Smyrna times., 1859-10-13
MISCELLAN US.
WORTH VERSUS WEALTH.

w oH Sout
This was iae inward exclamation of Harr!
Stephens. as gayly dressed young lady passe,
by his office window one balmy May morning
Very gracefully was the mantilla folded abou
her pretty person, and very gracefully ant
daintily her light feet pressed the gravelet
sidewalk; yet there was an air of haughtines
in the carriage of her head, and in the flash o
her cold blue eyes, which was not quite so plea
SAINT to the searching glance of the young law
yer.
He had spoken truly. Helen Fowler was an
elegant girl, in face, form and mind but, as
often happens, that meagre word eIeg ant de-
scribed her thoroughly. Underneath her calm
elegance there was nothing deeper-nothlng
to be unfolded; fower-like, by the sunshine Of
friendship or love. Her education was elegant
not varied nor profound. She could speak the
French language excelently, she could dance
enchantingly. and play gracefully all the fash
ionable music of the day. In manner she was
faultless; in conversation the quckness of her
wit generally concealed the shallowness of her
brain. Her brain was shallow, aud her heart
too; yet she was an elegant grl and the only
daughter of the richest man in the hourlshing
village of Weston.
She had scarcely turned the corner whea
another young form appeared, and another light
footstep sounded beneath Harry's window
But this figure, though dressed with neatness
and grace, was not so airily robed as the heir
ess who had preceded her. nor did she bear her
self with such an air of conscious beauty
But just as she passed the window she looked
up, and eyes OF such deep, rare loveliness met
Harry's earnest gaze that his book fell from his
grasp uDheeded, and he watched her retreating
form until she was out of sight.
- Helen EOWler ia cpFtaInlv n elegant 0irl "
he said, as he paced up and down his office
floor, but Agnes Bryan is something more
Helen is rich and graceful; Agnes is poor in
worldly wealth, simple in manners, yet rich in
graces of the heart and intellect. Helen would
shine in the loftest station to which | could
ever attain Agnes would be household an.
gel to the rich man or the poor man. At which
shrine shall | bow-that of wealth or worth !'
Aud leaving him to decide this momentous
question, we will inform the reader that Henry
Stephens had lately located himself in Weston
and baing now established in business, and able
10 have home of mis- own, he was looking
about him in search of wife. Two only OF
the village girls had yet found favored place
in his thoughts-though, if the truth were told,
great many were ready TO smile upon him.
These two, Helen Fowler and Agnes Bryan,
he had met several times al the social gather
ngs of the village, and he admired both. He
had called once at the house of each, when he
was charmed by the animation and wit of the
one, and by the unaffected sweetness of the
other. Both received him graciously, for in the
eyes of both he had found favor. Though one
acknowledged this to herself boldly, the other
felt the admiration which she would not con-
fsss. Helen liked him because he belonged to
an arstocratic family, and possessed pleasing
and polished manner Agnes, 10 listening to
bis eloquent and varied conversation, had dis
covered that there was a chord in his soul and
in hers which vibrated to one and the same har-
mony.
After both graceful forms had disappeared,
Harry suddenly remembered that he was inVi-
ted to social party that evening where be
would meet the two who had lately occupied so
large space 10 his thoughts; for Helen Fow-
Ter, being the belle of the village, was always
invited, and he knew that Mrs. Temple, who
gave the party, was friend to Agnes
Z" | will choose tonight" said he, " whether
shall offer my suit at the feet of the beautiful
heiress, or at the heart of the lowly but lovely
music teacher"
AT night, if Harry Stephens had been gifted
with a pair of magic spectacles, making brick
walls and closed blinds transparent, he might
have seen Helen Fowler in her dresslng-room
Standing irresolute amid a profusion of silks
laces and jewelry. From one rich robe she
larned to another, saying softly to herself:
/" / wish knew which are his favorite colors
Thought he looked admiringly at this purple
salin the other evening, but the pale blue i
more becoming. | must look as beautiful as
can tonight, for when we were at Mrs. Gray
be actually talked an hour with that nobody
Agnes Bryan"
And with the same magic glasses Harrl
nigh. have seen Agnes Bryan giving the las
music lesson of the day to stupid pupil, VIII
either could not, or would not understand tn
spirit Of simple waltz which she was practl'
ing, but persisted in drumming it forth as If
we're q march for the battlefield. At last tn
Tired pupil was dismissed, and Agnes, weary
bat lighl-hearted, went to prepare for the party
"When you are ready, come and read to m
alittle," said her invalid mother.
al WILL" replied Agnes, cheerfully, "yo
know il never takes me long to dress"
And in few moments che came down dres
ID in delicate fresh colorsd muslin, her dai
hir falling in simple ringlets, requiring neii
q wreath nor gem to enhance her quiet love
laess. al hope that he will be there" WI
the thought that fitted through her mind as 81
took a book and began to read aloud.
When Harry entered Mrs. Temples Parl
he found Helen already there, and looking mo
brilliant than he had ever seen her before.
The glances of her bright eyes quickly atsra'
cd him to her, and for whole hour he yield
! himself to the spell of her fascnations. ,
/ aas beginning to think her triumph sure' wh
harry. on turning suddenly, met the clear
i glance of Agnes Bryan's dark eyes. lie bow
smingly, and by an irresistible impulse wol
have approached, but quick word from Hel
Chained him again.
aDo you know Miss Bryant g he asked al
listening a few moments TO her gay san
which had suddenly grown stupid
miss Bryant she repeated. mo; 1
lieye she gives music-lsssons 10 my little !.
,her, but have no acquaintance with ner'
"There is great deal Of character 10
faee," he continued.
II aIndeed Do you think sol'' said the pr
\ beauty. with slighs, very slight look Of SC
k 1t she object of their conversation. -
\ makes very good music teacher, ! am toid