Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 4, Number 51, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 20 June 1874 — Page 6

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,TH EJvlAI

A P*Pi

-K 3

loK 1 Hi

tola,

A i:

S ,-•

PEOPLE.

naaaei*.' bfettlUf

WU in

high*

.own

v- *.

fUi- .... A®'I V. :.il li.fc, Onttiii-i «««»..»'i fan

Hpark!« 1* lrt» Nk rA» I NABX-K YCU W UOT. Il*ln, nin. t. r*ln— I'..' frleioi -,»«» wareaeoatain, -f n* mornir.'. it

V.'Aft I 'i

*St

^•iU»T-*.-..i^uwu* JU-1--.UJ, en down came On uL iMrf my hmatlfttl hat, I a no 1 1 a id

My ba i-tw-v*! v*1' JfJrlfli.' tovut-u uv k. [Written lor T»H Mail.]

A Woman's Choice.

.,t

tils/bred

Mother it JUno iw takirar Dave. I've triwi rt, and h« i- «*ob*l te as a mule," which shows how ^taken our aypt inliinde frtH»0* «*mt iKJtimc® be in their of our cnai.i ter, forth© irrcatest fault of Dare Mnslon, was an easy shiftk*» amiability -which had tood in the way of his advancement all his life. __.

But he had never been ia lova before, which, perhapa, made it a little more difficult to persuade him to Jook at things with other people's eves.

It was a pleasant summer morning, and Stephen Huston, a tall, bruadahouldered, cood-looking fellow, with blonde hair and beard, bnght frauk blue eyes, stood with one arm on the mantel, talking with his mother, seated in a low r.x-king-ohalr, at the open window, who In her interest in the conversation, had dropped her knUtwg-wojrk in her lap.

She was also a rather handsome old lad?, although Stephen did not much reaemule hflr, tbr she had keen dark eyes, smooth black hair over her brow, dress as neat and clean as wax work, her •whole appetfaanoe indicating an active, stirring, business woman, who had "driven things" all her life.

If she was a woman that stated him,' said Mrs. Huston, "I would not bp so opposed to it. for Dave is such a careless, sfick, no-account fcUow, that the sooner he is married to an active, energetic woman, that will not only «k her part, but make him do his, the better for nun, but this woman, a never dipped her liaodaindish as in her life—that kind

Yon can net yottijy-wiiiwl as aaw, mothowpfcgv. ..smarryiini oncerned." said StpSn aet^i vely. '-ane has no idea ofJSUKTTl»Mi. and is merely minisingh' i-elfwith him. and he* has nut st-use enough to see it. I

DlowitiK wenther, when he should boat work, £rt&siiB&* «t**r'

mmwDt

Oftimeh. .in^prtjd wrf^her. "What un inake Tilm foolish* sighed the widow, "can ning be done to cure him of bis infctn&Uun? ••I have fitted evcfff1titlue»» I can BRF% FRISOTR/^B-STFL^HEN. "JOTBTN*

A qttWSk elastic step was heard, and the

He resembled his mother, the dark bright eye, the shining waves of hair over his for ad, the si form, with a

arvB ler, graceful elarocity in

-icknesa a

every movement And yet wlile ho was like hir Easy, but his ow 11 while of his fetli' i', inherit rin i-head-a-ts\ ab, and that v.

he:

in loo

ei*imy

£»,ni'.ther,satir -r.'-"".'v,\

indomit-

fli i!=!v the

won why he was the object of her undisguised partiality.

to eflen the t- with th -y

Y,ne

do wells.* He, had an expresidV'' «-rr-, asmlf.- r«|,|iiniung ^weetnesa..'sitft, -ympithetic, ana natural^ thfinani' sofa^tleman,

Atrrtm vcn-iaei-uot the rights and fee 0'A mi «a» xatrrlng v. it unconous s«4 a.Tray. dressed ...xh neatu «,though ,»v wdllynor flashily, he was one fHft a .t M^njrt, no tr^es, fiiat, and im"••! •e.|»i:unraiMj#. Heenter« 'i the room now, ..ti laeeas ny -?f morning. of the rfiinu-covcml. m) w| hli asa^c ias°'r- :u na ijaat? 3 wi brwMibfiinnv'.-l

,•**-

•»Wr -n^/oat talking of you," said hlsnushar.

odof

'Savins

sal'? h*- nu st» phr-ti

me I'll be bound,

.is jiinujaa a iittle about th!* pa..frn«V'"frrffW«atferr,* ti-.- v. moat di--tho itanof in

Hmft

nu :rlimc.

in tfot

lau•*M! Villi nr.ll me. I

liitlo. but "TTimrm--r?:f v. "Ioji'

,•

,rn \v wh.-lt 1 il!li

i"\ Vi\\

AMd »hr. cmtrth»}i i»i" pert that yw wlftsbnt SBr*r-r—ii

m.i

.ill)!- .ili!: iu ii .W thil ft iu. Hjn sthiaw^mWIl* j«l

w-!!'

