Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 20, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 14 November 1874 — Page 6

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•THE MAIL

A Paper kor tiie People.

I WONDER WHY,

I gender ncby this wor«l"» good things Hitould felt In such unequal rtuuvt Why some should taste of all the Joy%

And other* only feel the can*! 9%onder why the sunshine bright Should (ail In path* Home people trawl, BT J"

rt'h-r* *tfv«-r

In the shade

*Qf deeds that gather overhead.

ffsMM whjr the tlm that hang ,, Mrt ftifl of tawtou fruit should grow tti] where some may meb and eat, a itit» ether* faint and ihirwty go!

Vhy should sweet flower* bloom f?r some, Kor other* only thorns be found And some grow rtoh on fruitful earth,

While Other# tUl the barren ground.? «vrtader why the hearts of some -rflow with Joy and happiness, 1fh: le oU*t-n» go on their lonely way

TwrteetwitE aught or tenderness! loader why the ey« of »ome .should ne'erbe moistened with a tear. While other* wp fn»mmorn till night.

Their heart* crushed with sorrow here*

Ah I well we maynot know, indeed. The whys, the wherefores of each life! Bat this we know, there's One who

Awl watches a* through Joy and strife, f£ih life ft* mission here fuulu*, Ami only He may know the d,*ww

tell mo the name of this bewitch-

A).# creature, who bas so completely 4L«o«l sour head," «»id Annie Evans, cousin Milton Travis.

Her name," replied the young man, in Mi riant W infield—and she is an an-

verf extravagant expression, and one that am not inclined to credit for being a woman myself, I have a correct Jriea of how fkr below the standard of an «rget anf girl of this age falls. Mis.Winfield may he very lovely, bat it redbSres mottling more than a pret—*' IT" Banjo a mo for interrupting you, my Oasin. but I know all you would say, «. id It Is unless to argue the question. 1 •Cu determined to obtain an introducto Mi«tt Winfiold if it is possible after that—well—do not reel sur ,^*1 at anything you may hear."

You can readily obtain an introduc4ion," replied Annie, "as it is generally known that Milton Travis is in posses •:m oC« fortune amply sufficient to meet £6 demand* of an extravagant wife— lPiffUci care that this newly-discovered Wtial doca not disappoint your expectation*. It would grieve me, Milton, to Ittd you matee &n unworthy choice."

Yoa will never come to grief then, settle Aunlc, (or I am satisfied that Miss Hnttold is

4ali

Ijraoe,

my fancy has painted

sr'—s^o is ao angel. Do not curl your tandlook no incredulous," added Traglidiughis arm in a cousinly man*oout hut companion's waist.

441

I afv«r thought before, Milton," re%Ued Ais&Mh gravely, "that you, of all *f«eo, weern *a moth to be caught by a "Ittlire.* It tea strange thing, moat unac-

MrntAbie, that you prefer a doli-feced •paauty Ruby Hiduons, She is worth

tdofcento

Miriam Winfields, take my word

rll-M

Tbia may be true, for Ruby is iifcuiirmtfiiffi"bill tdie has too tnuch of me actresain her manners to suit my ^ou are mL4*ken Ruby is the soul of slncorlty. It is as uaturkl for her to or turu up her eyes, and clasp her ffc ls for yr»u or me to breathe.

M«att. II# say* it looks cute. O ,X'.,vtiA ywt ouki fancy her instead of that 'girl of the period,' Miss WlnfleidL" »«You «p«*k if were possible fenr a man to control bis affections," returned TmVia, smiling at bis cousin's ••raewttnea*. "I can no more resist Mi*s Winfieid's attractions than Huby can thestrical gestures. Twisb, mSISuH for your sake, that I could i»tonmsrm«nd, Jtwt a little, as I might H»tn marry her. "I wonder!" answered Annie bridlUig»" If you 'u»igl»l iaarry her,' I am mrn to see that you are ilk« the mi^uri-

atkel Tnvte, "I do not

goaapro 'i Mid." indttdf listcqwaed Annie, inimickfts|t tott itoMn "if ywu eoutd bring vow mghnoi* to love my liuie friend Must a little/ you might oondescend marry Iter. Ibelkm» men are all vain «na|lt t)M^ hav* only to ask a woman t^ marry them, and receive

Ym, sir, and Uiank ywu, too,* for an an•Wl*.** N«^ Annie, I did not think I bad only to aak Miss Mddooa to gain her eon«snt to beOkMtie my wife. I am mtqult** vat» enough tort—

