Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1874-01-17

was strolling through the woods nea
his uncle's estate, when he suddenl,
came to the little country school house
and, prompted by o curiosity, peepet
within. The children had ornamentet
the teachers chair with garlands o
flowers till it resembled q throne anG
two of the oldest were placing a crown
Of wild flowers upon the head of theil
sehoolmistress, who already occupied
the, position Of honor. Rupert started
with an exclamation of amazement, as
he perceived that the pale young teach.
er was none other than the once proud
imperious Mable Cheston.
The young lady's attention was at
tracted by this ejaculation, and, per-
ceiving him, she gave little start oi
surprise, and her cheeks crimsoned
with charming confusion. She bade
him enter in simple, graceful manner
which we'll became her in her new
character. Rupert accepted her invi-
tation, and they soon entered into con-
versation. Mabel informed him that
her guardian was dead, and that it had
become necessary for her to teach this
country school.
They were often in each others com
pany after this, and Rupert forgot the
naughty belle of society when In the
presence of the charming schoolmis-
tress; all her proud, imperious ways
were gone; she treated the heir of
Vandalsien with degree of Difference
which conduced greatly to his self-love;
and now that he was cured of his pas
sion for the heiress, he fell desperate
ly in love with the schoolmistress.
One day, as they were indulging in a
ramble through the woods, Rupert pro
posed to Miss Cheston a second time.
With shy, downcast eyes, and crimson
ing cheeks, she accepted him.
Now came to Rupert much dread
full task-breaking to his uncle the
news of his betrothal. The elder
Vandalism had some queer ideas, and
one was that his nephew should wed
with one in his own station. Rupert
thought, My uncle was anxious for
me to marry Mabel Cheston, the
heiress, but very much fear he will
never consent to my wedding Mabel
Cheston, the schoolmistress.' Accord
ingly, he was greatly surprised, when
he told his uncle of his engagement
in stammering, school-boyish man
ner, that he readily consented, only re-
marking that he supposed his nephew,
after this, would have no fear of being
ensnared by an heiress.
Well, Rupert and Mabel were mar
ried. A short time afterward, while
the honeymoon was still in the ascend
ant, Rupert and his bride were seated
side by side on the moonlit piazza of
the Vandalism mansien, his arm en-
circling her waist, her bead resting on
his manly shoulder, as he told her how
much more fondly he had loved her
as the schoolmistress than as the
heiress. Suddenly Mrs. Vandalism
withdrew herself from his embrace,
and said, with a pretty, penitent
air
L have deceived you, Rupert; when
| treated you so scOrnfully | loved you
fondly; and many bitter tears of regret
l shed afterward. When you returned
home, my life became almost unbear-
able. So l came here and applied for
the position of a schoolmistress, and
was accepted. | came with the hope
of winning you back
'Ha! ha hal We played our cards
well, didn't we, Mabel?
And the elder Vandalism stepped
out of the open doorway and stood
beside them. This graceless nephew
of mine, who was determined not to
wed an heiress, has done so after
all
Is this trueP asked Rupert, bend
ing down to his blushing bride.
Yes she faltered. I did not lose
my fortune, as l led you to believe. l
hoped to regain your love as a poor
girl, and your uncle aided me in my
scheme. l sincerely hope you will
never regret marrying an heiress.'
He never did.