3 h«en an ed1

i.t in

•i

'(i iP't i-1 b" ft 0«

.li. «t know about it,

t.- f. tu iii» TOE t-i mr] with her in !'?'•. iMt mthe. mi of iue wawi.u-

at It

«aM »u a Wfiiian w« •^•*1 fi *t

"{S It Ilk'

5"'.......

bm IMWI ISrew' 4m

•'iy S: 1 1-

,» -tl !i' nd toa

furit '.'t

•k*

IV* n. 11 r' Jint'f-'W 1-'

t) :ii, yem Oo II'-

ii« r, and sea if yoodonot

isam new experience of womeiu on will And wmm ..rid

\R unselfish and iauoomt aa child. me, who if »he wealthy and independent, has |4irae-prid« her, and values her money ^"^"you uhcn, oryou could ,iyth$n|^©f tlto flirt

tTT

.t teftlings of

ai»ut A tnflar with

men, hu a spice of cruelty b* her dwpo-

ilion, she hi so kind-hea**«d «h®

woaJ4

not hurt aft v. 1 know what the world says of bar, Ihere ia not a bwer, crueller flahiehood. ThisftajUuiawa^««fn«®0' manner, light-hearted g»yoty, has been const )d into wocaa. There Is not on tJbe faoo of H»0 eaift a more Innooont, virtuous wosnan. She was wickedly treated by the man she married, and txmldnot live with him, and the world with its characteristic falr.iilng, h» iandered her tor that cause. Htw ia not blame for that lie was a man tliat ought to have been kicked out of existence. I don't care—" he wont on still more excited and determined "You are til king to the winds when you are talking to uie, and trying to set me against her. I wiy spend all the tiu»e vpe idly and friendly know tliat she

rfto, andtr»w }a» kiu as she has. io not would have me, peAapaahe does not desire to change her condition, but no one can persuade me that she is acting flvlse ly and deceitfully with me. Whoa she begins to treat me coldly, when she says in effect, was merely flirting with you, trying to win your love fttr amusement, to get yon to lay your heart at my (bet ao 1 could trample on it, I will belie volt, and not until than. Until then, you may just as well save your breath, fbr your words'will have no effect on me." "Juntas I told you, mother," said Stephen. "It is no use talking. A willtul man vBl 1i»yo his way."

Well, go your own way," sakl 'the widow, angered at an unusual and ualooked for display of obstinacy in ht* younger son. Experience is a dear st^hool, but you Mill learn in no other. Yon believe this woman is ever^ihing

that is good iust because she has got you, poor foolish boy, no madly in love with her that you cannot believe anything else. 8he will fool overboard the worst she has dewlved any of her dupes yet. You will wish then you had taken the advice of older and moro experienced heads. Mark my words—you will see."

Time will show, mother," said Dave, as earnestly sad positively,

II il

n! woi

ClIAFrKH

If Stephen's reasoning had no apparent oi&ot on Dave, was a little different with Dave's earnest, persistent words. Thoy aroused a little curiosity in Stephen's* mind to see the woman who had transformed Davfe from the easily per suailed boy he had been heretofore, to the man determined to think and act for himself.

These words recurred again and again to his mind, "Yon know nothing about her." *Hio and se« her for yonrseif, ap^he at lwa^h persuadwl himself that Jobad perhapi^™iged her joo harslily, ind made hitttTSiolve to saeTier. -JBLe woukLfery Jtod get an insight into her character and disposition, if he could, and if she proved to be a flirt, merely abusing h«rself at pave's expanse) he waooUl t^poaUfi)4ier bcttet fecAings if she had jpj, to mak| sho|t ^p^with

Thia^ms tbo ootlines of the thoughts that drifted through his mind he meant Dave's good, he said to himself, and yet beneath all, latent uncoufessed even to himselC waa the curiosity to seepie vfcmAiTwho li5l Siieli *v poCv orfutinfl« ov* Ilia brother^ tic «!t#tft«s ami he made up his mind the next morning exctrse ready, he had a beautiful bay filly that was a perfect match for one she had, together they would make a splendid pair of carriage horses, he would propose to either sell or jy. »»yn

LiJIa Cla™ lay on a room that opeipkl fflgm the jpaarlor, in a half dreamyVcvery:'%he hatfbeeh reading, but the novel had dropped from her hand to the floor, as if her own thoughts were preferable.

