The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1856-02-13

was gayer than usual. No wonder tha
} her mother-good, unobservant soul
: believed that she was happy in her re
lease from the tie that bound her.
!. A few evenings had passed, and Bea
trice stood in the little sitting-room
dressed for party. Never had sh,
looked more beautiful than now, in he
simple white dress, with its crimson rib
bons, and red rosebud in her hair
Mrs. Lancaster looked at her in admira
tion; nor was she alone in her apprecia.
tion of her child's loveliness.
She was the bell of the evening al
Mrs. MERGERS, and not even the youth.
full heiress, in honor of whom the party
had been made, and to whom Louis Mer-
edith was said to be afianced, could di-
vide the honors of belleship with her.
| It had been we'll known throughout
the village that Beatrice and Louis
Meredith had been engaged, and the
fact of their separation was equally we'll
understood; but though she was mar
rowly watched, no look or gesture be-
trayed that she had been moved by the
sundering of the tie.
She was surrounded by admirers; she
had smile for this one, a command for
second, and merry words for others;
and, as if attracted by some irresistible
charm, Louis Meredith lowered near
her; even when talking with his afi-
anced bride, Therese Benedict, he heard
every word that fell from Beatrice's
lips, and saw her every motion.
His eyes flashed angrily as he saw her
smilingly receiving the attentions offered
her, and contrasted the manner toward
all with the careless "Good evening"
with which she met him her cheek
had not flushed at his greeting, her hand
had not trembled in his grasp, and he
was piqued by her evident indifference;
he was jealous, too, and almost guashed
his teeth with rage when he saw her ap-
parently listening with the deepest at
tention to the half whispered words of
Ralph Mercer, the only son of their host,
the wealthiest man in the village.
Louis looked at Beatrice, and then at
Therese-the one poor village school
teacher, and the wealthy daughter of
distinguished lawyer-and he could but
how far superior, in beau
ty, grace and talent, was the humble
teacher he had discarded to his afianced
bride.
His eyes were opened. He knew that
he still loved Beatrice, and that without
her money Therese would have been ut
terly Indifferent to him.
He could bear it no longer. He ST ole
as soon as possible to Beatrice's side,
and said D few words on her coquetry
and heartlessness
She turned her large flashing eyes
full upon him with look of contempt.
Mr.. Meredith forgets himself" she
replied, coldly; his opinion is utterly
to me. What right has he
to criticize my conduct ?''
She waved her hand in token of dis |
and he left her, with a strange |
mixture of love and anger in his heart
as he saw her again, the center of cir
Gle of admirers, full of life and anima-
tion. The hours few rapidly, and when
at last the gay company departed, Louis
saw, with bitter jealousy, that Ralph
Mercer was the devoted attendant of |
MS discarded Beatrice; and he sought
his home, angry with himself and with
The world.
The excitement of the evening was
over, and alone in her chamber Beatrice
thought of all that had passed. She had
but, alas what an aching
leart had been hidden under that exte-
ior
She had loved Louis Meredith with
Ill the ardor of her passionate but re-
erved nature, and not so easily could
he thrust him from her heart The
struggle to appear happy, to deceive all
Lbout her with show of Indifference,
vas too much for her. She lopged to
'e away, and right gladly she accepted
! lucrative offer ta. take charge of
'chool in the large town of Montford,
where she might escape the sight of Lou
$, the reports of his approaching mar
.iage, and the Argus eyes of whole
'illage.
Mrs. Lancaster made TO objections
% the proposed removal, and ere long
Beatrice and her mother left Langdon
brewer.
Is Mr.. Irving in ?" asked young
nan, evidently stranger. entering the
arge establishment of Messrs. Irving
Z Co., the most successful of the many
uccessful in Montford.
8: He is, sir" was the reply of the
Jerk addressed. aStep this way, sir,
nd 1 will show you to the counting
oom."
Treading his way through boxes and
,ales of goods. the gentleman followed
is guide, and was ushered into the
DOM.
llr. Irving was seated at his desk.
usily engaged in writing. He looked
p as the boy approached him, and, see
/
ng the stranger, exclaimed:
/" All, Meredith, how are you ? Take