The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1864-1911, 1865-08-23
THE LITTLE OLD MAID.
BY MARY Il. CLARK.

l
ooh! aunt Fanny, how lovely Are they
for Laura or for me? Where have you
kept them hidden?'
The speaker, pretty but rather insipid
looking blonde. held up, as she spoke, a
cluster of fine old ornaments for the hair,
a sprig Of wheat and striped grass, very
graceful and pretty.
They were keepsake from an old
friend, and have been among my treasures
for thirteen years.
But now they are for me-" said the
young girl caressinrly. They will be so
look my best, for the girls will all don their
most fascinating attire in honor of the oc-
casion."
us it not rather marked to be so anxious?
In my young days ladies' waited to be sought
and courted; but to judge from what you
have told me, this hero may have any one
in Silyerdale for the asking.
We'll, he won't know it. And, aunt
Fanny, he really is worth counting. He
is so very rich.
us that all that is required, Bertha, in a
! husband?"
| well, it is the main thing anyhow now
a-days But Lawrence Lane has more than
riches. Before he went to Australia, report
says that he was one of the most talented
men Of the day, and you know that he has
spent the last three years in Europe. Old
Mrs. Harding always blesses him for
a true Christian gentleman, so | suppose he
adds charity to the best Of attractions, for
she is not lavish of praise unless one is
willing to assist her. y
"a true Christian gentleman
! Aunt Fanny repeated the phrase in a
musing tone, while soft light came into
her dark eyes and smile hovered over her
| lips. -....-
Bertha, seeing that the gold ornaments
were not to decorat, her hair went off sing
ing, while, with tender touch, aunt Fanny
replaced her treasuresin her jewel case
The next evening Laura and Bertha, in
feecy white robes; with the blush roses and
other delicate flowers in their hair, and
looping the lace folds here and there, stood
before the long mirror in the drawing room,
pouting.
II can see what she wants to go for, {"
said Laura pettishly "She hasn't been to
a party since mamma died, and that's ten
years ago! Little, dricd,up old maid
II wonder if she is going husband hunt
ing at her age, > said Bertha. why she Is
thirty if she is day."
| And the beauty of thirteen shook her
head contemptuously at the idea Of such an
advanced age being attractive. -
In the meantime, the object of their i'll
natured remarks, the gentle aunt, who for
! ten years had filled mother place to these
her sisters children, waited in her room for
the carriage. She had clad her small, slight
figure in black silk, whose simplicity was
relieved by rich folds of black lace, delicate
ly embroidered with golden clusters of
wheat. The round white arms and throat
were not decked with jewels, but in the
braids of hair cleaned the golden ornaments
which the little old maid had cherished for
thirteen years. She was not beautiful, yet
there was charm in her sweet face, a grace
in her gentle movements, and a music in her
voice that was soeght in vain in her more
dashing nie;es. AS she waited, her eyes
rested upon a letter, yellow and worn, which
had long been hidden under her treasured
ornaments. Opening it she read:
Since you will not disobey your father
and | cannot command the sum he demands
tt pay my dead fathers debts to him, we
must part. Part for time only, for though
seas roll between, and we may not write,
your heart and mine cannot be wholly sever
ed. Trust me! trust me, darling; for,
though years may elapse, | will return true
to my pledge to you. Will you keep the
little gold sprig | dared to offer on your
birthday, that something of mine may tae
yours? Oh! my darling, how. l linger,
dreading to write farewell, but it must be
done. Your resolution never to marry clan
destinely commands my respect, as your
gentle sweetness long ago won. my love-
God guard you and keep you from sorrow.
1 lNEfnN tnr Ian ID
1t was brilliant party that Mrs. Haw-
kins, the leader of fashion in Silverdae,
gave to her returned nephew. He had left
the village poor lawyer, struggling against
fortune, and burdened by knowledge of
his father large debts. Vainly striving to
pay these, he had lived meany, dressed with
economy, and been we'll known as one upon
whom the iron hand of poverty rested
heavily. No farewell party had been made
when he announced his intention of seeking
his fortune in Australia. His relatives were
rather glad to be rid of him; and of all
Silverdale, but one heart had ached for his
loss, but one of his friends had watched for
his return. No word had come to any one
| till O letter to his aunt announced his re-
| turn, after thirteen years of travel. All his
father's debts were paid, and his lawyer
spoke Of large sums invested in various
ways. So Mrs. Hawkins consulted her set,
and the result was the brilliant assemblage
which Laura and Bertha were to honor, and
where the ''little, driei-up old maid" their
aunt, was to appear in society after ten years
of seclusion.
The hero of the evening had not appear
ed when the trio, under the escort Of Mr.
Leslie, Bertha and Laura father, entered,
but soon stir near she door announced his
arrival 4 tall, distinguished looking man
of thirty-fve, with finished manners and a
well modulated voice. A man to notice in
any circle, for the broad, intellectual brow,
and large, honest eyes that greeted yours;
but now, with the glitter of his wealth gid
ing every grace and feature, man, Silver
dale thought, to bow down and worship.
i. He had greeted his hostess, and had made