The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1871-05-25

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very plain looking.
But Aileen had eyes that would have
won for any woman who had little
aid of art, the reputation of a beauty
eyes so large and dark, with a world
of love and passion glowing away
down in their depths
Mrs. Livingston was well satisfied
with the prospect Of affairs. She had
but little doubt of the final success of
her plan.
There was one thing, however, that
Mrs. Livingston did not like, and felt
the necessity of warning Ralph against
lit. 1t was this: that whenever he
would intend to read for the entertain
ment of Ada and his mother he would
invariably ask, "Where is Aileen ?"
and wait until she was sent for and
came.
"Why do you do SO, Ralph9" she
hsked; "Ada will think you rather
{1nore attentive to Aileen than is ncces-
Isary under the circumstances. In fact
lit looks as ifyou read more particular
Ey for Aileen's benefit. And last night
l noticed, and so must Ada, that you
commenced your reading with only
one auditor, and that was neither your
mother nor her guests"
"Did II Well, mother, really was
very remiss; but-well, the truth is,
Aileen not only appreciates the subject
but shows it. Ada hears all senti-
mcnts. no matter how varied, with the
same sweet expression of eye and
tongue. Why, mother, the most
(glowing descriptions passionate and
pathetic appeals that ever flowed from
an inspired poets brain, fail to draw
forth from her an expression other
than "lts pretty, is it not (" while
Aileen's dark face lights up, her glo'
rious eyes sparkle and glow with inspi.
ration caught from the poem, and she
expresses her appreciation in words
that would satisfy the ambition of the
most exacting author. That is why l
love to read to her. She absolutely
throws off the little plain face, and
grows really beautiful at such times"
answered Ralph, while his mother
gazed, really amazed at words and
manner.
At length, after moments pause,
she said:
"One who did not understand you,
Ralph. would be in doubt which of the
two you we're in love with. Let me
advise you, my son, to be careful.
Aileen might be foolish enough to
misinterpret your feelings and action,
and Ada might withdraw her favor"
Ralph was about to answer, when q
sign. rustic of a dress, caught his ear
and, starting up, he said:
"Do not orry, mother, III do what
is right"
He walked out Of the conservatory
and looked around, but no one was
visible.
His mother had started q train Of
thought that had never been touched
before, and he wandered off from the
house and threw himself down on q
shady mound to commune with his
own heart.
Yes, he must know himself Did he
love Ada ? and Aileen- what Of her
Never for moment had he thought of
her except as she was his friend, his
confident, she would not misunder-
stand his kindness.-His mothers
counsel was needless. Ada loved him,
he telt sure; and although he had never
told her so, he had certainly given her
reason to believe he loved her. Yes he
must do what was right-what Ada,
his mother and the world expected.
Absorbed in thought he continued.
With this determination he went to
Ada, told his love, and won her prom.
ise to be his. He believed himself
very happy, but ono thing marred his
pleasure: Could she love as another
might9 What if poverty or danger OF
any kind threatened would she brave
all for him.
All! the trial come soon enough.
Servants fed; friends came not; and
when he called for Ada to come and
cool his fevered brow, the good doctor
tried to soothe him, and hide the
shameful truth. Sue too had fled
among the first.
Oh, how he suffered No gentle hand
to soothe, no loving voice TO whisper
words Of comfort Dying alone! And
then his heart knew but one wish on
eartll-to see Aileen. Yet he breathed
it not. She must not come near him,
to breathe that fatal air. Lying think
ing of her, wishes for her, he felt soft
little hand pressed gently on his burn
|, ing brow. She was with him, kneeling