The Van Buren press., 1871-10-24

again.
do you know MISS Bryan" he ask
ed, after listening few moments to here
her gay salliss, which had suddenly
grown stupid.
miss Bryan y she repeated. mo; ]
believe she gives music lessons to my lit
tie brother, but have no acquaintance
with her, +"
There is a great deal Of character in
her face" be continued.
"Indeed Do you think 80 2" said the
proud beauty, with slight, very slight
look Of scorn at the object OF their con
versation. She makes very good mus
ic teacher, am told. +"
7 fquickUHsersstic8 hssNy
i sfonssther roguisniy
| "And do you know that it takes quail.
tiles OF high order to make good
music teacher? There must be patience,
quickncss of perception, iirmness, enthu
siasm for the art; all these are necessary
requirements, and oil these l can discov-
er in Miss Bryan's face. Do you not see
firmness in her we'll formed mouth, en-.
thusiasm in her eyes -,
80, do not 60 on, Mr. Stephens y
said Helen interrupting him with forced
laugh. 81 am no physognomist. But
you were asking me to play something,
a little.while ago. have just remember
ed something which am sure you would
like. IVY She seated herself at the instru-
ment and as her fingers swept over the
keys, he could not help smiling at her
jealousy Of Agnes.
| In the meantime Agnes drew near, and
stood a quiet listener, with the group
which now surrounded the piano. Helen
played with briliancy and almost fault
less grace Of execution; but Harry look
ed in vain for that enthusiasm which he
had predicted in the calm eyes OF Agnes
BRYAN. He felt what he did not perceive
until few minutes later, that Helen play
ed a. well as one could, who had not
soul enough to comprehend more than
the mechanical part of music.
"Miss Bryan, you must favor us now,D
he said, when Helen, looking quite radl-
ant with the consciousness of the admir-
alton she must have excited, rose from
the piano. Agnes hesitatcd single mo-
ment, then blushing, seated herself at the
| instrument
What touch succeeded the rattle and
dash of Miss Fowlers performance Z
The very fragrance of music breathed
through the silent room, tor, as the first
low, floating accents swelled into the
grand and deep, then melted away again
to liquid, flowing harmony, stiffness
fell over all, and they listened with hush
ed hearts, to the voice Of true melody.
Harry felt the difference in the two play
ers, and felt the cause, too, lying deep
down in the character ofboth.
She rose quietly, and before he could
thank her she had glided away, He
paused a moment seeking her with his
eyes, and then the ringing voice Of
Helen called him to another part Of the
room,
"We are talking about woman's rights
/ don't believe in them. / don't think it
| belongs to woman to earn money she
said gaily. "Do you, Mr.. Stephens ?"
81 think she has perfect right to earn
it, il she needs it, he replied; land |
must confess, prefer to see young la
dies who are not wealthy engaged in
some profitable employment, rather than
living idly at home. "
ooh, it does not look well !" said she,
tossing her pretty head 81 prefer to
see them contentsd with their lot, for it
looks avarcious in a woman to earn mon
ey."
"Is there avaricc in trying to help
oneself, rather than be a burden "
asked Agnes Bryan, who unseen by Har.
ry, had stood near, and whom those cold
words had stung, perhaps not uninten'
tionally SIS there avarice in choosing
industry and independence to idlensss
and want?"
Miss Fewler's eyes flashed for q mo
ment hsughtily on Agnes, but Harry pre-
vented her from replying.
81 agree with you Miss Bryan" said
he. "The true object OF life, both to
male and female, is Improvement, and
we all know that this is never to be gain
ed by dlsness
Perhaps Miss Bryan would not only
like to work with the mon. but to vote
with them 7" said Helen.
"No, ;" said Agnes, answering the sar.
castle tsne with one Of calm sweetness.
al think true woman's influence 10
worth much more than her vote.
Helen answered with look ofdisdain,
and she turned haughtily away, leaving
the argument unfinished. Harry's first
impulse was to follow her, but he paused.
In that moment of his indecision, two
pictures rose vividly in his Imagination.
One was home made splendid by the
presence aud the wealth Of an heiress n
home Of fashion and brlliancy. The
reigning queen Of all this magniiiccnce
was an elegant woman, an ornament at
the table and in the drawing room of her
housc--a star in the society which fut
tered admrngly around her The pic
ture dazzled, but he turned away, and
turning saw another vision. He saw n
home with q freside in it-with q deep,
holy, quiet heart, reignlng and diffu,ing
brightness there. lie saw noble, wo
manly mind unfolding into more perfect
richness, year after year, and spiri,
blending more and more harmoniously
with his own Fate held before him, in
that moment, a golden bauble and apurs
pearl, and whispered, (which shall ]
give you wealth or worth 2"
Good angels helped him, and he chose
the pearl.
Years after 7 saw Harry in his home,