,£Z

a Tittle

As she lay there in thotinted light that fell through the curtains, in morning wrappv ou black caahmerer with Jipavir rfctl wHlr otvwp bright colors,« ftiil ofswfl taefe atttfe throat, the Bleev^s 1hfting back disclosing the It liny lace underalcevcs b«QMttli, \Tith a plain gold band gleaiftingthrongh, on tne fair rounded arm, the mass of dark bright ringlets, pushed bsKit ftcm harfaee, diahsvelied yet soft and alo»Ef, the dreamy, ha smile around her mouth, and in nor shut dark eye, she made an attractive i4c%ir4 Whealhe name of Mr. Huston v#aj|aniicmnCofl(slif started up. the smile and flush deepening on her face.

"ffl

Evidently she was a little surprised and disappointed when sho confronted the visitor, and when Stephen introduced

iftl welcome, a itlance of inquiry, a slight uncas:n« -us'l inharrassment, all suc- ., a. is h»r In the moment in inch .«!).•• cxt« »d her band in girlish ftanknass tov her visitor. This was Hue of *Ni Litla Sft. Claro, that sho pr(•*Tved through all the chaTttsa ana tr^aiaof her life, this girlish fe»Sor, f!Ai and iihldity h:tt paV at»r« at eaM, and llattCh)d AHil WOn their Jji.iiJftll. ^nd Ms -^went wwitiona si and nwakvnml at first, ft)r tadiMman lv nnv .«a?ans, l'iit fii-'iMti^r sonti ennli.'od Innt to IW» r,M«, -puiwmssioii. An «oon as }K.MiWel diwly atat: th !.jectof thfl pnw t.( interview. Hhe 1" uged a tie, JPn^ wiAl«it for th subject it-.td o^iorwifto mtr, and hntault«H bin fwn*os® very well, which was to must****a«4«atotatMe. -,*i

4i»waa*

ttf

Aa.-'-n tWa bwriaeaa -wraa talked or.-r. wHh iKTrneady ta4, turawl the Uon U» ligiiter topic* and he,

:uj.4fcipg

hi.'.-1

ilWptv er.aw I ture.and

«s i»n:

a d*i. 11 VP, Aed th.f liil 111 is •-vh-rn I

Kit

tOf!i" otiv ai

pn-liminnrieo find

tUt loii »ed,eacii waa

.-is ngtbeotlt r. ill!f-r. -tKNl* in fifth. (WWMji 1. Tuvc's brotha hn«mm -n ie up her mind, mere pictmse, ilitttO JSnd ln't real nio-

the day aa any man, bright and witty and interesting to can verse with, aha awakened a desire ha any one who came within the sphere of her influence, to learn more qjr her, to jpiumia and improve the acquaintance

Dave's name wfa not mentioned during this first interview, although upper•lost In the nalnda or both,- and wnen they parted was wUh a mutual deaire

be renewed.

Stephen on his part, waa also In brown study all thc&way home. Ho waa wandering on his side, what was roally her intention towards Dave. Did she roally love him, and intend to marry hiuir It could not be possible, aud yet was she merely flirting with liiiu

No one could

look

Tired of wandering, at 4engfb, desirousTVf»a quiet, settled and^happy home, such as. she had tl&^er ySt krwwn, she purchased this fkrm- of three hundred and twenty acres of the best lapd in the ate, bjiilt a tasktfnleottage, anld sertffed

TERRE ATTTE SATURDAY EVENING MJUL,

"i"" i' II" 'I I I *. -I

HJs ob»

Ill la remained in d«p some time, after ffteplien left. His object in coming she nad foiled to learn, and yet he certainly had one. He had interested her, piqued her euriosUv, caused his image fo dwell persistently in her mind fbr some time after he left her. "So that is lHTe*s brother" armwtog herself with a deep breath, as if throwing off some deep thought, anxiety or care, "How like him—yet how different, both in mind and appearance. There.is moro firmness, self-reliance and stability about him, lie would not be as easily wound around the finger of the woman that cared to do it as Dave. Shall I like him as well? Or bettor What will bo the consequence of this meeting? Homothing will oomc of it, I am sure."

in those clear, sm

core eyes, and believe sho was anything^ of a flirt. Was it mere kindness of heart, and friendliness of manner that had unconsciously and unintentionally deceived him?

