Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-04-15
Stlett STORY.
The Choice of Ralph Livingston.


most favored children; young, in good
health, handsome. and very rich. Ralph
was the only child OF widowed mother,
and the last representative of an old and
proud race. He was II universal favor
ile.
Mrs. Livingston knew that the time
was coming when her son would marry,
aud she thought to anticipate his choice
by selecting a wife for him, Tearing his
heart might settle on one not agreeable
to her. She felt jealous OF every pretty
girl in town, and feared them-saye one
light at home. But then Aileen was not
beautiful, and OF course, she had no idea
of the girl who was lriendless. Il depend.
ent on her bounty. rs one 10 connect,
even in thought, with her son.
No, AiIeen, poor child was not TO be
feared. She waited on Ralph; read to
him learned difficult songs, that he
might easily catch the air. and sing them
to other girls; listened to his eulogies on
the beauty, grace and sweetness of Lily,
Rose or Violet, whichever he chanced 10
be the best pleased with at the timo. Be
tore A;leen knew Ralph's nature SO well.
she would steal away to her room and
weep rs il her little heart would break
why she would never acknowledge even
,ohegsel, when he would talk 10 her ol
the girl he admired SO much. But, after
u time, AIecn could listen and smile, for
she felt his heart knew not the mighty
power
Ada Whiting. the daughter OF her
dearest friend, was The choice OF Mrs.
Livingston, and she st herself about TO
have II rs She wishcl. Fortune favored
her just then. Ms. Writings health be
ing very feeble, her physicians advised
u winter South Ada was much ayersc
to going, and 50 it was an easy task for
Mrs Livingston to persuade Mr.. and Mrs.
Whiting TO leave their daughter to her
love and care. And so The beautiful Ada
became ono of Mrs. Livingstou's family.
Ada was beautiful, truiYi perfect in form
and features. with q shower oi golden
ringIcts; u complexion fair. and rs deli.
catciy tinted as tho pearly sea shell
cYes - blue Us the summer sky-and
languishing eyes, that ever giowed with
the same soft, sweet light.
Never wele two girls mole dissmilar
than Ada Whiting and Aieen Wild.
And when Mrs. Livingston saw them
standing near together. sho thought how
much Ada's beauty was enhanced by the
contrast for Aileen was pale, sallow
thing, whom no one had ever thought
pretty, and beside the lair beauty that
Mrs. Livingston had determined should
ho her daughter the poor protege APP
penTel very plain looking. But Aileen
had eyes that would have won for any
woman that had q little tack, and with
the aid OF art. the reputation OF beauty
eyes sn largo aud dArG. with y world
VI luto and passion glo wing away down
in their depths.
Mis-. Livingston was well satisfied with
tho prospect Of allaira. She had but lit
lie doubt OF the final success other plan.
There was one thing. however. that Mrs.
livingston did not like and felt the
necessity of warning Ralph against. 1t
WAS :hiS: that whenever he would IN
tend to read lor the entertainment of Ada
and his mother, he would invariably ask
'whcrc Is Aileep "a and wait until she
Wa.s ssui Tor aud came.
why do yon do 50. Ralph p Mrs.
Livingston asked. Ada will think you
rather moro attentive to Ailecn than is
necessary under the circumstances. In
fact. il looks rs II you read more particu.
larly for Aieens benefit And last
night noticed, and so must Ada, thai
you commenced your eadjpg with only
one auditor, and i..at neither your mother
10, guest"
Did /? Well. mother, really, | was
very remiss; but the truth is, Aileen not
only appreciates the subject, but shows
It. Ada lakes all sentiments, no matter
how varied, with tho same sweet eXpres.
sion OF eye and tongue. Why, mother,
the most glowing descriptions, passion.
ate and pathetic appeals that ever lell
from inspired poets brain, fail to draw
from her ~ expression other than, "Its
pretty, is it noten while Aileen's lair
face lights up, her glorious eyes sparkle
aud glow with inspiration caught from
The poem. and she expresses her appre.
citation in words that would satisfy the
ambition of the exacting author. That
is why love 10 read 10 her. She abso-
lutely throw of the little plain face, and
grows really beautiful at such times" !"
answered Ralph, while his mother gazed
really amazed at his words and manner.
Al length, after moments pause, she
said:
zone who did not understand you,
Ralph, would be in doubt which Of the
two you were in love with. Let me ad.
wise you, II soL, TO be careful. Aileen
might be foolish enough TO misinterpret
your feelings and actions, aud Ada might
withdraw her favor"
Ralph was about 10 answer, when q
sigh and The rustic OF dress caught his