tbem be forgot to remark that the smile of tbeir owner was rather too brilliant and too frequent, considering that she was supposed to be in affliction for the recent loss of the two nearest and dearest relatives she possessed in the world.

The carriage, after a somewhat lengthv drive, stopped in frent of Mrs. Lyster's large ana elegant mansion, in the suburbs of the city. At the front door appeared two ladies, one elderly, one young, waiting to receive them, and the traveler presently found herself enfolded in a cordial embrace in the arms of the former.

My dear Mary!' said the lady, affectionately, as she pressed a warm kiss upon ber cheek, 'I am so glad you have arrived safely! You can aot think how anxiously we have been looking for yoa. I suppose,' she added smilingly, as she released her, 'you don't need me to introduce myself to you as your cousin, Harriet Lyster. This is another relative—not of yours, but who will welcome you as a sister my niece and adopted child, Isabel St Clair.'

The young lady thus designated, in her turn greeted the new-comer, though with less effusion than bad h«»n displayed by her aunt and the party proceeded to the family sittiug-room a cozy, cheerful apartment, where Miss McLean, installed in the mo9t comfortable chair that could be found, and assiduously waited upon by her bospitablo relatives, soon appeared, asshefelt, perfectly at home.

Well, Isa,' said Harry, an hour or two later, when be found himself alone with Miss St. Clair, their guest having been conducted up stairs by Mrs. Lyster to her own apartment, 'what do you think of our new cousin

Ours! Yours, you mean,' said Isabel with a slight smile, as she raised her eyes to his face. .' Well, my mother's and mine—to you it seems, sho is to occupy the still nearer relationship of a sister.'

Then, as I am your sister, she will be also yours.' Granted!—though I don't see much family likeness, do you

Mere, at all events, than there is between you and me.'

41don't

know whether you intend to

be complimentary or not but at any rate, you have not answered my question. How do you like her?'

One can scarcely tell upon so short an acquaintance.' 'Answered with your usual discretion Now I confess, with my usual indiscretion, to have formed at first sight a very favorable opinion of her.'

I am glad to hear it.' Are you? Why

Because it is always pleasanter to like than to dislike people with whom one experts to be constantly associated.'

Isabel, I know from that tone that you rather incline to the latter sentiment, in the present case.'

You are mistaken,' said Isabel quietly. 'I have formed, as yet, no opinion on the subject.' And as if desirous of putting an end to the conversation, she moved away to the piano, and commenced to try with onn band the air of a new song.

A greater contrast than existed between the two girls, strangers hitherto to each other, but destined to be thrown into such close companionship, could scarcely be imagined -in appearance, in manner, in disposition, in everything. Mary McLean's outward appearance, as far as concerned her face, has already been described. In figure she was short and slight, with the lissome, undulating movements of a kitten, and a kit-ten-like stealthiness of tread. Isabel's

queen-like

form and stately step re

minded yon rather of that beauteous ideal,

A daughter of the gods, divinely tall, And most divinely fair."

Pride slumbered in her dark eves, and eat enthroned upon her serene brow a pride rarely seen or felt by those on whom her affection was lavished, but which chilled, like an iceberg, the near approach of any one whose familiarity she desired to check. From the first, Mary McLean was sensible of this subtile repellent influence, which placed between Isabel and herself a barrier, as invisible yet as potent as the line of a magician's circle, ovwr which none might dare to step from the first, a consequent feeling of dislike, not to say aversion, toward Isabel sprnng up in ber heart. She strove to be caressing and familiar, but her advances were met with distant and unresponsive politeness she called her 'Isa,' and 'Belle,' and other pet diminutives current in the family circle but it was not without a struggle, and until after a period had elapsedof sufficient length to make the omission noticeable, that Isabel oould even prevail upon herself to call Acr in return by her plain, unadorned Christian name. And Miss McLean, finding her efforts baffled, and her proffers of undying friendship courteously disdained, felt the thin insipid current which she designated ss the milk of haman kindness, turned to gall and wormwood within her breast, and confessed to herself that she haled Isabel St. Clair with a hatred passing the hate of women.

