The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1856-05-21

thinks it good one. Mr.. Blanchard, the book
seller would employ me as clerk at very lib
eral salary; one that would enable me, with
strict economy, to support my mother and my
self, as well as to assist Charlie in the prosecu
ton of his studies
! The blood rushed to Herbert's face. CLARA
Lyman selling books behind counter! Never!
he exclaimed Never will consent to it,
In vain Clara reasoned mildly; he would not
hear word, but grew more and more angry
with Mr.. Wilson, Mr.. Blanchard, and at last
even with his betrothed as she was firm in he,
representation of the advantages of her plan
He can afford to give you liberal salary
when the beauty of his clerk is to bring in all
the idlers of the town to talk with, and see the
daughter of Jonas Lyman, to whom once they
would hardly have dared lift their eyes Il
you are willing to forfeit your self-respect thus
for money, have too much regard for myself
as we'll as for you, to permit it. am poor
Clara, but l am proud, and never will have il
flung in my teeth that married a shop girl
No girl who can consent thus to barter her beau
ty, grace and wit for any salary, no matter how
tempting, shall ever be my wife!'
These words stung Clara to the quick, but
she controlled herself, and said gently, what
is to become of Charlie?'
Let him accept good situation as clerk, OF
if he is too much above that, let him look out
for himself like man, instead of living on the
price of his sisters Disgrace
'Disgracen repeated Clara. Not even vou1
lips Herbert, shall couple that word with Cla
IA Wvman's name! | consider it rather ar
honor to be able, by my own honest industry
TO aid my brother to place himself in a position
where he can not only help himself but his
mother and sister. | am willing to sacrifice {
little in the present. for so great future good
I think, with you, that it would be unjust te
expect you to assist him just now as you are
situated. But I see clearly my duty, as hope
you, too, soon will do after a little reflection
and, God helping me, I will do it,
After all l have said that is your decision?
said Herbert, in voice choked with passion
Clara bowed assent.
Since you prefer the brother to the affianceo
husband--since you despise my humble home
and will have none of my worthless advice,
will no longer stand in your way. Miss Ly
man, bid you farewell!'
He turned, and strobe from the room. Glare
stood speechless, looking after him with stony
fearless eyes; then. as his footsteps died away
she gasped, 'Oh, Herber' and sank, half faint
ing, into her chair.
Could it be that be had left her in anger
He was hasty, and did not really mean wha
he had said He would be with her early il
the morning, and all would be right again.
With such thoughts she consoled herself ant
waited impatiently for the next.day.
P,,t tbo ar naSSpH
succeeding days, and vet he had not come A
last Clara hardly dared hope for a reconcilia
ton, and, with sad heart, though outwardly
cheerful, she entered on her duties as clerk
Mr.. Banchard's.
Her brother had, at first, been unwilling tt
owe his education TO her, but her persuasion
and arguments had prevailed, and he wa
again pursuing his studies. Her mother-tee
bic and broken-s sprited-spent her days IL
moody melancholy, and gave herself little trou
BILE about the affairs of her children, since Clar
assured her all was going on we'll
All her trials, (and they were not few, Clar;
bore alone She felt keenly the Sights she re
ceived from former frends-the utter obliv
iousness of her presence, she met them in the
street, or the naughty stare that she encoun
tered from those who had once been proud t(
receive a bow from the heiress-Miss Lyman.
All these, and similar petty, but no less sting
inc annoyances, she bore in silence, and by de-
grees, they lost their power to distress her.
Hardest of all to bear was Herbert Montague's
avelted look and cold bow. She felt now, that
indeed his resolution never to marry shop-glr
was unalterable; that they parted forever, and
she strove to accept her fate with fortitude.
Vain regrets were useless. She devoted her.
self to her duties with renewed zeal, and soon
! found that there is, indeed, no cure for sadness
like occupation.
| Five years had passed. During the last two
Charlie Lyman had assumed the title and dlgni-
ty of doctor, and had been en,inentIy successful
as practitioner in the thriving little city of Mil
nor He had now home to which to invite
his mother and sister, and for more than year
they had resided with him.
1t was beautiful summer morning, and old
Mrs. Lyman, Clara and Emma, the three
months bride of doctor Lyman sat together in
the pleasant sitting room. ~.
Emma, a pretty delicate and girish creature,
held pencil in her hand, while paper laid on
the table before her. Size was writing a list of
names for small party which she was about to
give.
who next?' she said, pausing. .....
Have you got Jane Sullivan DOWN. asked
old Mrs. Lyman, rousing up from short nap,
just in time to hear her daughter law S
question.
'Oh no, ma. replied Emma, smilingly. 1
shouldn't think of asking her
why not?' insisted the old lady, with whom
Jane was favorite. I'm sure | used to know
her folks well when they were at the top ofthe
ladder sJ
That may be, Ina. But Jane is only shop
girl now --... -. .-...' *. ..
Isn't she lady in manners, education and
refnement?' asked Clara, calmly. WAS she
not considered tire equal of any one in Minor
till misfortune rendered it necessary for her to
earn her own living?' n@.- -. .s ..=
why yes, Clara but then, you know how
these things are considered in society. like
Jane very much, and am sorry for her; but you
know how it is-there must be these distlnc
tions. What would people say i'll the met shop
girl at Mrs. doctor Lyman's?'
You forget, Emma, that your sister Clara
has been one Of that despised class a-57n
sYou. Clara!' exclaimed Emma, in astonish-