The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1869-10-12

so at last lie 1eil at HclenS fGet, ngura-
lively speaking, aud confessed his love
for her.
81 care not, Helen only be lfiine," was
his invariable answer to her explanation
of uutorthiness, 'sIow would she ap-
pear in society"
They were married, had returned from
their wedding tour, and yet at the eypi-
ration Of their honeymoon, Fred was
more in love than ever At a grand en-
tertainment given by the relatives of the
bridegroom, Helen looked more beauti-
ful than ever. Her husband did not in
sist that she should depart from her sim
plicity and, indeed, without jewels or
laces, with that fresh, white robe, simple
sash of blue, ard ornaments of fair moss
rose, she was ny far the most lovely
creature in the room.
AS she entered the great saloon, bla-
zing with light, her heart failed her.
"Shall love him as dearly" she ask
ed herself; eff | find he is ashamed of
me? | cannot bear the thought; but
should he overcome all conventional no
tions, then / have q husband to be hon
ored, and then he shall be proud of bis
wife"
How she watched him as lie presented
her to one and another.
simple whispered q magnificent
girl, resplendent with diamonds, as she
curled her lips and passed by. The OBJ
servation escaped neither Helen nor her
husband. She looked at him. He smil
e1 a lovers smile, and only drew her
closer to his side Mant iii that bril-
liant throng pitied poor Fred, and won
dercd why he had martyred himself at
the shrine of ignorant rusticity.
But he! O, joy! he seemed to love her
the more as she clung to his arm so tim
idly, his noble face expressed the pride
he truly felt; he looked as though he
would have swept back the scorners with
one motion of his hand, had they ven
tured one wave too high on the score of
his pride. He seemed to excuse every
word not in strict conformity to etiquette,
and Helen's heart beat high and tears
came to her eyes, when she felt how
noble a heart she had won.
The young bride stood near her hus
band, talking in low tone, when a new
conner appeared. She was beautiful
slightly formed creature, with naughty
features. Ill-concealed scorn lurked In
the brilliant eyes whenever she glanced
toward Helen. Once she had held sway
over his heart, and hearing who he had
married, she fancied her time had come
30 you suppose she knows any
thing?" whispered low voice near her
Helen's eyes sparl1led and her face
flushed Indignantly. She turned to hel
husband. He was gone, speaking at
distance with friend.
"Do you play, Mrs. Lane ?" she asked
There was a mocking tone in her voice.
az little," answered Helen, her check:
blushing.
"And sing?'
"a little was the half-reply.
"Then do us favor" exclaimed Mis-:
Somers, looking askance at her ,compan
ions.
Come; myself will lead to the in
strument.
Hark! whose mastery touch? In
stantly was the half-spoken word arres
ted, the cold car and naughty head wer'
turned in listening surprise. Such mel
ody! such correct intonations! Sucl
breadth and vigorous touch Who i
shel She plays like an angel.
And again bark! A voice rolls
food Of melody; clear. powerful, an'
passing sweet; astonishment gives man.
a faint cheek a deep scarlet. There is
deep silence unbroken, and the silve
strains float up:
Aye, care not for cold neglect,
Though tears unbidden start
And scorn is but bitter word,
Save when it breaks the heart.
| II one be true,
| II one be true,
! The world may careless be,
Since I may only have my lo7e,
And tell my grif TO thee.
"Glorious voice. said Fred to hi
friend, who, with the rest, had paused t
listen.
"Who can She"
The words were suddenly arrested o
his lips. She turned from the piano, IAN
the unknown was his wife!
81 congratulate you, Fred" said th
young man at his side; but he spoke t
marble. The color had left his cheek a
he walked slowly towards her.
If he was speechless with amazemen
she was not. A rich Gloom mantled he
cheek; triumph made her eyes sparkle a
they never did before; they flashed lil
diamonds. A crowd gathered to compl
ment her In a graceful acknowledge
ment she blended wit and humor.
A sedate looking student lost himse
in latin quotation Helen, smilin!
finished it, and she received look {
elouuent thanks. Bonmots, reparte
language rich with fancy and imager,
fell from her beautiful lips as if they ha
received a touch from some fairy hand.
| Still Frederick was by her side lik
one in dream, and pressed his han
over his bewildered eyes ito be sure {
his senses, when he saw her bending,
breathing vision of loveliness, over tt
harp, her full arm leaning on its golde
strings, and he heard again that ric
voice, now plaintive with some tendt
memory, rise and fall in sweet and so
rowful cadence.
"Tell me-" said he when alone, "wh:
does it mean? | feel like one awakenc
from dream
"Only country girl said Helen, the
falling into her husbands arms, she e.
claimed, ''forgive me l am that lit
rustic that you would sooner die tha
we'd. Are you sorry that you marie
me?"
"Sorry! my glorious wife. Blu
Helen, you could not deceive. Did
not understand you had never"
: s'Been to an academy" she broke il
e .never took music lesson, never W
;. taught to sing, and very true, aud y
you see me here tonight, myself n
own teacher; with labor and diligence,
hope l AM worthy to be the wife of o