I am sorry to place my heroine—for I confess that she tuy heroine—in so unattractive a light but truth compels me to own that her most forcible qualities were not her most agreeable" ones, and prominent among these stood a remarkably strong capacity for

Bat why, it may be asked, should Isabel conceive such a dislike to the poor orphan, and treat her in such away aa to arouse this sentiment on ber part Mary was very inoffensive, and tried very hard to ingratiate herself in her favor. Isabel herself could scarcely have given a satisfactory reply to the question• but oertain it was, that from die commencement of their intercourse she had experienced an involuntsary feeling of distrust toward Mary and

where she did not trust, it waa impossible for her to love. She reproached herself sometimes for this strong, irrepressible, yet apparently unreasonable sentiment—this feeling of utter disbelief in her companion, as utter as If she had been a false coin which passed current for the genuine metal with everyone bat herself. She tried honestly to overcome it she straggled against the conviction which she endeavored to think might be only unjustifiable prejudice but there it waa and there it remained, and neither her own efforts, nor Mary's persuasive arts, nor the example of her aunt and cousin, over whose eyes a complete glamour seemed to be thrown, had the smallest effect in driving it away, Strange to say, no signs ol the eouaterantipatby she had excited were ever visible in Mary's manner she grew more endearing, more fondling than before, and by her frequent affectionate appeals to Isabel, and her caressing ways in the presence of others, often made it appear as if she were a vain suppliant for the tenderness which she failed to receive in return.

As to Harry Lyster, he began at last to grow positiyely angry with his adopted sister. 'Mother,' he said, on one occasion,

4it

is really shameful in

Isabel to treat Mary as she does. The poor girl tries so hard to win her love, and gets nothing in return but cold ness and disdain. I always gave Belle credit for genuine feeling, but she does not display even common kindness in her conduct to Mary. Do you think it can be that she is in any way jealous of ber?' 'Jealous!' repeated Mrs Lyster. 'No, my son, it is not in Bell's nature tofentertain such an unworthy feeling. Besieges, she can have no ground for it, for she knows that Mary, fond of her aa we may be, can never usurp the place which she has from childhood occupied in our hearts.'

To this Harry made no reply, as indeed he did not know what reply to make. He was beginning, half unconsciously, to waver in his allegiance to Isabel her dark yet soft beauty was losing its charms in his eyes, and an auburn-haired idol stealthily ascending the pedestal which had been exclusively hers, from which she would soon be completely dethroned.

From what different stand-points is the same thing often regarded by different people! Verily, the judgement of man is a Btrange, incomprehensible medium, curiously warped and checkered by the lights and shades of fancy or prejudice, through which objects are viewed in the fond belief that it is as clear and unsullied as the most transparent sheet of plate-glass. Thus to Harry and to Isabel the character of Mary presented itself in aspects as diverse as were those of the famoussbield of yore in the eyes of the knights who viewed it from opposite sides only with this difference, that in the latter case both sides were glittering and beautiful, though unlike while in the former, one wore the similitude of pure gold, and the other that of very base metal indeed.

There was certainly a fascination about the girl, to which most people yielded readily enough. She was not clever, she was not beautiful, she was not well-iuformed, yet she contrived to appear all three. Her address was infinite, her perceptions unusually acute she bad not conversed with a person five minutes before she formed a shrewd estimate of that person's character and tastes, and adapted herself to them with a readiness and dexterity that were marvelous. She was an adept in the art of administering flattery, for she di'J it with so skillful a hand as not to revolt the delicacy of the most fastidious. Few people ever spent an evening in ber societv without remarking to some one afterward, 'What an agreeable girl Miss McLean is!' or, 'How delightfully Mary McLean talks I don't think I ever me: a more charmiug person

