White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1857-10-29
woman. it gave his thoughts suficien. Occupa.

/ 0Hu SlinOss constantly together as Eugene
and Violet, no other result than mutual .ffec.
ton could be expected, prepared too As their
hearts were BY former Occurrences for love. Vi
olet, however, was unconscious of the deem in
terest Eugene had secured himself in her aHec.
tiOn;, until one day being alone with Mrs. Bal.
lantJne, that lady gradually introduced the sub
jet Of her sons marriage. e." ''u' '''i p
It had become now" she said, /" her great
est desire to see him married; married too, to
one Of birth, fortune and education. Not mere
suitability or beauty, nor both combined would
please herr she never would consent, notwith-
standing he was 80 dear, to his uniting himself
with any one whose standing was beneath his
own"
Asshe listened, the veil which had hitherto
screened her feelings even from herself was re-
moved, the color fOrsOok her cheeks, her lips
quivered, her frame trembled, and unable to re-
ply to the solicitous inquiries of Mrs Ballantyne
at her sudden paleness, she hastily retired to
commune with her heart upon this new and pain
full disclosure. Happily, asshe supposed, her
secret was unknown, il should remain locked. in
the innermost chamber of her heart, for never
would she be instrumental in inhicting one pang
to her kind benefactress, and Eugene-and here,
crimson blush suffused her cheeks-no, he new.
er should suspect that her affections we're his
uRsOHgh!
For several days she avoided Eugene, but her
very effort to appear at ease when in his pres
ence, only made her conduct seem the more
strange.
One evening, an hour earlier than usual, she
retired to her chamber, and burying her face in
the rich cushions of the lounge, for sometime
remained in deep and painful thought. Eugene
LoUed her! yes, his Orn lips had declared it! But
fsigning an indifference she did not feel, for the
mothers sake, she had nobly refused that love,
and sacrificed her earthly happiness at the shrine
of gratitude! Occupied with her own sad
thoughts, she scarcely noticed the opening Of
the door, until hand was placed lightly upon
her shoulder. Violet raised her head, and before
her stood Nelly the Rag-gatherer.
To spring from her seat and throw her snowy
arms around the neck of the old woman was the
work of an instant.
al told you you might see me again, and
am here" said Nelly. q Now tell me, child,
what ails you, for you have been weeping"
"Oh, nothing, nothing, dear mother, answer
Cd Violet.
"You never told me an untruth when you
were a child, Violet, don't begin now. Some
thing ais y.u; speak quick and freely-teIl me
all, for l must be gone, for the first and only
time am allowed to speak a word with you"
In low and broken voice, Violet related all
her distress and its cause. When she had fin
ished, how great was her establishment, when
instead of the sympathy she had expected, a low
laugh from the old woman met her ear.
Right, right, it is as thought, ha' Ia! Ia!
the young man loves you, then! Fer all mad
ANS riches her son would consort with beg
gar; good, good! Marry him, yes, marry him;
who knows but may yet sip my tea from as
dainty thing as this. ay, and my wine too"
Amusement for some moments kept Violet
silent.
ais It possible you can be seriOus7" she at
length said. ".Weuld you have me repay all
the kindness have received with such ingrati
tudef"
Gay would I, If you call it ingratitude! But
who took care Of you when you we're almost
babyT Who saved you from dying in the street,
Who placed you here, should ike to know'"
"Oh, know you were very, very kind-nsv-
er can be grateful enough! But cannot des-
troy the expectations and blast the hopes Of
Mrs Ballantyne by accepting the hand of her
son, even though he would offer it!''
| /" And you prefer that II who have toiled
and worked for you early and late-I so old and
90 helpless-I who have looked forward to this
day as my reward-yOu prefer me to remain in
wretched poverty, rather than to disappOint this
proud madam BY doing an act which would give
me comfort and a homer
"Oh, what shall / dol what shall DOT" cried
Violet, wringing her hands. al cannot act as
you wish, and your diSpleasure is dreadful to
me-" st-. 81
Foolish, stubborn GIRL" exclaimed Nelly,
sngrily, {" take then the only alternative. have
. right to command you, and gill Leave this
house, leave all your splendOr, your fine carpets,
your beds of down, and dainty kRisk knseks;
leave all, say, and share with me the bitter
dregs of life. am old, and your white hands
must become as sallow and shriveled a. mine in
nay servies! You must of with you satins and
nuslins, and don my rags. Ha, Ia, Ia, and
dainty 5eqgsr sA.'a make" added the old wO-
man to herself.
No marble could be whittier than the face Of
Violet as she listened. For some moments she
remained immovable; her stony gaze fastened
upon the old woman. Fetching heavy sigh,
she at length said:
ayes, will go with you; I will work for you;
I will contentedly resign all this splendOr which
should not be mine, when you my kind and ear
lest friend are in misery and want. Oh, why
did you send me from you! But take me with
you, am ready"
No, not tonight To-morrOS at nine O'Clock
be at the gate, you will find it unbOltsd; in the
course of the day will be there" answered
Nelly. She then turned to depart; her hand was
already upon the knob Of the door, when again
she stopped. a
1t is not too late yet to retain all these fine
things. Think before you again decide, viii
you accept the offer Of your lOverl''
"NeUer" replied Violet firmly.
"Then you do not love him, or you would not
give him up 30 easily. don't believe In all
your fne talk about grstitude.''
| 90 M La, LIZ arri.imad the NOR s;rl