Tuti tut!** intwrrapted Annie **it to to atSemftt to w»kk ibe matter bund attempt* at butmliiy. Men, as ft .eueral t-iir.^. kswier tb«-uiselves irr» -Uai|&lA<s wthi ,t r.sittW« b» jrM»d t*xar #4oH n-.w a {kit «teh as fiuby gave yoang r*»w !i li« wm«' jrtiMdwtM tooth with what be eonsidIred msln v« ItMrable ebaruw, and asked Huby to Mtarry idm

Wbatr* eXshdmed Dnvii *»«t

"•And srby n«tftMnCraiw«lir ecbowiAiu^.-'^ replied Travis, "cxcepi that did not ftttink be was atatpie •niivjb to in***!" my of «. o»e srould b»*. •file #ss|it-i ttwt-K m* til# uld not r. whm I •*1 U«4 ai«t

ifSSBSSiBlBiii

Jt JJovlna Uiw ww may be strong, iliOOghatofW Or sunshine Ik-uu*y send.

RUBY'S HERO.

MBS, BtTKXM. KAV lSAtOH.

Wby

b*ve you imbibed so much prejudice (•rains* my charmer? You will change ^wroplnlou when you know her more tiUmately." perhaps," answered Annie, disengaptng herself gently from her kinsman's

have never seen Miss Win-

buioat*», but, beautiful as abeap»rs lam constrained to say she did wt t^ipcOM tne fitvorably." ffiBbf fo*U«« are faultless," interpos-

there is something sinister

flto tbo expneuSlon of her mouth, and m— I know bow to speak—a jtotffctlpofc fn her eyes she can not. in shwrt, return a straightforward look." if you OOVld feel the thrill that even causat glanco ftrom her causes to run mrer my frame, you would never doubt taxability te look a fellow straight in Ut» fie?, and when she smiles so beVitohiJigly I S»el like dropping upon my %nee^ to prove mj adoration."

as nteti w*» Ktt •!. I l» ii..

tbe

Satti^t1 •.

WO' I vt 44

t»f' iu ffti1*"

J-'-'V ..

AfitH

*.U n." .P,T^r •:l J..-! 1'V •i l«* Wind hi

1 »w*r" M»V

ref-i'd

fsiww l" returned Auuie. "1 t»Jf no patient# with such infatuation. The very fact uf a young lady dressing in the extreme of &sbkm and parading the street every sunny afternoon to make a public exhibition of herself is enough. No girl of delicacy or refinement, and proper dignity is going to make herself as common as an almanac. You will never see Ruby Siddon* promenading fashionable thoroughfare soieiy to attract the attention of gentlemen loungers, and ogling every well-drrtned stranger she meets. 1 have heard you. Mil-, ton, condemn ao many young ladies of your acquaintance for this very thinu how, then, can you tolerate it in the woman you say you tdtuire above all others?"

Travis rose from his seat, ami, drawing on his gloves, said: ••O, I'll make that all right when MistVVinfield consents to take charpe of m\ Household, for I will render myself am* •tome so attractive she will be willing t« give up all else indeed, I shall veto all promenading—" "Your'veto'power will never becalled into requisition when once Miss Winfield becomes Mrs. Travis, as girls of bet -iatnp, as iwion as they succeed in secur mg a husband, tak it for granted th*\ have fulfilled their only mission in life and consequently sink into a soile morning wrapper and oease to care lot anything but personal ease."

Upon my word, Annie, I shall leav you," said Travis: "you are growin positively spiteful.'

"The truth is sometimes a bitter pi 1 to swallow," rejoined Annie, as si followed her cousin to the door "an is often the ease that the more n»i seous the draught the more beneficial the result." "lio«id-by!M exclaimed Travis "If. tisten to yon I shall lose all frith in w« titan kind." Snatching a kiss from ht flowing cheek, he added: "But, n« natter what comes, it will never do lb vou and I to quarrel. We have beet 'riends too long," and, whistling gayl. .te marched away.

Ruby Siddons was the ward of Mt Evans, and, alter the completion of -ducation, at afirst-olasj boardlng-scboo tiu liocauie a member of her guardian tun.ily, and between her and Annie ^Evans lutire sprang up a friendship sincer md lasting.

Mr. bivans was a widower, and resided iu a suburban residence near L»uhville. His family consisted of himsvli Annie, his only child, and a nephew Milton Travis, who, at the time Rub became an inmate of the household was absent, engaged it the late civil wftr* in her childhood Ruby had been train ed by a sensible and judicious father, and was no ordinary woman. Her forn was graceful and erect, her eye# larg* and expressive, ller beauty was of tli spirit character, and belonged more tt. the soul tliau to any particular regularity of feature. She was full of life ant. gayety. There was something brigh. and new in her manner. She possesseu strong individuality (a rare quality in woman.) These attractions, combine*., with the handsome property bestoweu upon her by a fond father, of course ren dered her popular, and drew around het a host of admirers, but up to the time wt present her to the reader her heart had uot been touched by love. "Heart whole and Ikncy-frce," she sped through ilf!» dispensing sunshine wherever snuioved, and in return eryoying the happiimass known only to great anaunselfisb tujiuiis.