If she strove to win golden opinions from the generality of her fellow-beings for whom sho cared not a rush—and not one of whom, save from an interested motive, would she have lifted her little finger to serve in case of need— still more diligently did she strive to place herself in the most favorable light in the eves of Harry Lyster, for whom sbed»'d«ire very much, Understand me, I don't mean that she loved him heaven forbid that I should so pervert the sacred term. One thing only on earth she loved—nay, worshipped and that was Mammon. She set up its image in her heart and bowed before it but the god had never yet been propitiatory to her prayers. Striving and struggling from childhood in the clutch of poverty, and hating it with all the vehemence of which she was capable, she had ever yearned Intensely after the luxuries of life. Now she was surrounded by them, but she was not contented what she saw, she wanted for her own. She had, it was true, clothes in plenty,and pocket-money,and books and trinkets, and all tbe pleasures and indulgences which Mrs. Lyster would have lavished upon a daughter of her own but though they were grateful to her soul, they did no'- satisfy its demands. She desired to feel that she had a right to these things that she could command them at her will, instead of merely receiving them as favors from the hand of another. As Harry Lyster's wife, she mlight rule supreme,and revel in all the insoleno» of power for she did not doubt that he would yield readily to her will, and be the unresisting slave of her caprice. The golden fruit hung temptingly within her rescbj might she not put forth her hand ana pluck it? Warily she advanced toward it, taking no steps without due forethought, and neglecting no opportunity which fate threw in her way to promote her end and at last the triumph was won, and the coveted prize fell into her eager hands.

Isabel was alone in the garden, pruning some vines of which she had the especial charge, when her cousin came to her to announce his engagement. He sauntered up with any easy, unembarrassed air, prepared to say, in the most matter-of-fact tone in the world,

SATOKbAY fefrBNINGi MAl£ JANUARY KVl»74r

wished now tbat he had spoken sooner it would have been much easier, while she was occupied with her work, than now, with that straightforward gaze upon him. He felt himself beginning to color very much, and wished he could help it the color had a trick of coming easily into his face, and it was always provokingly visible on his fair, almost girlish skin. He met her eyes manfully, however, and went on, with as much composure in his tone as he could muster. 41 have a secret to oonfide to your svmpatb:zlngears. Can not yon guess what it is

I'm atraid not. You know I never eould guess anything in my life.'

Well, then, I may as well tell you at once. Isa, I am engaged to be married.'

Are you. Indeed?' The rejoinder was uttered as quietly as if be had merely announced his intention of taking a walk, or some other equally simple fact but, though she betrayed no surprise. Isabel was conscious of a keen, sudden, inward thrill as she spoke. She had half lorseen this, but she was not yet quite prepared for the confirmation of ber fears. It was no selfish pang that she felt Harry stood higher in her estimation than any other living human being,and she could not but regard it as a cruel sacrifice tbat he should offer himself up at so unworthy a shrine. Looking at her unchanging face, Harry thought her strangely indifferent and cold, and asked hastily, almost reproachfully

Is that all you have to say to me?'

will say more when you have told roe more,' she answered, gently. 'You lorget that don't quite know all yet.'

4That's

not

4Well,

Isa, I've come to make a confession, and I suppose yoa know what it is. But when be got there, he found it a more difficult matter to make this little speech than he had at all anticipated. Isabel nodded and smiled at him—she had not seen him before, that morning —and

asked

bim to hand her the scis

sors and the twine and he watched her as she fastened up a refractory tendril, and bent it the way it ought to go, and caaght himself admiring the graceful pose of her figure, and thinking bow handsome she looked in that large, common straw hat, which was *o unbecoming to everybody but herself. So he stood by, leaning against a pillar and occasionally rendering her some little service in her work, and dropping trifiiug remarks, until the ringing of the breakfast bell warned him that he was letting the opportunity alip. »Dear me! I had no idea it was so late,' said Isabel and gathering up her tools, she was moving away, when he took courage aod stopped her.

Wait a minute, dear,* he said,qoksklv 'l want to tell you something.' fehe stood still, and looked full at Mm with her clear, questioning eyes. He

true but I fancied it would

not be difficult lor you to guess tfce rest. I am engaged to Mary it only happened yesterday, so you see I have lost no time in taking you into my confidence.'

