Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1874-11-30

When he was quite out of sight Clar-
ice stood at the window, my heart grew
cold with dread as / saw the new beau
ty, the awakened soul shining in her
lovely face. l knew all the sweet. vague
hopes that were thrilling her heart-I
knew the music that was ringing through
her whole being. Going up to her very
gently, threw my arms around the slen-
der graceful figure
''Clarlce, my darling" l whispered,
"do not think too much of Sir Gerald
Mayne."
Her face flushed crimson, the golden
head drooped shyly.
"You see, my little sister, l contin-
ued, although he admires you, there is
too great disparity between you for
anything to come Of it. He is rich, his
title is an old one, his family second to
none in the country. He will naturally
marry one of his own station. His moth
er you know expects him to marry we'll. ,
''My father was a gentleman said
the child, proudly; ''what can any man
be more % Her face glowed and her
eyes frightened. ''Do you mean to tell
me, Laura" she cried, ''that Sir Gerald
Mayne would hold you or me inferior to
him ?"
He is too true gentleman for that, -
l replied hastily. ''What mean is this,
Clarice Sir Gerald can give his wife
rank, title, wealth and position-he can
place her at the head of one of the old
est families in England. He must have
something il return; he must have for
tune or rank things are so managed in
this world.
Then this world is contemplate
one" she cried.
l saw that my words had gone home.
hated myself for teaching her these
false lessons hated myself for crush
ing the sweet innocent hopes yet it
must be done. Her face grew very pale
and her lips quivered, then she clasped
her arms round my neck, and hid her
golden head upon my breast. All, many
times had she done this in her childish
troubles, and now she would never be a
child again
Laura" she said presently, 81 wish
he had no title--I wish he was quite
poor-that is, poor, you know, as we are. y
do you like him so much, then, my
darling?" l asked.
Her answer was burst of tears that
smote me with pain.
"All you have said is true, Laura,
she began, after time-.I must moi
stand between him and his mother
never thought of these things, and il
was so sweet to think that he liked me. ,
| l watched her that night while sht
slept ever and anon a low cry woulc
come from her lips and the golden heat
tossed wearily to and fro.
The next morning, soon after break
fast, / heard the well-known canter il
the long avenue of lines.
''Clarice. 60 to your room," l said
land do not leave it till l send for you.
She understood and obeyed me with
} out word Sir Gerald came in, an
finding me alone, looked for momeu
rather surprised. He began to talk, bu
} his eyes never left the door; / kne,
that he was listening for the sound c
the footstep which was determined h
i should not hear again.
'.Your sister Is well, | hope. Mis-
e VIVIAN" he said at length.
4 ..Quite WE'LL" replied coldly-''st
y is engaged this morning"
He seemed i'll at ease, and soou aft
e took his leave.
y The next day he called again, but
9 had sent Clarice out to Mrs. Ruther
d and received him alone. cannot te
: what he might have said, but some OIL
called at the same time, and the conye
d sation became general.
n That night clarice came to my be
,. side; the moon was shining bright
and 1 was half alarmed at seeing Il
r white robed figure with the golden ha
q falling like veil around it. For N
s ment [ half thought 1t was an angel.
,e Laura" she said, Il cannot sle
g and have come to ask you something
,e you will take me away from here ?''
Away" / repeated mechanically
k. .swhere to, Clarice, what for?''
b. ''You will not be cross with me,
know" she said; 81 can say anythi
ne to you. ] am very unhappy, Laura
unhappy that | wish | had died vi
a my mother years ago"
Id These words reused me as nothi
else could have done-my mothers p
ly ted child so miserable as that
er us it about-Sir Gerald? 2" [ ash
en- gently.
Yes she said in her loving voi'
/ sit is all about him, Laura. Let me
Id away where he will not find me, and {
he not call every day as he does now
for cannot help it. | did not care for b
M at first, but | love him now. All, L
of ra, you do not know how kind and g
4 "A