How lovely she waa!' His mind ran over all the details of their meeting. Every graceful fold and sweep of her dress, her delicate slender hands, looking so while and soft in contrast with her black dress, aa they lay on her lap, her soft, silky hairadlin disorder pushed away from her ftiir, clear brow, and back or her small ears, falling at the back of her nock, and around her throat, in a confusion of waves and tendrils and curls, but nothing slovenly, and careless as gloesy, as bright in their iiioturcsgue disorder, as If sho had been brushing them all day. And the little gold cross on tho black ribbon encircling her neck, rendering it fWrer by contrast, hangiw just at tho hollow of her throat, half-hid-den by the frill of soft lace, all thodotails of lier toilet, so artless, so apparently careless and unstudied, vet so attractive, so calculated to linger in his memory how he dwelt on all these 1

It is impossible she should intend to bfetow liersolf on Davo—the poor follow has deceived liimself. Boys of his ago are so apt to imagine that every woman that looks kindly an theift, or oondoscends to converse In a friendly mannor, is in love with thom!"

Ulla St. Clare had passed through a

ger

reat deal of trying experience for ono of apparent age. Married very ybuftjf to It awtfl an^dfthy of her, during the five years of her married lifo sho had passed through everything that neglect, coldness and cruelty could inflict. During this time, she had buried two children, and crushing as wis the bereavement, sho could not griev that they were taken from the power of Kioh a man as their father.

At the ul of that time, an uncle of hers died, .oaving a large fortune to her, entirely ii her control.

Remfori'd independent, sho resolved she would suffer tho life she had no longer. She proposed an amicable separation to her husband, giving him a generous slice of her property, if he would lqavo her, consent to a divorce, and agree to trouble her no more.

Ho consented, as the property was settled on her in such a manner that he could not handle a pjin| of it without her consent, and tbift* at twenfy-one, she was left free with a large fortune.

HImi travailed in* Europe, she mingled wittf tfce &st io&efcy, she studied and read, learned music, improved and cultured herself in every way that money and tho "be&. of masters 6ould procure, and four or five vears of such a life made a great change from the Rejected, heartbroken creature, old belore her time, that she was when sho separated from her Inraband.

tentire!f-sWne, &r sli^lbadi!%» ombors ^Thtfr faiiffly^-Umwwas girl that aho had become abwith durteifi hcrunhoyjpy mua pennllessand ifi^rotected or-

phaiji dependent up6n the ehftrity at# lnpm and s^ruef AdprnOttier, Mrs. St. Cli»ei*«id always pitied h^r.aanflredher forMie patieftt and uncouUDlaiHlttg -OTf

itywith wli$h shesflalfilUwltbe dutis»«f lief WNl lot,and Idved her for1®!© sweeitwid afltilability of lid dlspoHitfan, as soott as shaAVas iu a condition-to her, sMght Iier out atxl ofierc i(*'Wlth,ber^vHSich Sfte wha

fllnk Itervico onco

they were the three we until lovo, Missions en Wrt "L_, cesrtlSKra. ir^yas not long bffiir® Si nd ^Hteitlo **». St.

wjth

KAik fb#

atu r^r,

*tmm tt«r ,»rtid u: ihe in, -.1 told hltTj, «h* waa a otw !-. him of ^t)«SR. tot her last her Iwiwm be had i. nm4ed to m««t a flirting, rr- .t,all amflesand gra«*,

S ««wck»u« «f Imp own ts«f manner. Insiead, it wann-hearted woman, XMtowmsi alfout h«r, and vnafflMMI, apparon thetopMS of sf

red her gUpflo

ajonrne^On ina-

fllng fervice oncc ona jcmrneu king a few inqulriasaho lnairitc^ tlnrtjtee a poor ofphan, dffp&imcot offHls e»Drtions for a Uving. Ploj^pd th hli appearffSWI and manners. She

Bu* Ao

servant.

rtLto bo such a gentlemanly, inttrtUy|tle fellow, so gratjiful for ovny i«im, so eager to impruvo overyaaitag«, so bright and qwttek, that olvtaito give him a finlithed educai 1 him like a son.

and treated him like a so Both of these red new, llhpuWve and Quixotic as it might

Niflkrf her kind-

httWBy, un}ted fiunily, dither warring teaed to mar ,v.

paid

ATlt-

I^iousncp aaidrt^hkir'choose a hen Daw» was atorn home.

it frotg t»«a^nowiw^Ca| his Oila exc«lle«^a|tt8, attd she sisaiied I nt his WtnliHfc as in a Uulo was whew he Mm l»r"S^^i 'hness, miwliiieC the l^fWl liUigu6^h^

mother, it wi* In "tt»o «-v

wns M|par«nt in Her

dn»esit«fc?