Thank you,' said Isabel then holding out her band, she added, with an effort, 'I hope you will always be very happy no one can desire your happiness

sincerely than I.'

He pressed her hand in silence, and, without another word, they went into the house together. Mary was in the breakfast-room, looking charmingly youthful and simple in a white morning dress, with a rose-bud in her brooch. Her manner toward Harry was full of sweet, shrinking timidity and consciousness but as she glanced once or twioe toward Isabel, there was a scarcely subdued flash of triumph in her eyes.

In a short time everybody knew of the engagement. It caused some surprise, for it had been the belief of many people that Isabel was destined to be Harry's wife. It was true, they had always spoken of brotherly and sisterly affection, but, as their acquaintances sagely remarked, that sort of thing so often turned out to be only a blind, and cousins were so apt to marry. However, all doubt on the subject was now at an end and the new engagement was discussed for awhile, and then forgotten, or put aside for some still newer topic, until the general interest in it was revived by the announcement that the marriage would take place early in the coming spring. It was now January, and Mary had been domesticated

quite five months in the establishment of which she was so soon to become the mistress. Even Mrs. Lyster, though she professed herself well pleased with her son's prospects, felt a little startled and confused by tho suddenness of the whole arrangement. And it soon became evident that Mary had made up her mind to be no passive bride-elect, leaving the arrangements for her coming triumph to the management of others already she began to take the reins into her own hands, although so quietly and unobtrusively at first that no one noticcd it. Suggestions would be thrown out, with becoming diffidence, perhaps, but still with the air of their being perfectly natural and feasible the house needed BO

many little alterations and improvements a new carpet was necessary in this room, and new furniture in that then tho grounds wanted attention Cousin Harriet had ofton said that such and such things ought to be done, and why not take advantage of the present time, and save all further trouble? Then in regard to her trousseau,, she spoke of these lovely silks and those elegant shawls, this beautiful assortment of broderie and that exquisite lace, and dwelt so feelingly on dear Cousin Harriet's generosity, and the impossibility of doing without things that people expected one to have, that Mrs. Lyster found herself laying out fabulous sums without exactly knowing what they were expended for, and began to think that Mary had been brought up with rather extravagant ideas, considering how poor her father and mother had always been reported to be.

I expect, Harry,' she said laughingly to her son, *you will have to keep up a brilliant establishment after you are married, Mary seems to attach great importance to style.'

O, well, if she enjoys that sort of thing, let her have it, by all means,' he replied.

4Thank

iag for her compsnien, ahe moved quickly awav. When Mrs. Lyster rejoined ber, sne had recovered her outward composure, and talked so rapidly and persistently as to prevent sny allusions to her recent display of weakness. She lingered ss long as possible over the goods they were examining, and when at last she could find no further pretext for delay, drew her black veil oloeely over ber. face as they passed out into the street. They had entered the carriage which was in waiting, and were just in the act of driving cn, when the individual who had caused her alarm before re-appeared, and stepping quite close to. the carriagewindow, fixed the same searching gaze on her face. She drew back with a slight shriek, and Mrs. Lyster, who had caught sight of the man for the first time, exclaimed:

How curiously tbat person stared at us! I wonder if he took us for any of his acquaintances,'

Mary burst into a little hysterical laugh.

4Don't

heavens, we are rich

enoftgh to aflord it.' But in his inmost heart be eould not help feeling a little touch of mortification at the lack of delicacy which his future bride displayed.

During all these preparations, Isal«5l kept herself studiously in the background, trying to concentrate her thoughts upon her own pursuits. She had led a verv happy life hitherto, but she felt that all that was now to be changed. Upon one subject she had made up her mind when Harry was married, she could no longer remain in her old home. Of her aunt's plans for the future she was still ignorant, but she was resolved that nothing on earth should induce her to remain in the bouse as Mary's guest.

