Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1855-05-31
CHAPTER II.
RETRosPEcTIoN.

CHAPTER II.
RETRosPEcTIoN.
We must 60 back for moment and give
some recount OF tie Aubrey family, OF which
we have already learned something from the
conversation OF Gerald.
Allan. Aubrey, Gerald's uncle, was the ell
dest Of two sons and as such received the pat =
rimOniGl estate as his portion OF the inher-
lance, while to his younger brother was given
an equivalent sum in money. The latter,
with the capital Thus acquired, went 10 the
Indies in the hope OF greatly increasing it by
successful speculation. But what had proved
= mine Of wealth 10 some, turned only TO his
disadvantage. His Speculation, proved uni
formy unfortunate, and OF the end of ten
years he died, leaving behind him son of
ten years. the Gerald Of whom we have spo.
ked, and barely enough money 10 enable him
t reach his uncle, TO whose kindness he
entrusted him. Under the care ofa friend of
his fathers GeIald reached his destination,
an1 received warm welcome from his uncle,
who was OF generous, hoSpiiable nature. -
The latter was more pleased 10 see him be-
cause his similarity Of age would render him
an acceptable companion 10 his son Edgar,
who, like Gerald, had the misfortune 10 be
deprived of his mothers care. His anticipa-
tlons, however, were not fully realized. The
little Gerald soon exhibited indications Of a
headsuong disposition, and desire to dom
inesr over his companion, which his cousin,
with the sturdy independence peculiar TO
BOYS, manfully resisted. ! huS, instead Of
companions they proved antagonists, and the
father was often called upon 10 assume the
office Of peacemaker
Both boys were sent 10 the same schnol, ,one
which afforded high advantages 10 those de-.
Srous 10 learn. Gerald, however, showed lit
tie inclination 10 study, being much more dis
posed 10 join in mischeviouS schemes design
ed 10 disturb the tranquility of the school, or
bring ridicule upon the teacher, than in his
legitimate studies.
Al length 10 such pitch did Gerald carry
his miSchevious propensties. formal complain,
was made 10 his uncle by the teacher OF the
school with which he was connected, with
the iniimation if he preserved in his course
il would be necessary to resort 10 expulsion.
His uncle summoned Gerald TO an inter-
view, in The course OF which he took occns-
ion to diruIge what had until now been kept
from him, that his father left nothing, and tina:
he was dependent for his education, even for
his daily food 10 his uncle.
This communication came like sudden
and unforeseen stroke upon Gerald, turning
he current of his childish thoughts lfnr he
was as yet but fourieen) into the calculating
channe Of premature manhood Once taught
to believe that he must carve out his fortune
with his own hand, there came 20 him, not
the spirit of manly enterprise and determna-
ton 10 be and do something, which, perhaps,
his uncle had hoped would follow, but, frS:,
| a feeling Of envy amounting 10 haired toward
his cousin idgar, wbose fortunes were To be
so much greater than his own and, secondly
a fixed resolve TO achieve wealth and power
for himself. How, was as yet underlined. His
uncle'S remonstrance had at leaSt one good
ehect-Gerald alioreed no more occasion for
complaint at school. He stood purposely aloof
from his companions with whom he had for
meTly linked himself. lie was already pon
dering on The problem of his own future.-
He applied himself TO study, which he had
heTelofOre neglected, partly because he had
learned that knowledge was one OF the main
requisites 10 that which he coveted partly
also 10 conciate the favor Of his uncle, in
| whose good graces he thought fit 10 ingratiate
himself. Possibly The feeling of Jealousy
which he had already began to entertain to-
wards his cousin, prompted him in such a
measure, since this feeling could receive u de-
gree of tral fica;ion from superiority Of scEol-
orshp. In this he was successful. He was
by nature gifted with a quicker insight into
things, more retentive memory than Edgar
and was enabled 10 outStTip him in his STU
dies.
Meanwhile, Edgar, who was OF generous
disposition, far from being dspleased with his
cousins success, was graifed by it, aad did
not fail 10 in(olm his father, VINO was equally
pleased. In the couIse Of lime, therefore,
Gerald acquired no small aScendency o&B his
uncle and cousin, who, frank and open them
selves, could not suspect that Gerald profess
slonS Of affection were prompted by no nober
motive than his own interest.
At the distance Of mile, on the estate con-
tiguons TO that OF Mr.. Aubrey, lived q gentle
man, who, aller lapse Of live years, had not
recovered from the grief with Which he had
been overwhelmed al the death Of his wife.
tlenceiOnb his affections were centered in his
dLu liter, lively brunette OF nineteen, whose
face nd manners recalled most vivdly the
in OF his lost wife. HELEN Allonby wos
it, u;h gifted with no ordinary aiiraclionS.--
TINS ntilber Gerald nor Edgar were long in
discovering. But The former forbore giving
any indications of his love. He bded his time.
Sometimes, however, when he observed his
cousin walking with Helen, a dark frown
would pass over his brow, an1 he would bite
his lip tierce!y. Edgar TOOK no notice Of this.
lie was too much occupied with his own feel =
Ings, and the thought lie had a rival in his
own cousin never once crossed his mind,