The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1872-12-26

1
them, gazing with tender yearning
out into the gathering gloom of the
closing day.
Lovely, ,accomplished,an and an heiress,
Edna's suitors were legion; yet, she
proved exceedingly fastidious in the
choice of husband, and none were
successful, unless it was Robert Brigh-
ton, whoswas quite unconscious of his
conquest.
"I declare it is too bad - exclaimed
Miss Trevor tapping her foot impa-
tiently upon the floor, and thinking
how very unfortunate it was that
Roberts cousin, who had gone abroad
at an early age and been reported dead
should suddenly be resurrected, and
appear, claiming his fathers fortune,
leaving Robert with nothing but his
profession to fall back upon. Mary
Treavor was tolerably sensible, but
the influences by which she had been
surrounded from childhood had in q
measure spoiled her, so that che ac-
knowledged the impossibility OF we'd
ding the poor young artist, whose at
to suppose that she, of all others, was
the most adored.
Mr.. Brighton felt his misfortune
keenly. but happily concealed his
feelings from the world, appearing as
carelessly Indifferent as when in the
undisputed possession of his Uncle's
wealth. The day following his cous-
in's arrival, when the story had been
pretty well circulated about the city,
he sauntered up street, apparently as
naughty and self-possessed as ever.
but inwardly chatting under his affiic-
ton.
g Ah;' there is Miss Treavor's car
riage approaching; how charming she
is this morning, and / am sure she
will greet me as gracefully now as she
always did in my prosperous days"
The carriage rolled past, and Miss
Mary, turning her head aside, failed
to recognize him. Drawing small
memorandum from his pocket, he in
scribed her name therein. 81 shall
need to keep list of my friends he
muttered, ''for they will be so numer-
Gus 1 cannot remember them, other
wise" In the distance he saw Judge
Nelson advancing; one of his partic-
ular friends, who had ever made him
a welcome visitor to his home. +"
wonder if he will shake hands with
me, as usual 2" unused Robert. slack
ening his pace, as the gentleman drew
near.
"Good morning, sir!'' said the
Judge, with very formal bow, which
plainly announced, g You are no lon
ger millionaire; Go not pre- sumo TO
put yourself on familiar terms with
myself or family"
Another SO soon," thought Mr..
Brighton, hurt by the GOODNESS of one
whom he had valued as friend.
"There comes Edna Whitelaw, on
her spirited steed, Wild Wagoner::' ;
she is pei feet iceberg; ;. never could
make an agreeable impression upon
her. and of late she has been moro
distant than ever; SO of course she
will not recognize me-"
She looked unusually well in her
habit of dark green velvet, a snowy
plume floating back from the stylish
hat, and mingling with the wealth of
dark brown tresses, falling. unbound
by comb or ribbon, far below the slen-
der waist, until they swept Wild
Wagoner's glossy back.
There was q world of tenderness
beaming in the glorious eyes, that
bright, mild summers morn; for she
had heard of his misfortune, and her
whole heart went out in sympathy TO
him she loved. 81 will not wound
him by Indifference, now," she declar-
ed, greeting him with pleasant smile
and graceful inclination Of her head.
He was SO surprised that he stopped
quite still as she rode on, the rich folds
of her habit swaying in the air, as she
disappeared around corner, and left
him standing there, gazing admiringly
after her.
"With such a noble countenance, he
cannot but have sterling qualities,
thought Edna, recalling the frank,
manly gaze of the clear gray eyes.
He may have been tickle and trifiing,
bnt he will have employment for his
mind, now, and will surely turn out
worthy and industrious man."
"What superb woman she isl
meditated Robert. fivc>minutes after
calling her an iceberg 81 wonder
if she has heard of my poverty? Yet
that would make no difference with
her, think; she is too sensible for
that"
Robert began work in earnest now,
and among tho best of his customers
was Miss Whitelaw. While he was
engaged upon life-sized portrait of
her father, she called frequently, in
company with her grandparents. to
admire aud criticise the work as il
progressed; and in these visits the
young artist learned to love truly and
unselfishly for the first time in his life.
81 suppose you will go to hear
Madame R, this evaning, at the
Atheneum?" said Edna, one after
noon, as she was leaving the studio.
"No," he replied, :" must deny my
self the pleasure; you know ] am
trying to be economical, at present
and, besides, l have.a portrait which
is expected to be finished by to-mor-
row, and have few final touches TO
pu. on the drapery this evening"
The fheater was crowded that nioht !