The Baltimore County union., 1866-03-10
you perceive she has other admirers besides

| you perceive she has other admirers besides
| yourself" :, h.,nf,.,sg y
The first opportunity that offered, Paul
| Raynor, for he it was, sought and obtained
an introduction. When his name was an
nounced slight smile played over her fea-
lures for moment, but quickly passed,
and she greeted him with her accustomed
grace. "a s.sl4sgs.fil.ls sl8 saa
If he was charmed at distance, he was
completely enthralled when listening to
her witty and animated conversation
Never had he seen woman who had so
completely captiyated him. A careless
glance from her eye would send the blood
surging through his veins like wildfire, and
he would listen to her lightest word with
rapture.
Weeks and months passed. Miss Ra-
leigh was the acknowledged belle of socie-
ty. She was ever surrounded by admirers,
ever ready to do her bidding. Not mere
brainless fops, but noble and gifted men
and woman who appreciated her for her
beautiful and richly mind. aos
But among them all none worshipped
with more feryor than Paul. She was SUI
perior to the women of his acquaintance /;
and from her he caught glimpse of q high
er and nobler. life of which he had not
dreamed before. To win her for his own,
at the earliest possible moment, he was
fully determined but though she had al
ways welcomed him as friend, she had
never given him reason to think he occu-
pied place in her heart. fa
One evening he determined to call and
offer himself.
'Of course she will accept me-" he So
liloquized. "There is not q lady of my
acquaintance bat wouldjump at the chance.
Yet, somehow / feel rather timid l never
can look straight in that eye of hers without
wincing. But pshaw! how foolish? or
course she will be delighted" 81 j3
Miss Raleigh was at home, and it so hap
pened she was alone After few moments
conversation he made known the object of
his call by offering her his heart, hand and
fortune 7i 1aia s. Aaas
While he spoke her eyes were cast down,
but when he had finished she raised them
to his face and replied q, ~ 5s..sr.sT Is
"I am sorry this happened, for your
sake. l would not willingly wound your
feelings, sir, butI 'am obliged to decline
your Offer" s sa
"You refuse NE. May I ask your rea-
sons ?" M
"Allow me to relate little anecdote,
sir. Once there was poor and friendless
child whom Providence cast among stran-
gers, where she became the family servant.
Shortly after young man, q relative of
the family arrived, and duriug his stay de-
lighted 20 worry the child on occount of
her uncouth appearance. That she could
forgive but one day he ordered her to
open the gate for him, and as she did not
obey with sufficient alacrity, he raised his
whip and struck her" "1oia 7ai i'
She paused and looking him in the face,
asked if he recognized the. scene. s..ss
:, eyes, remember that, but l don't
see" ,.t
"Well, l show you. That. friendless
child whom they called wild Madge and
Nadine Raleigh are one and the same per-
son. That, sir, is one reason for my refu-
sal. A man who would willingly injure the
feelings of child for his selfish pleasure
1 could not trust my future happiness with.
Besides which | am really engaged. | wish
you good evening, sir. ~
Paul Raynor left the house in q dream.
He could not recognize in the beautiful
creature the ignorant child whom he had
spurned and who had made him WISER if
not a better man. Madeline soon after
married pure and noble man-one whom
she loved and respected with her whole
heart.