Annie Evans was not, in the common acceptation of the term, a beauty, and yet no one could have pronounced het plain. Her eyes would nave redeemed anv set of features, however plain, and at times, when lighted by varying emotions, her face looked radiant.

Notwithstanding her remarks in reference to Miss Winfield seemed tinctured with spite, it was more the anxiety for ber kinsman's future happiness, than hatred against the woman she believed sincerely was trying to win Travis on account of his wealth Her love for him was that of a fond sister, with no mixture of envy or rivalry, as for a long time her heart and hand had been pledged to another. She could not bear to think of Milton Travis felling a victim to the wiles of a mercenary and heartless woman, such as she honestly believed Miriam Winfield to be. but as several weeks passed by, and Travis continued to visit tbo bouse, withoui again alluding to the subject, Annie began to hope it was ^ftcr ail a i^cre passing fancy.

Her hopes were, however, of shoit duration for one evening, while Ruby Siddons and her guardian were engaged plaving chess, Travis drew his cousin into the recess of a window, and in low tone said:

Congratulate me, cor, for my brightest anticipations are soon to be realised!"

A foreboding of the truth crossed Annie's mind, and, sinking upon a chair, site asked:

What do you moan t" have proposed—and bedir accepted 1"

Not Miss Winfield, surely T" Yes—but why should you appear so distressed Upon a closer acquaintance I have discover that my beautiful Miriam's mind is equal to ber person. Comet cheer up, and do not throw a damper upon my bapplww. Your opinion will change when you become more familiar with the object of my afbetion. She is an angel!"

He attempted to take his cousiu'* hand, but she waved him off. "Oi»e me time, Milton -I wss not prepared for this." Turning Iter eyes in the direction of the chess-table, she

Titer* is a woman with a heart, and one wlto is capable of—" Km4ion eboMd hor utterance, and »be shrank liehind the drapery of the carta to bide the fast-felling tears.

In a tow, Irritable voice, Travis said: Annie, you are positively silly I will we you again, when I hope to find you in a more reasonable mood."

He started to leave I lie apartment, int was arrested

by hte

nncle exdaiut-

'""Stop! Stop! What is the hurry I trnve an engagement, uncle, to meet tmue old commie* who are just returning from the War. And, by the way," be continurtt, in a more animated tune,

Duncan MeF*riai«disauM»ng tbe nuuifew*** Indeed!" eselaimsd Mr. Evans "I remember Mm well, and a braver follow v•ratio tdtarsd ainu-ket. You mat*. faring itiifl «»see us. I want Ruby tosee i«y klea «rf a btwrW* tun sfmtd h0 ndght not mw a favor ibte tniprwsio^ owm Miss fiHby* as Si' it (Ditto out uf tin? mrmy ntiililttftt) ^v. ..ii,* «tki Tm»K "ji 1 t» »4«e hi* arm In bsAtle asked

il« ,h i. a was siuittered by aahell S I .• nninguf the war but, instead «vWh!itil*«njort it had to t.H.'i wx-rv detertnlnetiL He hasi us.qi and teavery, «wve*^dy-|

.»'f

I fwvl MU* 'it l-f-i T|V» »»!. t"

»I

»X to -i.-... H, MMMI. f«h«ek giuWing "i 1 :i lore brave

•nUuwi^l fnuiU'arliiU'rtv.nwe t». lla sn Travis and Uw MM*

bers ol his uncle's household had long since thrown down tbe barrier of formality between him-and Ruby Siddons and, if bis fancy bad not been preoecupied hy tbe image of Miriam Winfield, ft is highly probable that the attachment, so formed, might have ended In bis becoming not only a devout admirer but a declared lover, of the young heiress. Ruin was cognisant of his penchant for Miss Winfield—as Annie had no secrets from ber foster-sister—and, consequently, she felt no more restraint in his prest-noe than she might have felt with an elder brother. So Travis replied playfully to her last remark:

And I may also tell him that you not only adore brave men, but if he needs another arm you have two at his soryicB ••No,'Mr. Officious," returned Ruby, when I am teady to lay down arms to lr. what's his name?" (hlonel McFarland, at your service, \liss Siddons," said Travis, with mock gravity.

Yes, Well, Colonel McFarland, 1 ••hall not require your assistance, Mr. fravis. From tbe confession you have ,ust made"—the gay girl indicated, by a graceful nod, the wludow behind which \nnie still lingered--"! think you have your bands full,"

Travis started. "iJo not be alarmed," said Rnhv. nughing merrily. "I shall not betray you."