en, un

talked lhr* abort time of Jm rather, the at«f»oT!V anAgtiJ-

rSbWfciiagJ Ybu

1 know It i»onl«nexcuse.' «rhsps jgWb^em1 manner. tijpnofllee an:

It, if 'sri^gklliW me toy iifi|aut any SOUOf

*nrw.w

said she, Hashing

laughing to Qprry off h*»r emha and TM-rttt to be given

embarrass* saeh a tdtn remark alto

S. .- 2. ll. __i .k iimu »!.. n.«

insmly wished to dkowrar his malob"^aillTatti^n earnest about the Utam," added he. somewhat ptoasod that he bad flurried iier a little. But I am to no hurry. I can wait until you make up your mind, if In the meantime we can continue to be frienda." "I do not should not ^snd^ ^ow"^leia»nt and was, thought Stephen.

0 be frienda." ot see any reason why we the." saidahe, dropping har 1 trim of work she had in her

It was a slightly cool evening in early spring. A little wood tire burned on the heartn, and casta ehaerftil glow over her aa she sat in a low rocking chair in ai\

oppoaito corner from him. A wrapper of white mei with heavy rich silk erubroiden in front, wsa her dress, a little shawl of

roey tin the requ

). trimmed dery down

-v. le shawl of

scarlet Shetland wool around her shoulder*. a pretense of worsted work of bright-colored aephyts iu her lap, oast a

on her cheek, and supplied te color to a toilet that might

have appeared too light and chilly look log for the evening. Then there was Ihe warm, rich colors of carjiet and curtains, ihe choice pictures on tho walla, the open piano, strewed with sheets of music, all made such an attractive home scene that Stephen felt some sense was gratified that had long boon starved.

And then Ulla waa in such a merry mood to-night, tkiefo waa that in her manner that the cold censorious eyes of pruriont prudea—I thank the, Charles Ileado, fbr teaching ate that word—might have pronpunced too freo on audi short acquaintance.

But there was nothing further fhm her intention it was the innooont outpouring of her natural gayety, the effervescence of her spirits, nothfn forward about it. At any rate most dellghtfhl evening Stephen had over spent she chatted with him as freely as to a brother, played and sang fbr him, made herself as agreeable as she could, and at length, near the close of his long three hours call, wlion they had becomo as femlliar as old friends, aho apparently accidently introduced the namo of Dave.

Tho moment it had passed her lips, sho discovered that he was connected in some way with Stephen's object in comfuco darkenod slightly, and yet ho appeured to bo interested, and inclined to keep up tho conversation on the subject although it was rather a fencing oporation, each wished to discover tho feelings and opinions of the other and keop their own concealed.

Bnt there was on one side tho quick, bright woman's wit, sharpened by years of intercourse with tho world, opposed to the rather shallow nature of Stephen, and she soon gained quite an insight into his character and purposes. She saw that he was a little selfish aud self-con-ceited, spoiled by constant success in all his plans, with a great deal of confidence

Ins continued success. His object at first in coming had been curiosity, then his interest had been awakened, now he was anxious to get the inside traik of Dave, which he felt perfectly competent to do, but whether fbr the purpose of cutting him out entirely, and winning her for himself, or merely to put an end to any further danger on Dave's account, she felt unable to determine. When ho was gone, sho stood for some moments in deep thought, confronting her bright fiice in the glass, pushing her dark hair back from her brow.

Ah, Mr. Stephen Huston," said she at length to the smiling image in the glass, "I understand you and your intentions, if not as thoroughly and clearly as I would like, yet more plainly than you think. You area prig, sir, you are selfish and conceited, you think you area match for any woman, and competent to get in ahead of any man, but I will teach you a thing or two before I am done with you. To be sure you area rather handsome and attractive man, with the go-aliead-a-tive-ness that is calculated to win the heart of a woman, and a consciousness of success about you that goes a great way toward carrying out your plans, but still I like Dave, and you will find it a little harder than you think to supplant him."

CHAPTER IV.

Stephen had made considerable proress in his acquaintance with Mrs. St. Hare, before his mother or Dave had any idea of it. To his mothor's remonstrances. he carelessly replied in a manner to sit her at case. Don't trouble yourself, mother, I know what I am about."

Dave did not allude to the subject at all, as Stephen ffeared he would, for he would have been at a loss to reply to him.

