The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1872-03-29
MisrelIaneOns Selections.
SIN BEN.
BY LAURA CURTIS BULLARD


"Visitorsr exclaimed Kate Ben
nett, impatiently, as she laid aside
the book she mad been reading, and
in which she had been very deeply
interested, and took the cards which
she presented.
"Dear me, how provoking! Just
as l am in the most interesting part
ofthe story-and that pert, disagree,
able Emily Archer, too," she added,
reading one of the cards; "who else,
l wonder"
Was there magic in that simple
bit of pasteboard, inscribed only with
two words, "Richardson Warren p
It would almost seem so, so instan-
taneously did her countenance
change. The frown that had dis
figured her beautiful brow disap-
peared, her eyes sparkled, and with
out another thought of the book
she hastily assured herself by a
glance in the mirror, that her toilet
was unexceptionable, and left the
room.
As she entered the drawing room
and greeted Ler guests with all that
grace and elegance Of manner fol
which she was distinguished, Emily
Archer surveyed her with one rapid,
critical glance; but dress, as well as
manner, was faultless.
at must be confessed that Kate
Bennett enters room like a queen, u
she thought, with pang of envy and
Jealousy, as in Richardson Warren's
face she read undistinguished ad
miration of the lovely girl before
him.
What casual observer, who had
marked the meeting of these young
ladies, would have dreamed that un-
der all their outward friedliness each
hated the other with her whole
heart?
Yet so it was. Kate and Emily
were rival bellies, and their claims to
admiration were so equally balanced
that it required no little exertion, on
either side, to gain the ascendancy
and be acknowledged as the victor.
IfKate, with her classical features,
queenly dignity, elegant figure, and
exquisite taste, at first sight, threw
her rival into the shade, Emily's pi-
quaint style, sparkling, animated
countenance, and sprightly converse
ton, were by many preferred to
Kate's statuesque beauty. 1t was
impossible to decide which was the
loveliest; each had adherents and
admirers, but as they were equally
numerous, it seemed probable that
the season would draw to close
without the all-important decision
of the question, which had been, pd1
eDcelleace, the belle.
Just at this time, Richard Warren
returned from Europe. The arrival
of so undeniably elegant, handsome
wealthy a gentleman, was an even
all the fashionable world was in Il
fiutter over, and the rivals saw al
once that the important epoch had
arrived. She whose claim he advo
Gated, whom he favored witt
his admiration, would at once
stand on the precarious pin,
nacle of beleship. Each left moth
ing undone to win him to her side
though their tactics were entirely
different.
Emily brought to bear upon hin
the batteries of her sprightly wit
while Kate adroitly laid the mine o
apparent queenly indifference. AS
vet, though it was evident that Rich
ard admired both, his preference
was not known-perhaps he hardl,
knew himself which he thought tht
most charming.
But during this exposition of tn,
claims of the rivals, a lively conver
sation had been going on. The las
new novel and the operas had bee
discussed, as well as some Of thei
mutual friends, and in the midst G
some wickedly witty remarks of En-
lily, on a would-be fashionable lay,
loud voice was heard in the hall.
came nearer the door. and the word
could be distinctly understood:
"You no Drained, impudent JacE
anapes, I'll teach you manner. L
make you laugh t'other side of you
MOUTH
The door was flung open, and j
walked a tall, athletic and sun-burl
ed young man, whose really fine for