What are you chattering about •hild," said Mr. Evans. "See! itisyom .tove. Check!" Tho old gentleuiai,

Mvd his h'tnds in glee then seein. his nephew about to retire, he added:

Hold, a minute! I am compelled to a\. li .uie for a few days. Milt, and rish you to remain hero during my alienee and see that you keep strict vatch overthese girls.,'

Travis gallantly accepted the trust, and few indents after was on his way to tieet his old com ades.

It was the third day after the departure of her father that Annie Evans ano tuby weie seat* in the library await ng tlie summons to dinner.

Have you observed anything pecu liar in Milton's manner lately ?'r asked ie former, as Ruby, seated near a table us looking carelessly over some enravinas.

Yes, and have been on the eve, more liau tn.ee, of asking you if he is in troupe. He seems unusually abstracted, tnd not at all like* himself. Perhaps In tnd Miss Winfield have had misunderstanding.* You know tho course of true ove never did run smooth."

Suppose we question him." jnL Agreed but I oan not believe his abstraction lately has any connection with .lis approaching marriage, for he seems nore and more delighted with his choice md for his sake I wish I like Miriam Winfield."

We oan only make the best of her,' responded Ruby "perhaps when we become moro Intimate our opinions may changes." "Never!" said Annie "lamseldom deceived." "I am really sorry for cousin Milt," said ltubv, looking as grave as it was /•ossiblc for the Kay, happy girl to look -1 like him, and—"

The conclusion of the remark was lost, as the din nor bell sounded, and the next instant Travis entered the room, and playfully offered an arm to each of the young ladies to escort.them to the din-ing-room.

-i

I am so glad you came in time to carve tose ducks," said Ruby, releasing her hold, and gliding into a chair.

You know Annie and I had to cut up the turkey yesterday, because you were uedind tiMie if you are not uiore prompt in future I shall report."

Travis did not reply,* but seemed abstracted. "I'll declare, Milton?" said Annie, you aro growing positively, hateful. Ruby, I am sure he has not heard a word you said. To loek at him n6w, one might conclude be had buried his last friend. Why, Milton, what has come over you? Has Miss Winfield discitixled you^ or why is it that you seem so unlike yourself?"

A flush crimsoned the brow 6f Travis, as he seized the carving-knife and commenced the task before him. Then he said:

441

plead guilty, cousin, and if you will be patient, shall try to answer your questions. In the first place, you are correct in vour conjecture concerning myself and Misa Winfield. She lias discarded me." •4 Is it possible?" asked Annie. '•Cousin Milt!" ejaculated Ruby, raising her eyes, and clasping her hands with a gesture of amasement.

You are surely quizzing us, Milton,' said Annie -'and forsret," .ntcrposed Rubv, "that only last Sunday afternoon you 'told us the wedding would take place in one month and, besides, it is reported that Madame Holonee ordered the bridal trousseau last Monday/' "This is ali true" returned Travis but, notwithstanding. Miss Wlnlleld only yesterday

4sent

I fct

FLJ^IRP TT A'TTTE SATPBDAY. EVMMTO"MAILL

in hex* resigna: ion.'

If you doubt it"—he paused, and. drawing a roso-colorod envelope from his

side

pocket, handed it to Annie, continued— ••read all she says you out not then doubt the fact."

Annie took the missive, and, with iie»1t» bent together, she and Ruby read:

Milton Travis, K*q: Dkakmik-An*t mature reflection, I regret lo «ay that I ean never be your wife. I hope you will not feel offended after my vo£n of constancy. I ihouab I loved you. but and I t»m mistaken. Wishing you all

WINFIELD.

How Is that for a flat?" asked Travis as lie caught Ruby's merry glancc, and noted the joyfnl expression upon Annie's !kco.

pray tell us all about It cried Rubv

know there is something behind

-Something we liaveyet b» learn, to unravel this piece of feminine coquetry, obw rving the animated features of Travis, she added: /'You bear up bravely, I must say, for a disappointedJover. it is no disappointment, I assure vou, CoH*in Ruby, to be disearded by a hearticMijUt,a woman without a soul.' "Without wmlt" eciwd Aiiwie whv not long ago she was all soul* *an anomf

Travbi looked emliarrassed, for he remembered too well bis extravagant admiration of Miss Winfield.

You aro welcome, eousln, to acouse me of fickleness, but you shall bear my remsotut, and then I leave you to judge for yourself." ....

Moat wofui knight," responded Ruby "we ntit only sympathiw with y«'U. but will patiently listen to the recital ymi oeem anxious to gite."