But Dave was uneasy. He was desperately in love, and easily made jealous Tor he was timid and hesitating in his disposition, humble in his opinion of himself, and he could see that Stephen was a formidable rival. He was healthy, sanguine, industrious fnah, for ward in tho world, and with the prestige that continued success in all his undertakings gives. Dave had too much at stake to propose: ho feared the answer if she refused him there would be an end to nil their pleasant companion ship, and he preferred suspense to the certainty of losing her, Bui in the meantime ho was unhappy and uneasy, and not near as pleasant society as he had been, and lilla got out of patience with him. With the perversity of her sex, sho flirted more

Stephen, In the hope of 1 terms, which haa the still further discouraging and him. He could not but see that

r^y eflfect, od disheart

certainly did not mean business after his advice to him that it was merely a flirtation on his part which would soon be at an end, he hoped. Bull whatever had been Stephen"* motives itt first, he was getting more and moro in earnest. Every day spent in her society, charm ing and fesdnating as she knew how te be. strengthened his chains. And one day, when lie took hiitfsolf tperiotaJy to task to inquire what he did mean, he felt that be had gone tod for to retreat. And why would it not be a good match? She was wealthy—her ftirm of three hundred arid twenty acres, joined to his of the santo alafc, would make a splendid form of splandid land. \Y bat if sho was apt the kind of woman he had always inUwied to marry—a hard-work-ing, stirring woman lute his mothor? With her means added te his, ho could afford to keep her without wort And wiiat a deligatfttl companion she was! An educated, wttt|r woman, with her warm heart, her genial manner, $b« was calculated to make a happy bome.ifste lilted her hand to work. Tna never was tho way matter. How have looked

la whic

whieh he viewed the would nttjr Date his uncalctdati

*r diffcre at It, In

passionate, impulaive manner, he would nave only titooght he loved her, and af» tor consorineneS would not have eatered his mind. Ami la another manner how differently he act«Kl from poor Dare's vacillation and heaitaUon. With him to fonolTe was to ao ahead. When he made up his mindthat he wanted her. the next step was to find out whether lie could get her, and nut an end to indedsiou or su^peusc, Awl^he waa a

little afraid that Dave might get ahead of him, and propose first, Lilla was a little surprised at Stephen's proposal. Tis true doe expected ft, but not soon, fiftw had come to Hke his sunny, aood-natared temperament, and she cottld no? resolve to gfae him up entirely. so she bemed time to consider.

All right," sna h*,dMerfbllv. "But do not as ou did aooat the horses, which is not settled yet. I cannot wait so long tor my answer now, I have a little more at stake."

And tills St. Clara did consider seriously for three days. At first, she did bot think shs wisl)ed to mjurry at all. Sho was independent and her fim marital experience was not so pleasant as to encourage her to repeat the experiment. But she was young yet, and woman's heart longs fbr some one to love, and lean on,—friends, dogs, horses, proteges, love them ever so muck, do not fill and satisfy a woman's heart, like a man's— a husband's love. Iier life looked lone-

prsforred him to Stephen, but he had appeared so oold and indifferent ot late, he'had not proposed, and Stephen had, and during all this time of inaiciaion on

his part, he did n^t make his appaarauce at ail—if he had, be iui«ht have had some influence, it waa no use to think about him.

Truth to tell, she felt a little out of patience with him, she had fkvored him, giving hint more encouragement than sho ever had Stephen, and yet he had not taken advantage or it, timid, filtering, hesitating, he had allowed someone else to step in and win the prize he might have had. She did not believe he cared much for her any how, he did not act as if he did, she would teach him a lesson, she would not stand aud wait until he mado up his mind whether he wanted her or not, and then accept him—no, her mind was made up now, she would accept of Stephen.

Stephen felt a little remorseful and conscience-stricken, tliat evening as was going to call on Mrs. St. Clare, an* receive his answer. He felt tliat he had not treated Dave exactly right, he knew that he loved her, before ho ever knew her, and now he had slipped in and supplanted him. But he consoled himself with the idea, that Dave was too slow, he was not prepared to marry—any how all is fair in love or war, he wanted her and he was going to have her, if he could get her. But after his call that evening, when ho had received his affimative answer, he went home on air, conscientious scruples troubled him no longer. He dreaded a little the storm he knew he would encounter, when it became known at home, and for that reason resolved to have it soon over, so the next morning at the breakfast table, he announced his engagement in as few words with ss little circumlocution as possible.

He knew Dave would be hurt—perhaps angry*, but ho was a good-natured easy fellow, besidc-s.he had always been aocustomedf to givirfg up everything to Stephen.

