The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-11-21
IN her Ian, and looked a. her daughter in

Il
: "Oh, / SEQ lovers quarrel. But 20
will make it up in day or two, and be o
- .he happier for l.. Well, well-bstser di'
" agree before than after marriage"
o Mother, - said Beatrice, " listen to me
81 | shall never marry Louise Meredith. No
10 thing on earth could induce me to do so.-
ir As said, we are parted forever; and nov
II let me beg you, never again mention hi
It name to me lot The subject never again b
}, alluded to between US; let all DO as If VI
d had never known him." Her voice soften
o cd. "Y,u will not bo sorry, mother dear
# to have your Beatrice again all your own y
I And she took her parents shrivelled hand
l fondly between her own. .If.'
{ Mrs. Lancaster was touched by this express
I sion of Tenderness for Beatrice, though o
|, most devoted daughter, in fact the only sup
port of her poor and widowed mother. rarely
, made any demonstrations of her attachment,
and this carcss, slight as it was, filed the
, mothers heart with joy. She drew her
child to her side, and kissed her tcnderly,
but Beatrice escaped from her embrace, and
saying chcerfully, care we never going to
have supper p led the way to the table,
She talked gaily during the supper. and
though she ate little, succeeded in withdraw
ing her mother attention from her want
ofappetitc.
Not the most watchful eye could have do
tected shade of sadness in her face or man.
ner that evening; indeed she was gayer than
usual. No wonder that her MOTHERHOOD,
unobscrvant soul-believed that she was
happy in her release from the tie that had
bound her. ......... .t
A few evenings had passed, and Beatrice
stood in the little sitting room, dressed for
party. Never had she looked more bcauti-
fal than now, in her simple white dress,
with its crimson ribbons and u red rosebud
in her hair. Mrs. Lancaster looked at her
in admiration nor was she alone in her mp |
probation of her child's loveliness.
She was the belle Of the evening at Mrs.
NIerccr's and not even the beautiful heiress,
in honor of whom the party had been made,
and to whom Louis Meredith was said to be
afianccd, could divide the honors of belle
ship with her. ....r
1t had been well known throughout the
village that Beatrice and Louis had been en-
gagged, and the fact Of her separation was
equally well understood; but though she
was narrowly watched, no look or gesture
betrayed that she had been moved by the
sundcrins of the tic.
She was surrounded by admirers; she had
q smile for this one, command for n second,
and merry words for others; and, as If at
tracted by some irresistible charm, Louis
Meredith hovered near her-even when talk
ing with his aiianced bride, Therese Bene-
dict, he heard every word that fell from
Beatrce's lips, and saw her every motion.
His eyes flashed angrily Us he saw her
smilingly receiving the attentions offered
her, and contrasted her manner towards all
with tho careless GOOD evening with
which she had me. him; her cheek had not
flushed at his greeting, her hand had not
treinbled in his grasp, and he was piqucd by
her evident Indifference; ho was jealous, too,
and almost gnashed his teeth with rago,
when ho saw her apparently listening with
the deepest attention to the half:whispered
words of Ralph Mercer, the only son of their
host--the wcalthiest man in the village.
Louis looked at Beatrice and then at
Theresa-thc ono a poor village school teach
er, and tho other the wealthy daughter ola
distinguished lawycr-and he could not but
acknowledge how far superior, in beauty,
grace and talent, was the humble teacher he
had discarded, to his aiianced bride.
His eyes were opened. He knew that he
still loved Beatrice, and that without her
money Theresa would have boon utterly in
different to him. ".. T's. .-
lie could bear it no longer. He stole US
soon as possible, to Beatrice's side, and said
a few words on her coquetry and hertless-
ness. . ...--
She turned her large flashing eyes full
upon him with look Of contempt.
I" Mr.. Meredith iorgets himself" sho ro-
piled coldly "his opinion is utterly indiiler-
ent to me. What right has ho to criticise
my conduct?" ,..r
She waved her h4ndin token Of dismissal |
and he left her with u strange mixture of
love and anger in his heart as hc saw her
again-the centre Of circle Of admirers full
of life and animation. The hours aew Rap.
idly, and when at last the gay Company de-
parted, Louis saw with bitter jealousy, that
Ralph Mercer was the devoted attendant of
his discarded Beatrice and no sought his
home, angry with himself and with tho
world. -. .-.r.....H r.. ....-.f f-.t.'. 4
The excitement Of the evening was over,
and alone in her chamber, Beatrice thought
Of all that had passed. She had triumphed I;
but, alas what an aching heart had bcen
hidden under that CAV exterior Ia ,a.-''
She had loved Louis Meredith with all the
arior Of her passionate but reserved nature.
and not 80 easily could abe thrust him from
ber heart. Ths struggle 10 appear happy,