Ver well, then," said Travis, "at 11 ask is a patient bearing. Flint, remember tbe evening when I called, when cousin Ruby and my ottclc were nbtrlojC chcaai and Utat during tbe wnverwitioc I mentioned tite return ot tbe Midien from the war, and among them, Duncan MeFartand." **o 1 yes," exohdtned Ruby, assuming «n attitude of increased interest," Wliat of hliwt Surely he had nothing to do with your eugagemtpnt."

Hy brtd just this to do with it: (M^ire hskviacd tbe army he was captivated by ICiMS Winfield, and won Irom bar a proud** to become hi« wife when reitutted* but appears that tbe fidr awn

did not count op«m the chances of war, and when he came back, bearing with him the proof of bis bravery in the loss oi his left arm, upon the wings of love and hope he flew to bis affianced to claim her as his bride, but instead of welcoming tbe returned hero with open arms and woman's constancy, she merely shrugged her pretty shoulders ®nd gave him to understand tnat youth and Beauty like hers could never sssimiiate with a mutilated piece of a man, to use her own words, and spurned him, because his arm had been shot sill"

She ought to be shot herself," said Ruby, her beautiful eyes flashing with indignation. "Can this be true?" asked Annie,

and Duncan McFarland the man be Is?" It Is, alas, too true," continued Travis, "but this is not all. Blinded by my admiration for the heartless woman, I would not believe her capable of such meanness, but to satisfv myself, I at once determined to put ber character to the test. Your words," he added, looking at Annie, "my cousin, came back to my mind with force. Accordingly, I caused a report to be circulated that tbe bonds in which it is well known I had nvested larjrelv were not worth ten cents on the dollar, and consequently I •«. prononnctMi a jtoor man I thought I would visit Mi.*s Winfield and see the it t-t, of tits news upon ner—but she was too quick for me. Before I could arrange au interview with her, I receiv«ju the letter you have just read! Do vou wonder that I have lost not only any esteem, but even all respect, for the woinau 1 viewed, only a few days since in tne light of an angel

Angel!" sneered Ruby "she is beneath the contempt of every man and woman in America?"

Nevertheless, she looks like an angel ofligbt." said Annie. "So did Luoifer when he hovered over the Garden of Eden but the serpent

lay hid beneath the bright covering,'" she added, with a gay laugh. "Do tell mo moro of this one-armed hero What is he like? Can anything be made ot uiin? Tell me, for I intend Jo marry him myself."

Ruuy Siddons! you surprise me," return Annie, before Travis could reply. "I never heard of anything so uu.uaidenly."

Unmaidenly or not," answered Ruby ter cheeks glowing with indignation .md enthusiasm "I intend to marry him and ho shall see that there is one woman in the city of Louisviile who can properly appreciate true worth. Teli me, Cousin Milt—is he talented?"

What matters his capacity, cousin Ruby?" replied Travis, looking upon her animated features with undisguised admiration "yoa have fortune sufficient to maintain a husband, even one minus an arm. There is no necessity for bringing his talents into requisition."

You are trying to ridicule me, cousin Milt," replied Ruby. "But do ysu chink 1 would have a drone for a husband? No! Tho man who marries Ruby Siddons must be like her fatheractive. noble and intelligent."

441do

believe the child is in earnest,"

remarked Travis. I believe

4the

441

child,' as you call her,"

replied Annie, smiling, "isgoin^ crazy." ••I atn not going crazy, Annie, and I am in earnest, as I will prove by and by and as to my being a 'child," so far from it, I will be twenty-one a week from today, when my fortune will beat my disposal."

forgot,'5 said Travis, "that this •hero', Col. McFarland was, before the war, only a carpenter! Now!" "Thatstigma—if it be one"—returned Ruby with a look of trinmph, "was shot off with his arm. He is not a carpenter, but if I live he shall become a lawyer, and an ornament to the profession. It is useless to laugh, Cousin Milt? I mean exactly all I say,"

What will papa say to this, Ruby asked Annie. Oh, I have him already on my side. Do you not remember he said, (upon the

evening

just alluded to by Cousin Milt)

that he wanted mo to see his idea of a hero? And even

he objected, you

know I am at liberty to dispose of my fortune as I choose."

And pray, as I ain a poor castaway, why do you not choose ine?" asKed Travis, laughingly. while a flush crossed his face.

You! You never lost an arm in defense of. right and liberty! Your lady lovo never spurned you because of a misfortune brought ou by any honorablo deed! You are rich and have friends in abundance. Yon are not an object ot charity. I never had rnv sympathies and feelings so thoroughly enlisted ns tney aro in behalf of Col. McFarland, and he shall live to bless the day that this heartless woman jilted him, fori intend to prove to him that a woman can have a heart."