Do you know what you are Stephen Huston" cried he, as pale as death. "You are a scoundrel and a rillian. You knew I loved her, and yet you advised me against her, so you could sneak in and steal her yourself. I have seen you dnrjust so, in a. horse trade, deprecate the very horse you wanted so vou could get a good bargain. That is like you—all your life you have had the advantage, our father left you the best and bulk of his property, mother's love and favor and partiality has always been yours all our lives, I have worked for you to beatify and add to Mie value of our place. I was a fool for doing it, I _:now, but this was all I asked or cared for in the world, her love, and I mi$ht have had it, had you not stole in like tho thief you are—you have ruined my life—crushed all my pridoand ambition —mother" cried he turning to her and rising to his feet, his passion rising too, "make the mow of your favorite son hereafter, for he & the only one you have left. I hope God will strike me dead if I ever put foot in this house again, I hope my hand will fall palsied from my shoulder if it ever clasps his in friendship again, that my tongue will fall out, if it ever speaks another word to him as long aa I live," and shaking his mother fiercely aside, who had thrown her arms around him, and was trying to pacify his uncontrollable rage, and get him to remain, he ruslied madly out.

Lilla St. Clare was sitting idly at the piano, carelessly going over the notes, without playing anything, when Dave buret in upon her. He had cooled down some during his walk, besides sho was a woman, ana one that lie loved, he could not be very angry with her.

I have heard the news of your engagement" said he, bitterly, tho first words ho spoke.without replying to her timid deprecating goodrmomUag, OT taking the offered seat. "And I called to offer my congratulations. May you both be as happy. as you deserve to be. May you never think of one you have deceived and treated cruelly, for it might cast a shade on ypur happiness."

Oh Davo"—began she, the tears rising to her earnest dark eyes. "As for him"—interrupted he. working himself into a passion again, looking into her face, thinking how he loved her, and how hebatedihim, "he knew I loved you before he did, and he has robbed mo of tho love that might have been mine, I don't see what happiness you can promise yourself with him, ho is grasping and selfish, all his lifo he has had everything I cared for—before ho ever here, be tried to persuade me that you were not a suitable wife for me —but you suit him ft seems"—his voice faltering and breaking down with passion and emotion, so much crowded upon Mm to say at onee, that ho could not speak with coherence. «Oh Dave," repeat*! UHa/pale death trembling flrom head to fool, ynt thinking there was mors to admire aljout him, mors of a man when roused than slio had «v» «8en befbm "Why did yon Mb speak If yoa loved met HowVas I to know it?"

Yoe knew it—yon cannot deny you did. Actions and ioofes speak fonder than words, and you knew I lored toe ground-you walked upon, and yet you could east me aside and take him, behe is wealthy, because his farm

loins yours, and together would make a splendid farm, because he has a beautiful little horse that is a match for yours —such petty r*nd sordid motiv«i~-ai«t 1 —I have nothing I They told me, Stephen and my mouk,.thai' youwerg just flirting with mefaftd I Would not bolieve ft, HOW ram enough, sir," said lilla, the riding to her cheek, anger succeeding to pity, and the feeling that sh® did not care to anaiywr to hereclf when he avwed that he loved. "It is too late fbr vott to come into my house and abuse the man I have promised to marry. What I mightteve aiaweredyoujhad YOU proposed, it Is not worth wnlle to talk about now. There might have been a time when I preferred vou to all the world"—her voice faltered and tho tears row to her eyes again. "When I acted so, it was so, 'tis not my nature to act one thing and mean another, whatever may be my faults, I am at least sincere* bat that time is past, you were too esay —too confident—too secure. You ap-

peaiad to Udak whenavar you made ay youjrmlnd I was

sssia&iWr

Cations to you, I have not SetM Wrongly towards yoa, you have not treated me exactly right, but I j*a mot see whut reason you have to be anny with me." "None at all—Ulla—Mrs. St. Chan forgive me if under a sense of wrong, I have said too much. It was not because I was too confident, bnt because I waa too diffident that I did not speak sooner. Forgive me before I go, I may n«versee you again."

What I Are von-going away?" riS

1,01

Mid see yon

I am sorry," as she extended her

Must yougo?" not remain without coveting my brother's wife.: tiood-byc," and be wrung her hand, and rushed away, while she indulged in a pa#aonat* mir8t of tears after ne was gone.

And for some days and weeks after be bad gone, she fait a sejase ot loss, hja society, the expectation of seeing him every day had bee she thoutt)

been mote to her than

ught, she fait a yearning of pity

and affection towards him, ana undefined anger and talon towards her promised husband.