One dsy, Mrs. Lyster snd Mary were out as usual on a shopping expedition, when a singular circumstances occurred. They were standing at a counter quite near the entranoe of a shop, when a msn passing In froat of the door suddenly stopped, and gazed in very earnestly upon them. Mary waa engaged in matching some trimmings, and did not for some moments lilt her eyes but presently looking op to answer a question of Mrs. Lystert, her glance fell upon the individual just mentioned. who wss, indeed, so near as to make it impossible to avoid nqticing him. In an instant her whole countenance changed she grew ghastly pale, even to her lips, snd the words she was ottering died away in an inarticulate moral or. 'Good, heavens, Mary!* cried Mrs. Lyster, alarmed at the sadden transformation ia appearance, 'what is the marter—are you ill?' •III? no. I-J dout know. I bad a a curious feeling—a sort offaintness, or something it has gone oil now, said Mary, mastering ber agitation with a violent effort, and hastily rising from ber seat as she spoke. /These trimmings don't suit,' she added, throwing down some she neld ia her hand. I can't waste any more time over then I want to look at something st thaothor end of the store.' And, without wait-

speak of hiin, please,'

she said, faintly,

4He

frightened me

nearly to death.' Frightened you. There was nothing to be frightened at, my dear. How ashy pale you are,' said Mrs. Lyster, looking with concern at the girl, who was trembling like an aspen.

really afraid you must be ill 1 never saw you look so strangely before.' Mary confessed, when she could find voice to speak, that she felt a little oddly, and believed she would lie down when she got home 'but please,' she added, "don't tell Harry how foolish I have been for I know be will laugh at me, and I bate to be laughed at.'

But was it really the man who frightened you?' asked Mrs. Lyster, who could not oomprehend such excessive emotion arising from so slight a cause.

Yes—Oh, didn't you think he was horrible-looking? I was afraid be might be a murderer, or something one bears of such dreadful things happening sometimes.'

thought he was very harmlesslooking,' said Mrs. Lyster, but nothing more was said on the subject, and they drove home in silence. Mary soon recovered her wonted gayety of manner, and seemed to forget all about the occurrence but she declared herself tired of shopping, and shut herself up for some days in the house, only emerging in the evenings to shine in some ballroom or other place ot amusement, ior her mourning did not prevent ber partaking of all the gayeties which were going on.

A brilliant entertainment at the house of the fashionable Mrs. It was on the tapis, aud cards were left as usual at the Lysters'. When the appointed evening came, Isabel, having a headache, decided to remain at home, and the rest of the party being gone, she brought a favorite book out of the library, and sat down to enjoy an hour or two of uninterrupted quiet before bed-timo. She had not been reading long when there was a ring at the bell, and the servant came in to announce that 'a person' wanted to see ber.

What sort of person, James A man, Miss—a queer looking man, but he seems pretty respectable-like,' said James, rather superciliouly. 'He didn't give me any name.' 'It's a singular time for any one to come,' said Isabel. 'Did be ask for ine?'

Not in particular, Miss. He asked if Miss Barclay lived here, and when I told him no, he said he'd like to seethe lady of the house. He seemed very urgent, so I thought maybe I'd better not send him off withent telling you.'

Well,' said Isabel, after a little consideration, 'let him come into the ball, then I will see bim out there.' And, reluctantly closing ber book, sbe went to interview this intruder on her peace. A plain-looking man somewhat shabbily dressed, was ushered in. He made ber a very respectful bow, and apologized, civilly enough, for his intrusion.

It's a very particular matter I've come about, Miss, or I wouldn't have made so bold as to come at this late hour but I couldn't well let it lay over until another day.'

Mrs. Lyster, the lady of the bouse is out,' said Isabel, 'but perhaps you can leave some message for ber with me.'

Yourself will do as woll as another Miss but if you'll pardon the liberty,' said tho visitor, dropping his voice, and glanqing around as be spoke, 'i'd be glad to speak a word or two to you in private:' Then, seeing that sbe hesitated, he added with rouiarkable earnestness, 'Don't refuse me, young ladj^ for to me it's almost a matter of life and death.'