Duncan McFarland sat near tbo public entrance of the hotel his cap pulled oyer his eyes, to all appearance totally indifferent to the tide of human lire which surrounded him. He was thinking of the past. When a mere boy he oad crossed the broad Atlantic and be held its towering waves without dread of danger. Ho had encountered a storm at sea, out his spirit had risen fearlessly above the tempest, until ths scene to his intrepid soul seemed more aublimo than husardous. He bad disregarded bis ease and safetv for tbe cause of liberty, and endured the fatigue and danger ola long campaign without flinching—had faced theenemv amid aahowerol balls aid bullets, yet in all this he had found nothing to try his manhood. Tho ooean was a myth—the storm music—the bat-tle-field simply a game of chance in cotnparlson with the perfidy «f Miriam Winfield! tbe being at whose feet he had vowed to lav ids laurels—for she was "all the world" to this whole-souled man, and now the had unfeelingly divested him of ali hope and of all faith, mm he believed, In woman. Ilia sjrfrit as a man and soldier could not have been sutKiued, but she—the fair and felsc one —bad broken it. The man was overpowered in the lover.

If be had been a rich man he might better have borne the blow that had 1'al.lenso unexpectedly. Alas: what now did the future hold in store for him?

Without monev, friends or influence, what could he"accomplish? truly tbe world looked dark to this brave, proud yonng man. In tbe midst of biscoagitations, he hoard his name pronounced. TUrning around, be saw tbe frank, handsome lace of Milton Travis. 44

Upon my soul, McFarland, you look as blue as indigo cumc, cheer up! all is not lost that is in danger. I was sent by my unde to Invite you to

Join our family

circle this evening. He fil all impatient to meet you and hear some interesting incident* connected with the war, and too mucu in earnest to brook denial."

Tbe request, so unexpected, took Duncan by surprise, and ne remained silent for a few seconds.

As an inducement," continued Travis, "I will promise to introduce to your acquaintance oiw of the most attractive voung ladies it bas ever been your fortune to meet."

For an instant tbe color forsook McFarlnud's cheek, but, recovering himself

'"""vou^ro mistaken, Travis, if yousnpn*e that I aid a U*I»s* tuan. There wm a Uumj wteu 1 had lh$ Yftiiltjf to iui*

agine that I might meet fttvor in the eyes of tbe fair sex, but," glancing at bis mutilated arm, "that time has pamed. Pardon me for declining ths kind invitation. Nothing would afford me more real pleasure than to spend a quiet evening with Mr. Evans, but I am in no mood to seek the society of gay company."

Did I not say in tbe beginning that my uncle wishes you to io4n our family circle. A quiot evening is the thing be desires. I assure you there are no Invited guests expected."

But I already know your cousin, Miss Annie. You spoke ©/^introducing me to some lady."

441

did interposed Travis, "you are ignorant of the feet that during your three years'absence my uncle has bad an addition to bis family in tbe person of Miss Ruby Siddons, a ward of bis, and I am satisfied you will feel no more restraint in ber presence than you would in that of my gentle cousin."

441

do not wish to appear obstinste," replied Dnncan, after a short pause, and, as the voting lady just alluded to is to be the only addi.ion to the family circle, I will accept Mr. Evans' invitation, believing as I do in the sincerity of his friendship."

A half hour later the two young men were on their way to tbe mansion, from one of the windows of which two bright eves were anxiously peering to catch sight of tbe man their fair owner had in liur fresh imagination clothed with all the attributes of a hero.

We have said that Ruby's heart had never been touched by love—not even a shadow »f partiality had the beauty and heiress bestowed upon any one of ber many admirers. There was too much flippancy and too little dignity in the manners of the young men in whose society she was constantly thrown to please her taste. She had become heartily disgusted with the silly chatter, mingled witli slang, which characterized the conversation of tho gallants who swarmed about her like so many popinjays. It was not to be wondered at, then, that she listened with unbounded pleasure to the recital given by Colonel McFarland of the various thrilling events connected with the late war, in which he had lH»rne an active part.

It *83 impossible lor the narrator to look upon her fair face, glowing in its youthful beauty, and note her pretty gestures, and hear her clear, ringing laughter entirely unmoved.

In spite of the \ow Duncan McFarland mafSe when he discovered tho perfidy *t Miriam Winfield (for he nad sworn iu his heart never again to allow himself to yield to the fascination uf woman,) long after he sought the solitude of his humble chamber, his thoughts wandered back to the cheerful circle, and foremost in its delightful home-like surroundings stood out the bright foce of Ruby Siddons.

