Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1859-10-01

have just remembered something which am
sure you will like" She seated herself ut the
instrument. and as her white fingers glanced
over the keys, he could not help smiling at
her jealousy Of Agnes
In the meantime Agnes drew near, and stood
quiet listncr with the group which now sur.
rounded the piano. Helen played with brill
fancy and almost fantless grace of execution,
but Harry looked in vain for that enthusiasm
which he had predicted in the calm eyes of
Agnes Bryan. She felt what he did not per-
cciyc until few minutes later, that tlclcn
played as we'll as one could who had not soul
enough to comprehend more than the mcchan-
icnl part of music.
"MisS Bryan, you must favor us now," he
said, when Helen, looking radiant with the
consciousness Of the admiration she must have
excited rose from the piano. Agnes hcstatcd
a single moment, then blushing, seated her
self ut the instrument.
! What Il touch succeeded the rattle and dash
Of Miss Fowlcr's performance! The very
fragrance ormusic brcathed through the silent
room, for, as the first low, floating accents
Swcllcd into the grand and deep, then melted
again to liquid, flowing harmony, n stiffness
fell over all, and they listened with huShcd
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-
tvrS Of both
She rose quietly, and before he could thank
her she had gllcd away. lie paused mo-
mrnt, seeking her with his eyes. aud then the
ringing voice Of Helen called him u another
part of the room.
"Wc are talking about womnn's rights. I
don't believe in them. don't think it belongs
| In unnon IN norn YnOnnv y che cniI nm viz -
"Do you, Mr.. Stephens?"
81 think she has perfect right to earn it
if she needs it," he replied: "And I must
confess prefer to see young ladies who arc
not wealthy. engaged in some profitable en-
plOymcnt, rather than living idly at home"
"Oh, it does not look well !" said she toss
ing her pretty head. IL prefer TO see them
contcntcd with their lot, for il looks avarcous
in woman to earn money"
ais there avarcc in trying to help ones sell
rather than DC n burdcn!' asked Agnes Bryan,
who, unseen by Harry, had stood near, and
whom these cold words had Stung, perhaps
not nnintrntionGlly. Is there avaricc in
prcfcning industry and independence to idle.
ness and want ~
Miss Fowlrr's eyes flashed for n moment
haughtily on Agnes, but Harry prevented hcI
from replying.
81 agree with Miss Bryan" said he "Tht
true object of life, both to male and female, i.
improvement, aud we all know that this is
never to he gained by idlencSS."
"Pcrhaps Miss Bryan would not only like
to work with the men, but to vote with them!'
said Helen.
"No," said Agnes, answering the sarcastic
tone with one OF calm sweetness, I" think
that true woman's influence is worth more
than her vote"
Helen answered only with look Of disdain
and she turned haughtily away, leaving the
argument unfinished. Ilarry's first impulse
was to follow her, but he paused In thai
moment Of his ndccision two pictures ROSE
wildly before hIs imagination. One was {
home made splendid by the presence and thu
wealth Of an hcircss; n home of fashion anC
brillancy. The reigning queen of all thi!
magniiiccnce was m elegant woman, an Orna
mcnt at the table and in the drawing-room o.
her houSe-a star in the society which flut
tered ndmirngIy ronnd her. The picture
dazzlcd, but hc turned away, and turning, saw
another vision.
lie saw home with flrcsidc in it-witl
n deep, holy, quiet heart rcigning and difI'usinG
brightness there lie saw noble, wOmanlN
mind unfolding into more perfect richness
year nitcT ycnT, anu u spirit OlenulhS uoTt
and more tremendously with his own. Fate
held before him in that moment golden bau
bic and pure pearl, and whispered:
(Which shall give you-wcalth or worth?'
Good angels helped him, and he chose The
pearl.
Years after, saw Harry in his home, ant
found his vision more than realized. lie had
risen to cmincncc in the city to which he had
removed, hut Agnes was still the flower of his
home and his heart.