The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1869-08-21
@iscelIanp.
THE FAIR MENDICANT.
AN ENGLISH STORY.

Paul ventno. was the curate Of Bladesburgh,
With wisdom in his head, with tenderness in his
heert, but with precious little money in his
pocket.
One June morning, as he was coming along By
the porter's lodge of Foley Hall, he heard
sweet plaintive voice say:
'For the love of God, help me! I am starv-
iagr ,.., -. 500, .,,.. .....,.a o,+ >. Il.
equanimity. On the steps sat young woman.
Her cheeks were tear-stained, and her head and
shoulders were enveloped in shawl. That she
was suffering was evident, yet she wore neither
the air nor the dress of an ordinary mendicant.
He stopped and regarded her for q moment,
then dropped q coin into her oustretched palm.
She did not look up to him to see if he was
young or old, or down at the coin to note its val.
ne.
''Thank you," she murmured, never raising
the dark eye-lsshes from the wet cheeks
81 can keep my body and soul together lit tie
again, even if it kills mo. Oh, kind sir, it is
work that want, daily work, i'll paid though it
be. Anything rather than beg.
Thoughtfully the young curate stood, with
one hand holding his hat and the other thrust
into his pocket. Then his eye fell upon the
white, full, finely rounded arm !; next upon the
sweet, sad oval face.
II am; walked over from Sandstone"
"Walked over? Not in day."
'No-nor in ten Of them, sir. have worked
little here, and begged little there, and starv.
cd between times" replied the young woman,
adding to the voice that was 30 sweet and low, o
historical laugh that made him shudder.
"Where are you going ?" he asked.
"Where, do not know, sir. Anywhere. I
wouldn't be made to do it, and 80 I ran away
No. wou1d have lied frat ~
She said that with vehemence; it was not
clear what she meant, but she seemed 30 much
lady, and Paul was so invariably polite, that he
refrained from asking an explanation.
"What kind Of employment do you seek ?"
was his next Question.
Something for willing earts'and hands to do,
Sir. Teaching would suit me best, but it is not
tor me to state my preferences"
During all this time she had not raised her
eyes to his face. Was it from humility or shameP
He was one not easily deceived, only he wanted
lair scrutiny OF her face and eyes.
81 am the curate Of Bladesburgh," said he-
'My name is Paul Ventnor. This Is the Lodge
ct Foley Hall. If you will enter it with me I >.
VII! get you temporary home at least Come"
abe fixed her eyes upon him. They were such
great, trusting brown eyes, that they set his
nerves tingling. As they beheld his own they
deepened in intensity, and more and more Of the
childish sweetness came into her face. The Gu.
rate felt that he could trust her-and he also
felt somewhat embarrassed which made him feel
vexed at himself.
"Nor have J." she replied, tho color in her
checks deepening. Then with the least percep-
tible hesitancy, she added: my name is Grace
Templeton."
Paul ventnor thought it was very pretty
name, but no did not say so. He seized the
knOcker at the door and gave vigorous peal
A servant answered it, and the two soon stood
in the presence Of the lady Of Foley Hall. They
esteemed the young curate highly, and placed
proper appreciation upon his character and tai
ents. A word from him in Grace's behalf would
haye been sufficient, even had she not possessed
any personal and mental charms of her own.
The result of the interview was that she was
at once accepted at Foley Hall not as mental,
but as a companion to my lady, who was wild
0w and an invalid. Grace was refined, affable
and sholarly; and her natural vivacity soon re.
Stunning to her, no one could have been more
eompanionabe to ono who was disposed to be
saciturn and gloomy.
Blk months passed away, and during that time
Paul Ventnor visited Foley Hall more frequent.
~ than there was any absolute occasion for, and
was not long unconcious of the motives that
took him thither. Day by day Grace grew moro
lovely to his eyes and dear to his heart. She at.
vc1AucA uAo iuiHlotty Will TdTo consistency, ana
his sermons seemed dull and soundless to him.
sell when she was not in her pew with her great
Drown eyes fixed upon his face. He was des.
perately in love with her, but made no declara-
tion. The living at Bladesburgh was only
worth five hundred pounds per annum, and he
could not think of marrying upon that.
AT the end of six months o servant in livery
appeared at Foley Hall.
II have letter for Lady Templeton," said he.
''FOr whom Z" asked my lady with stare
'For the Earls daughter-for the lady of
Templeton Palace
The madame took the letter, with the great
red seal, in a dazed sort Of way, then rang the
bell for Grace.
"A letter for you," she said.
Graces face grew red and white by turns as her
eyes fell upon the direction upon the letter.
She glanced at the servant, who bowed with ser.
vile reverence.
"This is from my father, the Earl" said She
"Does he know that am here, Mr.. Williamsf'
"He does not, my lady. Your brother Edgar
mas Kept his secret WELL"
TEMPLEToN PALACE, Nov. 90 |
MY DEAR GRACE-I have relented You are |
IN angle, while I am o choleric old fool. You
were right IN your estimate of Clairbone. He |
was mere adventurer, and he is now in Jail on |
nan oozen counts l was never 80 infatuated |
before You Shall marry whomsoever il may
please you to marry: l beg your forgiveness and |
beg you to return. Edgar consented to forward !
this, as l am ignorant of your whereabouts-
Your doting, irascible father.
MARCUS TEMpLEToN.
Installation, the rector, 10 dead.
"A bright light suffused the face Of Grace.--
6h0 tore the blank leaf from the letter and toL