By some peculiar fate, it chanced that Col. McFarland and the young heiress were thrown frequently together. Perhaps if any one had taken the pains to investigate the matter, it might have been discovered that Milton Travis had a good deal to do with these oft-repeated meetings.

When Ruby playfully asserted that she intended to marry the young officer, she was half in jest, but the daily interviews between them was a dangerous experiment to both parties. Ruby was conscious of a growing interest in the maimed soldier, and, with the assistance of Milton Travis, and through the agency of her guardian (who, bv the wav, could nut see a fault his word possessed,) the generous girl managed to. place at the disposal ot tho Colonel money sufficient to enable liim to prosecute his studies, and to finally succeed in the practice of his choseu legal profession.

It was a long time before Travis could, at first, induce the independent but aspiring man to accept the proffered assistance, delicately tendered and it was not until he won a promise from his secret benefactor that as soon as he mastered his profession he might be permitted to return, with interest, the sums remitted (at stated times) that McFarland would consent to accept the liberal offer.

By dint of application and rigid economy the ambitious student succeeded, even beyond his own anticipations. Fortune seemed to lavish her gifls upon him, and such was his growing popularity that his signal and rapid success became a proverb.

It may appear to some of the more squeamish readers, unmaidenly in the extreme for a young lady to assume that she would marry a man whose misfortunes in love and war had excited her warmest sympathies. In justice to our noble, kiwi-hearted heroine wo must sav that, when she avowed so boldly that Hlie intended to marry tho unfortunate Colonel, she spoke more from impulse than from any settled determination to carry out tbe threat.

But it happened that the gallant officer was tho first to touch her bravo but gentle heart, and who can blame her, if she never stopped until she placed withit the reach of the aspiring man the means to master and complete a profession to which to-day he is an ornament.

For after all (though few ladies are willing to admit the truth) women do more tnan half of tho courting, and who can blame Ruby if she loved and won her hero?

A lew evenings previous to his marriage with his beautiful benefactress, Duncan McFarland was seated before a cheerful fire, in his office, buried in pleaaing and bappy reflections, when he was interrupted by the entrance of a messenger bearing a rose-tinted envelope.

Col. McFarland reached forth his hand and took tbe missive addressed to himself, and,spreading Itcarefully upon the table near nim, with a peculiarly expressive amile (for he readily recognised the handwriting,) read as follows: CW. AtcFwrlanA—

Or n»tb«»r, I may say, my d«ar Duncan—I owe yon on humble apology for the cruel and heartless reception I gave you upon vour rvturn fr»m the war, but If you could know how deeply I regret my conduct, and how terribly I have wintered, yon could not And it in your heart to blame me, and 1 have, upon reflection, k(towing your line ami noble nature, determined bi-g your forgivenews and alao lo awure yon of my undying allteeUon. My heart has known «*her Mel bat you alone—and that I a» wllllug to renew our engagement—say—ouiy my—that you forgive—and by a lift ot devotion let me prove the rtuewiV of my repentance. Kver your faithful,

fkfijfjM fry tit 1 have Uti* moment Proved your note, and in reply must nay that, a* 1 am to be married Thursday evening at Christ church, it I* impowftibie for m® to-renew our engage-

m|"ondve

yea, and besides thank you from

mv'heart of heart*, for being the unintentional cause of my prewmt unalloyed hapntncM. as your perfidy was the means of ae«urtng to me the love of the purest woman in On* world. wishing yoa all pronperlty, permit me to

Rfti," add tbe astonished landlady to a traveler who bad sent his cup forward for the seventh time, "you must be very fond of coffee." "Yes, madam, I »m,,r he replied, "or I should never have drank ao much water to gat a little."

Saturday Evening

MATT i,

FOR THE YEAR 1874-5.

AMODEL WEEKLY PAPER FOR THE HOME.

Presented to each yearly subscriber, from and after this date. Thus. beautiful picturtw Just from the hands of the French chroma artists, are fid thfol copies of oil paintings by the artist W. H. Baker, of Brooklyn. One, entitled

"Cherry Time"

Represents a bright faced boy, coming from the orchard, bountifully laden with the redripe fruit. The other, entitled

"Idly of ihe Field"*

Is a beautiful little girl, with ene of the .sweetest of faces, gathering lilies in the Held. One Is a wood scene, the other Has an open meadow In the back ground. They are of striking beauty.

For one dollar extra (tMO In all,) we will send The Mall one year and both chremow mounted ready for framing. These pictures are catalogued and sold in-the art stores at FOUR DOLLARS EACH. 121 4 5-^.

FRAMES.

We have made arrangements with an extensive manufactory of frames by which we can furnish for One Dollar a frame usually sold for SI.50 and $1.75. These frames are of the best polished walnut and gilt. Here is the

BILL OF PRICES.

