Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes Co., O. [Ohio]) 1870-1895, 1870-12-29

see how this Hlidah took wit
these men learned in art, possesse
of incest taste and culture. Nc
that she talked fluently or often, bu
she possessed that rare gift, the al
of earnest and intelligent attention
| think men care for that in wome
the most of all; the gentle, woman
ly tact, that will listen patiently an
sympathize nobly with them in a
noble pursuits. They like well tn
attentive gaze, the bowed head, tn
timid question that shows the clea
,, head, and that draws them on t
speak out their choicest thoughts
feeling that the woman is listenin;
and sympathizing as well.
At all events, Hildah pleased thes
men most of the three-better thai
Maud or Brenda. Not that thes
{; two lacked attention-far from il
In bright attire, sparkling with life
Maud was the pet here at school
And Brenda, self-contrOlled, reignet
like queen in her own right, ant
made her admirers come and 90 Il
pleas ure.
Hildah, too, wore her best; but i
was a very quiet, simple best. Th'
honest farmer, her father, had no
thing to spare for "gew- -gaws," a
he called them. But l think Hildah
long ago, in her CHILDHOOD, had found
in her simple, rustic home, the pear
of great price, and that she wore i
always. Why cannot we womer
truly believe that this is the bes
grace Of all?
or all who came to Mr.. Suther
lands hospitable home, he that Hill
dah liked best was one Marsder
Ives, physician by profession, and
an enthusiast as well. Moderr
science had taught him bravely'
he understood the nice laws of tenn
perament, the delicate organization
of nerves, which it is better to un
derstand than any material fact o.
medicine. Already he was begin
ming to be known as rising man.
Keen of eye was Marsden Ives
spoke choicely when at all, but was
somewhat chary of utterance; was
acutely ambitious, and meant tc
make his way in the world.
Gazing at Hildah, he saw beneath
the look of childlike occurrences
the attentive aspect, the repose that
life would develop into power. He
liked to study character-it would
help him in his profession, you see
So he came often, and talked much
with Hildah; he fancied he under.
stood Maud, whom he had always
known, Brenda, whom he had met
before: and so it were well to stu.
dy' this gentle, little rustic maid OF
the blush rose cheek and long -lashed
eyes. Yes, he fsncied he under
stood the other two. How strange
that men will persist in thinking
they understand women when they
know them but by externals.
Oh, world! why will you fancy
that woman's heart is so shallow,
when only He who made it knows
how deep it is, how noble to suffer,
how strong to endure?
Hildah liked this DR.. Ives well.
He was so gentle always, playful
sometimes; with an exceedingly
graceful humor, that became face
that was both bright and keen, but
that could be profoundly grave. 1t
looked very grave one night in the
drawing-room.
Mr.. Sutherland had said, address
ing the three young ladies who were
his guests-for Maud reckoned her
self one at the holidays.
q don't approve much of theater-
going. l think it a frivolous way of
passing the time. But Forrest plays
tonight, it were worth while to 90
and see him. So we'll all make
ready and start"
"You will go with me-" said DIR.
Ives, softly, to Hildah.
81 think not; thank YOU re
turned Hildah, in the simple, child
fashion she had learned up among
the hills.
"Let us see," thought DIR. Ives,
who fancied it the easiest matter in
the world to persuade the rustic
maid, whom he had been so well able
to please thus far.
Maud and Brenda had flown up
stairs for cloak and hood, and now
came back full of glee, ready to
start.
We'll, pet" said Mr.. Sutherland
to Hildah, why are you not ready?
Hildah faced the tall, gray bearded
gentleman, who had been so kind to
her, yet who was stately withal, and
whom it were hardly safe to dis
please, then answered:
Il am not going, Sir; thank you"
n faint expression of something
like disdain touched the gentleman 5
mouth. He said across the room:
"You have conscientious scruples.
suppose"
Clear as a flute came the reply,
just faint quiver of feeling abont
the delicate mouth.
s. l have"
Mr.. Sutherlands breeding was
fine; he said no more to Hildah:
but passing her with slight
bow, called out from the vestibule,
''Come, girls. the carriage is wait
ing" and Hildah was alone with DR..
Ives.
Let US see" thought this gentle
man. You will go, dear Miss Hill
dab, just to please me?' Think how
much would do to please YOU
Sweet as summer was the tone,
tender the face that bent down to
her; that dear Miss Hildah' was
hard to resist.
For moment keen thrill shot
through Hildah's frame. She felt
she would give her life to please the
man beside her; but all, not that
which is nobler than life
"Dr. Ives, l cannot so-do not
ask me-
If DR.. Ives guessed there were
tears beneath the downcast lids, he
did not show it, but went straight
way, for the rest were calling. He
said to himself, Little Puritan, when
he got outside; but, if you will be-
lieve it, even as he spoke, something
like tear glittered in the keen eve.