Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-04-03
Gales and Sketthes.
THE UGLY DUCkLING.
By d. l.. II.

uOn was plaln. JEIy she never could have
been, with such brilliant, gray eyes, whose
expression was never twice alike, nor the
bright, intelligent expression that gave so
much character to her face, but no one would
turn and look after her in the street, and no
artist ever would rush home to portray the
sweet vision upon tangible canvass.
Now Flora Gordon was on the contrary, ex-
ceedingly beautiful. Her deep blue eyes,
bright smile and bewitchlng dimples, framed
in by hair of the real golden hue, had been
often noted by passers-by, and every one
| loved to watch her face, whether at rest or
animated in speaking.
Flora was the daughter Of a poor widow,
whose husband had once been rich and she,
with her only sister, Milicent, earned hum
bic subsistence by teaching music, and thus
supported themselves and their mother, who
had been rendered helpless by an attack OF
paralysis.
They owned small house, in a secluded
street opening directly upon the avenue,
where resided the wealthy merchant. Mr..
Davenport; and to this stately mansion, twice
a week, Flora betook herself to teach the
pretty little daughters of the house. while
Mile gave lessons in singing to the sisters of
two artists, Herbert Stuart Whilom friend
of her sister, and Lewis Arnold, young man
in reduced circumstances, but of excellent
family and of brilliant talents.
Bouquets, opera tickets and the last new nov
el came to lay on Miss Gordons table, She
rode about the streets where she had formerly
walked in very humble attire, in the beautiful
pony carriage, her lovers gift, and one day
quiet wedding in the church was followed by
a brilliant deisuner, at which we see our two
friends Heabert and Lewis Arnold.
GLOW well the beauty played her cards J"
exclaimed Stuart to his friend as he struck
an attitude best calculated to set off his fine
profile and grlish hands. ''People knew
nothing of all that was going on, till they re-
ceived the wedding cards of John Davenport
and Flora Gordon, All but twas the dimple
that ensnared the good old widower! see how
lovely she is in her pearls and laces. Lew,
you should paint her as the fairy queen, in
your new painting
YES" said Lewis, dreamily; ''do you think
so, Stuart? But the fairy queen should be a
pure. clear blonde ~
"Well, man, and what do you call that but
a blonde yonder?"
impossible y responded Stuart with those
brilliant eyes-glorious eyes, too, that coal
black hair, why will she torture it in that
horrible mode y and
And Lewis Arnold has lost his heart to
Miss Gordon cried Stuart. why, man,
are you asleep, not to know 1 was discussing
Mrs. Davenport"
Il beg pardon, L"
"Ah! yes," responded Stuart, with a sig
nificant laugh. 'sWell, Heaven send the ugly
duckling prove as beautiful a swan as her sis
ter"
Stuart spoke louder than he intended, for,
being near Miss Gordon, his tones forced
themselves to her ear.
She TUNED coloring deeply, and glanced
half-reproachfully at the speaker.
4,
asked Stuart, anXiously.
The two were separated just then, and the
subject was not renewed.
week passed like dream to Milly Cor
don. Balls, parties, the opera, artists recep-
tions, (where CLEANS of pictured glory fell on
her, bouquets, calls, drives, all seemed more
charming than real.
And Milly was bent on being thought beau
titul. She tried on dress after dress, before
her capriciOus taste was satisfied. Her little
hoard, the fruit of several years labor melt
ed like dew before the sun, as she spent it
recklessly for ribbons and laces. She prink-
ed her hair till her arms ached. She spared
neither time nor expense to render herself
less plain and unattractve.
''Some one shall think me pretty" she
murmured, as she stood before the glass one
night "All her life, Flora has been fiattered
and admired, while never was compliment
cd in my life. My face has good deal of
character, Lewis Arnold said, and how shall
| deepen the expression? All. but what did
! Herbert Stuart say" she sighed. Heaven
send the ugly duckling prove as beautiful a
swan as her sister," she quoted bitterly; and
with sigh that was almost a sob, she went
down to the grand bali just forming.
For several dances, bellies in pink and blue
| hor
garding her with a look of contemptuous sur
prise, as she stood leaning against the wall,
tearing her bouquet to pieces, while she bit
her thin lips nervously.
| 'Why does Ia belle dame sans merct stand
| tearing her flowers to pieces, while so many
admirers are deprived the pleasure of dancing
with herr" asked a laughing voice, and look
ing up, she encountered Stuart's black eyes.
| Very prettily said, Mr.. Stuart, was the
reply. ''You shall have flower for your
pains and she put bit of heath in his but
ton-hole.
"Shall accept the language?" he asked,
while his brow darkened.
Gas you please" she said, carelessly, look
ing towards Lewis Arnold, who had just en-
tered the room.
II believe it is Indifference he said sullen-
ly.
Il believe so," she said, lifting her laugh
ing eyes to his face.
Lewis had been right when he called them
glorious eyes, and they had fascination for
Herbert Stuart. He felt that, to see their
proud fires soften in look of love, he would
brave fire and water
In few minutes, the light notes of a waltz
tinkled gaily through the room, and Stuart
was soon whirling lightly among other coup
les, while the light figure at his side seemed
to glide along rather than move, for Milly
walled well, and Stuart felt disappointed
when she stopped.
He stood tanning her, and she leaned
against the wall, and said bright little moth
ings in sparkling way, and shot quick
glances from her bright eyes. and laughed a
little, sweet laugh, so perfectly joyous thai
people turned with smile, thinking it some
merry child. Yetin her heart of hearts Milly
Gordon thoroughly despised Herbert Stuart.
Lewis Arnold, who stood gazing wistfully
across the room, longed to come and engage
her for the next two polkas, but he felt sort
OF bashfulness, near his artistic friend. Al
length he braved the ordeal, and asked her i
she was engaged to Mr.. Stuart for the mex