The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1872-03-19
Uncle Williard's Strategy.

w nlCQ Snall IL Oe mildred, Andrew
Vane with thousands at bis command
Or Ernest Lee, with wealth and fame
both to win 2" -.
And Uncle Wiliard's CHEEKY voice
sounded pleasant as June morning, as
he glanced at the fair young girl sitting
in the glare Of the chandelier.
For a moment the bright piquant face
turned saucily toward the speaker, then
q vivid blush sudused cheek and brow.
"Oh, uncle, help me to choosen' she
exclaimed. at would be sad mistake
to find, when bound for life, that one
unworthy had been chosen"
"Never fear, Milly! Both will be
thoroughly tested-and if either are
found wanting, their lives will neither
be crowned with the blessing of your
love"
but they are seemingly upright, hon
orable men, with characters the world
call fair-and there is no way to detect
wrong, even if it should exist"
Time will decide-but let the matter
rest at present Go dress for the opera,
child, and we'll see what there in the
way of amusement, this evening"
And in the crowded hall of pleasure,
no fair belle or languid beauty looked as
sweet and lovely as did Mildred Airing
ton, seated in the private box OF her
uncle, Willard Leigh. H.,
Two young men in particular-wend-
ing their way to her side, thought her
the fairest of the fair.
Andrew Vane, stately and cynical, but
bearing unmistakable evidence in his
slightly Grecian features of being to the
manor born.
Ernest Lee, with his fair face and blue
eyes. almost effeminate of lineament, but
possessing the true elements Of success,
firmness of will and strength Of soul.
These twos.were the suitors for Mil
dred's hand; and it seemed with their
fine personal appearance, irreproachable
character, and outwardly devoted love,
difficult to make choice between them.
But there was this difference. Vane
was bold, handsome wooer, not fear
ing to assert his rights on all occasions,
looking with eovetous eyes toward the
vast estate which might possibly accrue
to him, should be succeed in winning
Uncle Williard's heiress For it was
publicly known that Mildred was the
sole heiress of the Leigh estate-hence
his very attentive devotion to one who
represented million of money.
Ernest Lee possessed little Of this
worlds goods, and felt diffident in pro-
claiming his love to one SO much higher
in the scale OF worldly prosperity than
himself. How he mathematical the
wealth Vane coveted! He even went,s so
far as to wish, by some chance fate, Mil
dred would be reduced topoverty. How
quickly would he shield his darling!
There was great crisis in 81. For
tunes that were thought to have been
founded on rock, proved beyond q
doubt their solid foundation to be a
myth and scores OF unsuspecting peo-
pie awakened out of their false security,
to find themselves portioniess. Wealth
had taken to itself wings and flown away,
no one knew whittier.
Uncle Willard and his attorney, Mr..
Langdon, were closeted together for
hours, and came forth from the confer
snce with an odd look of mystery on
each countenance. ;.,
"Milly, my DEAR" said her uncle, "We
are passing through financial crisis
but l will not annoy lyou with business.
I came to announce my intention OF
changing our residence to the old home
stead, at Maple Grove. Select your
wardrobe for lengthy period-and
choose one Of the servants to accompa-
ny us"
Mildred turned to obey, filed with
vague wonder. Were the luxuries, She
had learned to love, to be swept from her
path ?
sWilliard Leigh had failed" SO city
gossip said.
But aside from the facts that the pala-
tial residence was closed and in the care
of the attorney, and that its occupants
had removed to the country, nothing
else was known. Three moons had waned
since Tie crisis in the fashionable circles
Of B., and Mildred had found in that
short space that the score Of friends who
hovered around her in the gay circles of
city life were as transient as the summer
swallows, twittering near in prosperity
but few remaining in adversely.
Summer with her wealth of roses had
flown; and October. with its hazy skies,
and mellow tints Of gold and red was
lending d new beauty to Maple Grove,
tinging the forest trees with their richest
robes of autumnal glory. Under their
branches Mildred sat with the bright
hued leaves falling around her.
Her heart was sad-not with the loss
of fortune, for of all the luxuries that had
dropped out of her life, none were missed
so much as Ernest lees love. For in the
days that had passed she had learned to
look upon him with more than friendly
feeling.
Andrew Vane had passed her by ip
scornful haughtiness when it was rumor-
ed that Uncle Willard had failed, and
very soon proffered his love and atten.
ton to another reigning heiress.
9ut she could not believe that Ernest
Lee had wooed her with such sordid
motive.
"Mildredn'
She glanced up and met the gaze of her
lovers eyes peering MistfuiIJ into her
own.
"Am I welcome ?"'he asked seating
himself by her side.
"Certainly!' she replied; ''our friends
a.e not SO numerous that we need refuse
a welcome to any"
mildred, / love you with the truest
love, but have not wealth to offer Will
you accept the homage ofa faithful hesrt,
and be my wife ?"
No words came in reply but fair hand
was placed confdingly in that OF the
speakers.
"Thank you, darling" he exclaimed
clasping her to his heart; Il will shield
you with jealous care"
u
ol .,