Startled at his manner, Issbel hesitated no longer, but immediately led the way into the parlor sbe had quitted, and shut the door.

Nearly an hour later, James was aroused from a nap in the butler's hall by a summons to open the front door and let the mysterious visitor out. Isabel read no more tbat night Bbe sought her own chamber, and paced the floor with sleepless eyes until the sound of wheels announced tho return of the rest of the family, when sbe noiselessly ascended to her aunt's apartment, and remained there with Mrs. Lyster until day-break. A hurricane had burst over the household, but two of its members still slumbered on in blissful unconsciousness of the destruction that was at hand.

A lew hours later, Harry sat in his mother's room, ana listened to the story which bad beett told Isabel, of the deceptien which had been practised apon tbem. Mr. Barclay, a plain farmer residing In Pennsylvania, was the ancle ana adopted rather of Harry's betrothed bride. She bad left bis home some three vears before to go upon the stage in the"city of New York, but failing in this profession, had since led a wild, adventurous life, earning a precarious living in almost any way she oould, and refusing all her uncle's entreaties that she would return to bis house, until finally she disappeared ftom New York, and for some months he could obtain no tidings of ber what evsr. At length, after much fruitless search, he traced her to Chicago, whither she had gone in tbe capacity of companion to a rick lady. Arrived in that city, he succeeded, not without considerable difficulty, in discovering tbe place she had stayed at while there—a •mall third-ratelodging-house, the proprietors of which were quite ready

fiv©so

hitn ftll tbe information hs desired* wo ladies had COUAB there in a carriage, one extremely 111 as to be speechless and who had died in the course of »bat same day. Her companion, Miss MoLean, appeared overcome with sorrow at her lose sbe told tbem sbe was going to some relations farther west, but had stopped on tbe way to nurse this dying friend, whose name she gave as Catherine Barclay. She had tbe notice of her death published in the papers, aod, after settling tbe expenses of tbe funeral, took bar departure, carrying with ber tbe effects of the deceased lady, whieh sbe said there was no one else to claim. This story would have seeaied plausible enough, but for one contradiction—Mr. Baiwlay bad received positive information, beforeeoming to Chicago, tbat it waa mat hi* nieoe bat her fellow traveler who was ill, and he oould not reconcile him

self to the sudden and mysterious death of the former, or the equally audden recovery of the quondam invialid. Pushing his inquiries ftirther, and obtaining from the landlady a minute description of her two guests, he sooa became convinced that a fraud had been practiced upon the unsuspecting people of the bouse, and that his nfeee bad taken advantage of the helpless condition and untimely death of her companion to assume her name and identity, trusting tc tbe precaution sbe had used to prevent detection should the probable inquiries be made. The purpose of this artifice, though inexplicable at the time, was now clearly revealed. Mr. Barclay bad lost no time ID pursuing his investigations, and finally succeeded in tracing Catharine to ber present abode, just in time to prevent the consummation of her daring scheme.

Harry listened to this revelation in utter silence, interrupting it neither by word nor motion, until its close but when his mother came weeping to him, and, clinging to his neck, would have spoken words of sympathy and eomfort, he rose, and quietly uut resolutely put ber aside.

shall not believe one syllable of this tale,' he said in a low, stern tone,

4until

4I'tn

I bear it confirmed by the lips of Mary herself.' My dsarest boy the proofs are convincing—surely you can have no hope

Do you fear but tbat I shall see full justice done,' he replied 'bat I. of all men should not condemn her unneard.'

He went ont soon after, with a firm step and a composed faee, and few would have guessed the conflict that was going on in his heart. If this story sbouid prove true, how could he endure the exposure which must follow?—and if untrue, how could he ever atone to Mary for allowing even the shadow of a doubt to cloud his loyalty to her for an instant? Tbe torture of suspicion was unendurable, and be felt that tbe suspense must be ended without delay. He went in quest of Mr. Barclay, designing to carry him home and confront him with Mary (as he still called her), and thus put tbe truth of hiB disclosure to the test. Yet his high-toned and chivalrous nature revolted at the necessity of subjecting to such a proof one whose innocence and purity he would fain have believed to be beyond the breath of suspicion—the woman whom he had deemed worthy of his love.

