Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1873-08-25
Pauline's Pride.
BY WALTER GARDINER, ESQ

| back, and one hand partlaliy upralSed,
she presented picture to charm an ar
lists soul. Her full; yet Symmetrical
figure, the UNCONSCIOUS grace of her atti
tude, the delicacy of her complexion, the
composure of her regally lovely face all
combined to thrill a beholder with awe.
And to wonder again at the lavlshness
of nature, one had but to glance at her
luxuriant hair of raven blackness, her
deep, liquid eyes, her rubesccnt lips, and
pearly teeth.
Heaven had indeed showered its
choicest Blessings upon Pauline Seaton.
A faint knock now sounded upon the
door. The beauty turned, commanded
the applicant to enter, and then glanced
into the mirror. A servant appeared to
say that Mr. Aldrich was below Paul
| inc nodded, and dismissed the attendant
with wave of her hand. A moment
later she started for the drawing room.
AS she glided in with queenlv grace, a
gentleman came forward from remote
corner of the room, clasped both her
hands very tenderly, and said in deep,
feryent voice:
Pauline My love. My peerless one 7"
"You have returned, Herman did
not expect you so soon," she answered
in sweet but measured tones.
There was beauty, pride, fascination
in her manner. but Herman Aldrich
yearned for devotion-a warm out
springing of affection. Still he knew
better than to expect this from her, it
was, forsooth. inconsistent with her dig
nifty. Leading her to sofa, he seated
himself by her side, still holding her
left hand in his.
"You don't say if you are glad to see
me, Pauline ?"
He must say that at all events, his
heart craved tenderness. She turned
her magnificent eyes upon him with
something like admiration, and slight
smile parted her lips.
"Would it increase my qualification,
or yours Herman ?''
s.Mine, yes Oh Pauline, I must
see, hear, and feel love to make me hap
py. Your pride is grand. 1 can not
but admire it, and yet l would give all l
possess to hear your voice in endear-
ment.''
She laughed musically. 1.-The fact is
Herman, you want to be babied. You
should have chosen a rural maid. My
accomplishments are not of that ORDER
A frown clouded his brow, and he
pulled nervously at the ends of his long
golden mustache. At length he replied
"That is unkind, Pauline. The les
of such words between us the better fol
our peace.
81 have new waltz" she said, aris
ing with charming unconcern. "It i
splendid. Will you turn the music 2
"With pleasure" he answered, re
pressing the feelings of pain and annoy
ance that struggled for utterance.
She played the piece half through
and said, pleasantly:
: '.Is my lover angry %
0 A bright light shot into his eyes, b
yearned to press her to his breast, br
he dare not.
i ''No, my darling, no."
"I'm thankful for that. Still," an
r she struck one or two minor notes, an
looked coquettishly over her shoulde
It I'D rather see you angry than he;
you lecture. Your homlies are awf
e stupid, Herman
f. His face flashed and he dropped h
eyes. He could not imagine why
- pleased her to torment him. Surely
d was not bright omen for the futur
'e He was about to speak, but she begs
u playing vigorously, watching her fnge
as they flew over the keys, but takil
:. no notice of him. He bore it all in
j. lence, and praised her performance VIII
l. at last it was concluded.
After brief conversation he turn
v to 90. Her Indifference had chilled hi
g. through and through, and he wished
1' be alone to have time for reflection, So
30 from the fascination of her beauty.
ne Il want you to go to the opera vi
:" me tomorrow night, Pauline he 81
k. as he drew near the door.
st Thanks, but I'm engaged she /;
. = swered with that cold composure OF he
he Engaged ? he repeated, his eyes
W, lating. Il do not understand tt
of Who forestalls in your society %
a. 81 promised MIR. Neville that wo,
60 with him, and | intend to keep
ith word" she responded with calm d
nd ance
Aldrich bit his lips to restrain his
dignation; for moment he was silt
but then taking her hand again he ga
upon her tenderly, and said:
ltly Pauline, my love, you must hear
ing as your accepted suitor have rig
vaJ which your womanhood should con
the you to respect. Don't let your p
nse, govern your reason, dearest, but for
lde. open your heart to my words To b.
'efs with, Nelville's character is none of
ap-