The Mail one year and choice of Chromo :. **0® The Mall one year and Beth Chromos mounted— 3 Ow The Mail one year and Both Chromos

SEMI-WEEKLY.

Demi-Weekly iVew York Tribune, price $3.00, The Mail and Chromo„.. 5®

WEEKLY PAPERS.

IndtampoU* Journal price $2.00, The Mail and Chreino W 5S Indianapolis Sentinel, price ri.00, The

Mall and Chromo S 50 N. V. Tribune, price $2.00, The Mail aud Chromo 5# Toledo Blade, pribe tZJM, The Mall and

Chromo 5® .V. J". Sun, The Mull and t'hrwino. ... 3 00 Prairie Farmer, price 92.00, The Mail and Chromo 3 60 WeUcrtx Rural, price 82.50, The Mall and

Chromo 3 80 Chieaffo Adrnnoe, price 93^)0, The Mail an Chicago 13.50, The Mall

Mall anil Chromo

v-'

St?.

•V

ism

TERMS

One year, (with chrorno)......— fC 00 Six months, (without chromo) VI 00 Three montlut, (without chromo) .36 eta.

Mail and office Subscriptions will, Invariably, be discontinued at expiration of time paid for.

Encouraged by the extraordinary success which bas attended the publication of THE 8ATURDAY EVENING MAIL, the publisher has perfected arrangements by which it will henceforth be one of the most popular papers In the West. V_a

THE CHOICE OF

Two Beautiful Chromos

FRAMED 5 0fr

THE SATU RD A EVENING MAIL is an Independent Weekly Newspaper, elegantly printed on eight pages of book paper, and aims to be, iu every sense, a Family Paper. With this aim in view, nothing will appear in its columns that cannot be read aloud in the mo^t refined fireside circle-,

CLUBBING WITH OTHER PERIODICALS. We are enabled to offer extraordinary inducements In the way of dubbins with other periodicals. We will furnish THE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL, PRICE J2.0& PER YEAR, and either of the above Ohromos with ai..v of the periodicals ennmeiu» t*d below at greatly reduced rates. These periodicals will be sent direct from the offices of publication. Here Is the list:

3 24

Applsion'* Journal, price $4.90, The Mall and Chromo

8 00

Rural New Yorker, price «.00,The Mall and Chromo.....—•jar-iv-y:

Hearth and Home, price 13.00, The Mall and Chromo 4

MtthodiH, price ttJSO, The Mall and Chromo...... 3 60 Harper's Week®, price WjOO, The Mall and Chromo. 5 8S Harper'* iiatar, price $4.00, The Mall and Chromo 5 60Frank LetUm lUvMrated Newepaper, price 94.00, The Mall and Chromo...... 6 00 Tjetliet Chimney Corner, price 94.00, The

Mall and Chremo 5 00 Boy*' and Uirlt' Weekly, price &60, the Hail and Chromo

MONTHLIES*

Arthur'* Home Afapaeine, price'92-SO, The Mall and Chromo W Prterton'* Magazine, prloe 92,00, The

Mail and Chromo.....

860

American AgrieuUarUt, price 91.60, The Mail and Chromo

3 05

OemoreM't Monthly, price 93,00, 1 year, The Mail and Chremo-

4 25

Uodry's Ijady't Book, price 93.00, Tbe Mall and Chromo.* LiUle Corporal, price 91

JO, The Mall and

Chromo. •ix**.Kt",W'v Serttmer'i Monthly, price 94.00,The Mall and Chromo. ...» 5 00 Atlantic Monthly, price 94.00, The Mail and Chromo WOld and New, price 94.00, Tbe Mail and

Chromo 6 Overland Monthly, pries $4X10, The Mall and Chromo 6 00 Harper'* Maffaxine, price 94i)9, Tho Mail and Chromo... 6 50 Gardener'* Monihiy, price 92JOO,The Mail and Chromo 8 r»«n0/^^.fturaA The Mail and Chromo.— The Xurtery, price 91

JUST LOOK AT IT!

The Mail, price. J* Vour County paper, price 2 0# The Chromo, worth.— W' a 09-

All these—{9H4W)—for 93.50. Addrea P. 0. WKSTFALL, Publisher Saturday Evening Mail,

JO, The Mall and

Chromo. 3 09 St. Xichola*, price 934)0, The Mall and Chromo 4*

All the premium* offered by the above pub lications are included In this clubbing ar-^, mngement.

CLUBBING WITH COUNTY PAPERS. We have made arrangements to famish? E A I it an an of the Newspapers In the neighborhood oi Terns Haute all for 9&50.

TERREHACTE, IND.