Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1856-05-03

as calm and cheerful as though nothing
had occurred to agitate her.
Flora Ormsby was spoiled beauty;
vain, passionate, and impatient of con-
troll Her mother, a weak woman, had
INDUCED her to the utmost point to which
her power of indulgence extended-but
that power was limited one. Mr.. Orms-
by, from whom his daughter inherited her
pride and wilfulness was absolute mas
ter in his own house, and nothing but
the most perfect subservience to his will
could ensure domestic harmony. His
wife, carly taught the hard lesson of a
blind obedience, had in some degree in
Identified herself for this sacrifice of
what-let the champions of the sex say
what they may--every woman dearly
loves, by striving to compass her ends
by the less honorable in this case
the most successful--mcans of cunning
and double dealing: and frequently
while to the worthy husband all seemed
smoothly sailing under his own guidance
his wife, by taking advantage of an
under-current, landing him exactly where
she wished. But it was only in small
matters that this was ventured upon. -
Mrs. Ormsby's mind was a small one,
and in little triumphs her soul delighted.
Her daughter, with more intellect than
herself, a stronger will and more irrita-
Bile temper, worked with the same wea-
pons most successfully upon both parents
and had thus ensured to herself lib
erty of action few would believe possess
ed by the daughter of the stern, I'M
compromising, and opinionated Mr..
Ormsby
Sill Flora held her father greatly in
awe. She knew that he loved her, but
it was in his own way; his love was not
in the least demonstrating, nor would it
lead him to sacrifice one cherished notion
to her happiness. But he was proud of
her-of her beauty, her talents-of the
admiration she excited-and last though
not least, of the prospect through her,
of adding to the wealth it was the great
object Of his life to amass for his descen-
dants. Three other children between
the eldest of whom and Flora there was
a considerable difference in age-eon-
fined Mrs. Ormsby good deal to her
nursery and Flora had therefore been
able for several months to receive the
visits of her lover-to whom she had en-
gagged herself during her absence from
parental surveillance-at an hour when
she knew the occupation of both would
prevent their observing upon their fire.
quency.
Ever since this engagement had been
contracted, Charles Glover, to whom, as
we have seen, the very thought of pur-
suing devious path was abhorent, had
been urging upon the woman whose
beauty and apparent worth had gained
his warmest affections, the necessity OF
revealing its existence to her parents.
But this step Flora could not be induced
to take. She knew her father had sci
his heart upon wealthier sutton; she
knew, too, that this was matter in
which her mother fully sympathized with
him-and even if she had not, it was
one in which she would not dare to OPP
pose his will she had therefore drawn
her lover on, day after day, hoping, as
she said, that something might turn ut
that would be more favorable to his suit.
What this something was, Charles
vainly essayed to discover. With the
exception of a very small patrimony, he
was entirely dependent upon his own
talents and industry for his support. lie
had no rich relations who could possibl,
die and leave him a fortune, and he saw
no other end to his clandestine courtshir
than in the open and manly avowal Of
his wishes TO Mr.. Ormsby, whom he
knew to be a strictly honorable man, and
one whose preiudices against him, il
such existed, might, he hoped, in time
be overcome.
In addition to his other trials, Charles
had the almost nightly misery of behold.
ing the object of his affections receiving
the devotion of others, while he was pre-.
vented paying her more than the com
monest ciyilities; and while he-who.
though noble, was, like most strong
characters, rather impctuous-w gnash-
ing his teeth with jealousy, and suffering
species Of martyrdom that, instead OF
glory, brought humiliation as its reward
she was really enjoying the adulation
that was offered her, and doing her best
to attract it.
We can scarcely say to what Flora
looked forward as the termination of her
engagement. She had vague idea that
she could in some way get round her
father-buthow she had scarcely thought.
Then, there was something so delightful
in carrying on secret affair; indeed, a
clandestine marriage would not in any
degree have disturbed her ideas of filial
duty; and the horror expressed by Charles
at the thought Of it had been no slight
modification to her vanity. She also
loved dearly to feel her power. TO sec
strong man FESTIVE under calling chain
her will had imposed on him. was a real
satisfaction to her; and, fully determined
always to govern him, she had no idea il
should be speedily relaxed. She there
fore had made up her mind that their
engagement should continue secret one
and, by obstinately adhering to her first
intention, hoped to reduce Charles to
obedience. There was, in consequence,
though much real anger at his OPPOSE
ton to her, some "method in her mad
ness" she did not regret their alterca-
ton in the least, and, convinced thaf'the
next day would bring him penitent to
her feet, she gave herself up to her usual
occupations and enjoyments.
Ruf the naxt dav roaeed ond H. l.,