But he soon regained his influence over her, his sunny presence was thero everyday,the courtship went oji,and poor Dave—wandering and heart-brok-en, was apparently forgotten. But not entirely so. Stephen thought of him occasionally with a twinge of conscience, but he never mentioned his name. Mrs. Huston thought of him too—poor boy, he was her sou and she felt tliat he had been hardly treated. Shs did not liko this woman, she bad always thought her a flirt and coquette, and now she knew it. She had flirted with Dave and thrown him over and acceptcd Steuhen because he was tho wealthiest, Ifone of her bovs had to be sacrificed, she would ratlierit had been Dave. It would bo a good thing for him, a good home, and settled income, and he wonld never make one for himself.

And thcu Stephen perhaps would bavo married a woman tliat suited her better. But she dared not remonstrato with him. He felt he had been a little Inconsistent, and would sternly check her when she began. "I know my own business best, I am my own man—I will do aa 1 please," replied he defiantly and decidedly.

And Lilla thought of him oftener than sho would have cared to acknowledge. Their last interview, stormy and painful as it was, gave her a strange thrill of pleasure when she thought of It, his passionate declaration of love, hopeless as it was, her sense of power, although it pame too late, gratified some feeling tliat she dared not try to define. Some faculty of her nature felt lonely and yearning and starved after he was gone. And in spite of hcrselfl she found herself making comparisons between tho two. when Stephen in the unrestrained freo* dom of their intercourse became more careless and suffered faults to appear that struck her disagreeably. Ho was rather brusque sometimes, and playfully meaning no harm would venture on a slight disapproval of her conduct or appearance more like a husband than a lover, and it touched the anprobativo» ness that waa a part of Lilla nature, rather harshly.

She was very sensitive to the opinion of those she loved or trie please. A woman of a different dia tion this trait in Stephen would not displeased at all, she would havo taken it, as it was meant as a proof of lovo and care, and tender interest in her.

But she thought how different with Dave. Everything she did, or said, or wore, was perfect in his eyes, he would not have it different. He was of that bumble, self-distrustfhl nature, with an admiration and respect for those -he loved that forebore the least criticism of nything they saw fit to do.

Another thing,

hen did not liko

Paul and Grace. LSfla had loved and been kind to them before she knew him, and a jealousy and dislike of them would appear at time& in spite of his efforts to conceal it, and Lilla feared that when he assumed authority there he would make it disagreeable for them.

In short, she began to feel that bo was jealous of every ting that interested her. that threatened to engross her thne ana attention to tho exclusion of himself. He did love her with all his heart, bnt he was selfish and exacting in his lovo, and the woman that married him, if she loved him, and tried to please him would gradually give up everything else in her efforts to satisfy the growing exactions of his selfish lovo—if she did nftt love him, would fret her heart out in rebellion against his tyranny, -v!•*

CHAPTERT.

Lilla lay one evening1 in the twilight on a Sofa just inside the large window, that opened on the porch. (J race and Paul were on tho outside unconscious of her proximity.

Where is Dave?" said Pattl far a low tone. Is ho gone for good

Ho is gone evidently," said Grace, in the same subdued voicc. "I don't kuow whether it is for good or not."

It promises no good to TJB, I am afraid." said Panl at length after a ughtful pause.

Which aid you like best Grace, of the two brothers.' It does no* make the least difference Paul which we like best, for of course if Mrs. St. Clare is to marry it will be the ono sho likes best, but I cannot but regret thatshe did not prefer Mr. Dave Huswm, for I believe he would have made it plaasanter for us alL" And Lilla as she lay there in the darkening evening hour, that predisposed to regretful remem-

voice, and' treated him, thought so too, and wept passionate, remoreefbl team.

He wasgone, no onekiww wher»jand she was eugaged to his brother. Why? Because of his wealth? Did she not already have enough Because the world thought ft a better match? What did she oars for the opinion of the world, if home? Because believed sho «,*. «U, ne'eii-do-weil as ha was. Had he ever in his life had any encouragement fo be otherWise? And she, the woman that lomi him, 'that had more influence over him than any one else, could, have made ft man out of him, she had cast him on, had" treated him worse than anyone else. Cbuld sho ever forgive herself?

The next morning was a lowering day, a cloudy, sulty, heavy atmw^hei^ depressing to the spirits. Ulla nad passed.

Sh®waB still at the breakfast table, in her •wmrmer her hair simply brushed and hanSng loosely about bar neck when. mood ho was in, proud, hopefhl, nlavfulJarred on her feelings. Do not these Intensely healthy, energetic people who always feel well, always In a goods humor, always rise early, and ready tor [OOKCLCDKD 0» BBVKNTH PACK.] .f Jfi