He was spared the pain of an investigation. When he returned to his mother's house, the adventuress bad flown, leaviug only a few scrawled lines of explanation, lying upon ber table, addressed tu Mrs. Lyster. They ran thus:

Ever since 1 saw that man in the street aud found tbat I was recognized,I knew danger was imminent, aud have stood upon my guard. ThiB morning, when you were closeted with H., I lelt sure something was wrong, and, thankB to your excitement, you spoke sufficiently loud for me to overhear, from tbe closet adjoining your dressing-room dvery word you uttered. I profit by the warning, and relieve you of my presence without the trouble of a further ectaircis'Scment. The story you repeated was quite correct in all its particulars. What a world of pains my uncle must have taken to obtain such accurate information I make no excuse for my conduct, which I think, under the circumstances, was quite natural. I have played for high stakes and lost, like many another player in the game of life. Had I succeeded, my fortune would have been made, and no harm done to anybody. 1 dare say I would have made your son a passably good wife and with wealth, and influence, and bis proud name ouce in my keeping, I could have defied exposure. But my officious relative has come Just too soon, and swept away the brightest prospect that fate baa ever tempted me with. As regards tbe real Mary McLean, I would not bave you suspect me ot any loul play toward her. She was 111 aud friendless in New York, baying contracted her disease oa the vessel coming from .Europe, and I, discovering her situation, and feeling an ardent desire to travel, offered to accompany her to San Francisco, and take all the care of her I could, provided she would defray my traveling expenses. It was an honest bargain, and I kept my part ot it faithfully. She got very fond of me, and told me her whole history and from the manner in which I profited by her instructions, you can form a very good idea of my capabilities for adapting myself to a new situation. When I saw that her case was hopeless my plan of action flashed over roe like an inspiration—and you know tbe rest.

Time presses and I must not run the risk of delay—you will pardon my negligence in not pausing to make a formal adieu. Perhaps some day you will hear of me in a loftier station than tbe one which has just slipped from my grasp—ambition like mine seldom tails to attain its object In tbe end. •CATHARINE BAHCLAV.'

Harry Lyster had resolved that let tbe issue of tbe trial be what it might, be would bear it like a man. His resolution did not fail him now but his nerves, weakened by excitement and delicate bodily health, were not equal to the shock. He read the letter through, folded it, and turning toward tho door, waa about to leave the room, when he suddenly stopped, held out bis hand* gropingly for an instant, and then sunk prone to the floor, with a stream of blood oozing from his lips. Physicians were summoned in baste, and consciousness wss presently restored but a long and tedious illness followed, and for weeks his life hung apon a thread. When, at last, he was able to rise and walk with feeble steps through his chamber, the spring showers were over, and tbe dry bright days of summer hsdeommenoed.

A sea voyage was recommended, ana one July day a noole ship sailed, bearing Harry, Mrs. Lyster, and Isabel among it* passengers. As the group stood on deck, waving a farewell to friends upen the shore, Dr. McDonald muttered, while be vigorously flaunted a red-silk kerchief in return

There goee tbe last of my hopes! Of course ther'U be married before they come back—and it will be just about tbe most sensible thing they ever did in tbeir Uvea. I alwsys knew I wasn born under a lucky star.'

CURE FOR THE TOOTHACHE. An exchange given the simple spplication for the toothache, on tbe principle, if no cure, no charge for the sdvice:

a small bit of clear cotton or *»ooi witha strong solution of amtnonlb^and ISSv it immediately to the afflwted tmitif The pleasant contrsa* instantaneously produced a fit of laughter, *WV°ugh a hefore extreme suffering and angn.sn $v2li. I bave use3 the remedy for over one year, and have sufficient proof to warrant publication.