M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1865-11-30

| 4 gOOu iace, mt no lnuOTser' MY
charms were like a string Of pearls
that had no knot TO keep them there
Uncle Bray's fortune wss the beauti-
iul background, the necessary securi-
ty on a motto, the knot that kept the
strings OF pearls from clipping away.
Annie .iray had married well, Adj
eIo Bray was engaged, and Kate
Bray was establishing h"r reputation
fur flirting Mt Nahanr. 1 was doing
the same thing, but my actions were
controlled by necessity, hers by
choice. Kate Bray turned from old
fgieuds and smil 8 on new ones; the
attentions Of her old friends meant
too much. l turned from oldAriends
with 0mothered sigh; their atten>
tions meant too little.
There were some men from whom
we never turned. Doctor Paisley
was not q man to he turned from. -
| His attentions never meant too much
to Kate, they never meant too little
to me. Dexter Sauhorn wAs auoth
cr man who always claimed our
smiles. H. had never shown any
disposition to marry Kate; he had
never evinced an inclination to dep
rccate me.
Kate Bray came to me one rainy
morning. as | pOred over nv reAl-
ling at Nahant.
Margaret Grant" she said, earn
e.tv; won't YOU lay down that book
and listen to me? 1 want to talk
about Doc;or Paisley"
closod my book, aud leaned back
in NV chair.
You know, Mag" she said, con-
fidpnlally, II have know great
many gentleman. and have had II
number Of offers Of marriage"
| nodded my head.
She continued. IL never really
loved one Of .uiters. There was al
WAYS something wrong OF di1agrrra-
bic. Theys were GOOD .en nigh for
rnr'ie5 auu dancing PARTNERS, bat
we're not the kind OF men one wants
to drprnG upon, and live with IOr IA
lifetime.
"Weli."1 said, "what has that to
do with Doctor PaisIeyP
Il should think you might gurse,
size letorted. IN a vexed way. DOC
tor Paisley ia man to be delrrded
upon. IIc il as good and noble as
the day is long, lie ia a splendid
MAJ, and 1 love him. l intend tn
encourage INN and make him offer
himself"
For the pleasure Of rejecting
him" | answered.
For the infinite pleasure Of &C
ccpring him." she answered.
| made TO comment. l picked mp
my book again l could not read,
but did not wish to talk.
- wish Dexter Sanborn would
marry you," interrupted Kate.
Il opened my eyes in astonsh
ment Tho idea was new one.
You will never do better" con,
tinued Kate. Next 10 Doctor Pals
ley he is the must eligible man al
Nal ant. What do you says"
Nothing till he asks me"
/ took my book again. l did not
read. Tho page uuioIded be,orr mc
in my own heart, was more absorb
mg. l read it with firm set lips, snC
ciose {, es, else there had been quiv-
erings and tears. At the end ]
called myself a tool, and rose ~
: quickly aud dressed myself for til,
evening.
How plain my dress was, compar-
} ed with Kate Bray'si EvGrf soft
fold OF hers told OF 'ts value. Every
sheer TAIL OF lace spoke Of ris richness
We entered the parlors iog ther. =
} Doctor Paisley and d xter San5orr
were there. Kate Bray walked tt
r the piano. parted lrom her, and
+ went to The opposite side Of The room
not without motive.
Doctor Paisley suTv, yed kai'
! BRAY. Sne Was very beautiful, ant
j her rich robes became her well. lhet
L he turned to me. l shrank trOun ih'
: comparison, and abruptly turne'
away, studying a landscape on TN
wall. He crossed to me.
Are you well, Miss Grants"
=, iancied you looking i'll, when yo'
i first entered"
From the piano spoke Kate beior
. | could reply.
Don't embarrass my cousin b.
v reference to her pallor, 5u: caution
y her and MIR Sanborn against the loni
i moonlight walks to which they ar
v addicted.
. 81 think | would be more plu
dent escort. "be answered III wa
q about to suggest walk with my