Smyrna times., 1859-10-13

observation OF Harry, and he went on rathe
roguishly:
"And do you know that it takes qualities c
a very high order to makes good musc-teach
er! There must be patience, quickness of per
ception, firmness, enthusiasm for the art; al
these are necessary requirements, and all thes
| can discover in Miss Bryan's face. Do yo
not see irmness in her well formed mouth, en-
thusissm in her large eyes"
40, do not go on, Mr.. Stephens!" said Hell
en-, interrupting him with forced laugh. :"
am no physiognomst But you were asking
me to play something a little while ago.
have just remembered something which | all
sure you will like" She seated herself at tht
instrument, and as her white fingers glanced
over the keys, he could not help smiling at he
jealousy of Agnes.
In the meantime Agnes drew near, and stood
quiet listener with the group which now sur
rounded the piano. Helen played with brili
ancy and almost faultess grace of execution
but Harry looked in vain for that enthusiasm
which he had predicted in the calm eyes o
Agnes Bryan. She felt what he did not per.
celve until a few minutes later, that Heller
played as well as one could who had not sou
enough to comprehend more than the mechan
cal part of music.
Miss Bryan, you must favor US now," he
said, when Helen, looking quite radiant with
the consciousness of the admiration she must
have excited rose from the piano. Agnes hesi'
tated single moment, then blushing, seated
herself at the instrument.
What a touch succeeded the rattle and dash
of Miss Fowler's performance The very fra.
grance Of music breathed through the silent
room, for, as the first low, floating accents
swelled into the grand and deep, then melted
again to liquid. flowing harmony, a stiffness
iell over all, and they listened with hushed
hearts to the voice of the true melody. Harry
felt the difference in the two players, and felt
the cause too, lying deep down in the charac-
ters of both.
She rose quietly. aud before he could thank
her she had glided away. He paused a mo-
ment, seeking her with his eyes, and then the
ringing voice Of Helen called him TO another
part of the room.
We are talking about woman'S rights. |
don't believe in them. don't think it belongs
to woman to earn money! she said gayly.-
/" Do you. Mr. Stephens !'~
81 think she has a perfect right to earn it il
she needs ii" he replied and must confess
prefer to see young ladies who are not veal
thy engaged in some profitable employment,
rather than living lady at home."
Oug IL uO6S uOJ lOOh WGIl' odlu ouCt lOSS-
ing her pretty head. 81 prefer to see them
contented with their lot for it looks avaricious
in a woman to earn money"
"Is there avarice in trying to help oneself
rather than be burden !" asked Agnes Bryan,
who, unseen by Harry, had stood near, and
whom these cold words had stung, perhaps not
unintentionally. Is there avarice in prefer
ring industry and independence to idleness and
want!"
Miss Fowler's eyes flashed for "a moment
haughtiy on Agnes, but Harry prevented hel
from replying.
al agree with Miss Bryan" said he. The
true object of life, both TO male and female, ii
improvement, and we all know that this is nevel
to be gained by idleness."
"Perhaps Miss Bryan would not only like tC
work with the men, but to vote with them =
said Helen.
" No." said Agnes, answering the sarcastic
tone with one Of calm sweetness, " think tina
q true woman's influence is worth more thar
her VOTE"
Helen answered only with look of disdaiD
and she turned haughtIly away, leaving the ar
gument unfinished. Hsrry's first impulse wal
to follow her, but he paused ln that momen
of his indecsion two pictures rose vlvldly before
his ina gination. One was home made splen
did by the presence and the wealth of an heir
ess home of fashion and brIlliancy. tn,
regning queen of all this magulticence was al
elegant woman, an ornament at The table ant
in the drawing room of her house-a star II
the society which futtered admiringly roun
her. The picture dazzled, but he turned away
and turning, saw another vision.
! He saw a home with freside in it-with
deep, hsly. quiet heart reigning and diffusn
brightness there. He saw a noble, wOmanl
mind unfolding into more perfect richness yea
after year, and spirit blending more and NOR
harmoniously with his own. Fate held befor
him in that moment golden bauble and a pur
pearl, and whispered:
Which shall give you-wealth or worth?
Good angels helped him, and he chose tn
pearl.
Years after, saw Harry in his home, an
found his vision more than realized. He ha
risen to eminence in the city to which he ha
removed, but Agnes was still the flower of b
| nd hio ri