The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1874-03-07

saw his awkward b, wv and scrape.
Emily at once con Nmenced conversatiC
with Mr.. Adams, and proceeded to drag hi
ont most ridiculously. when Kate came to Il
rescue
You forgot, Miss Arc her, said she, TIL
nv cousin has just arrived in town, and hi
not yet had an opportunity to see the hon
He will be more able to give his opinion {
them in few days when ! shall have tn
pleasuse of acting as his cicerole.
Mr.. Warren, like a we'll bred gentleman a
he was, addressed some remarks to Ml
Adams on subjects with which he was famil
lar, and shortly after he, with Miss Archer
took leave, Kate could have cried with vex
alton as she thought of the sarcasm and III
Idcrous description of the scene which En-
ily would delight in giving, but she control
ed herself. She was kind hearted girl, ano
could not forget the visits she PAID her deai
uncle and aunt Adams, or Ben's Entiring ei
forts to make her happy, when at bis father
house. She resolved to repay him noE, and
her graclousness of manner quite fascinated
poor Ben, as she made all sorts of Inquiries
about the old farm.
| No sooner had Richard Warren, with Miss
Archer, left the house, than she began With
all her powers of sarcasm, as Kate had Bore-
SEEN to rdicue the scene they had witnessed.
Mr.. Warren smiled but seemed absent.
| had no idea that the Benefits had such
vug gar relations, continued Emily, knowing
well that the fastidious Richard Warren
would consider this Il serious objection to the
woman of his choice. Notwithstanding all
Kate Benefits elegance, there is certainly
something about the family that betrays low
blood.
Yes, returned Warren, hardly knowing
what he said and feeling that shehad gained
one point, Emily walked on, in the best pos.
siblG spirits, internally trlumphing over the
discontinue Of her rival.
That evening at the opera, who should be
at Hates side but cousin Ben dressed III
taste and evidently much interested in the
performance, while Miss Bennett listened
politely to his frank and sensible criticism.
At parties, too, he was her attendant, and this
open acknowledgement of her relatives quite
buuted the point OF Emily's sa,ires. Mr..
Bennett assisted the youth to a situation, and
very speedily his rusticity wore off. He had
both good looks and good sense. Under his
Cousins judlcious training he very soon did
her no discredit, even among the crowd of
fine gentleman that surrounded her.
Emily Archer saw all and bit her lip in
vexatlon. She could not but acknowledge the
superiority of Hates strategy, and she had
trlumphed in the event which she hoped
would humiliate her
From that time Richard Warren waited
upon her often, and ere long he had openly
acknowledged his preference by offering his
heart and hand
Kate he said, shortly after their betrothal,
I shall never cease to thank cousin Ben for
giving me my bride. | admired you as a
belle, but his coming and your reception of
him proved that you were something better
than mere fine lady-that you are n true
woman, blessed with that greatest of all at
fractions, u heart. Confess that you owe him
debt OF gratitude.
Many years had passed. In the sober mat
ron, Mrs Warren, one would haye hardly re-
cognized the dashing belle, Kate Bennett.
Blest with wealth and cheerful home, al
fond husband and loving children, she had
led happy life, and time had but increased
the love of the welded pair, But oloudless
rs her life had been a storm was gathering
Her husband, always cheerful grew moody,
restless and unhappy. She tried in vain to
discover the cause of his gloom, but he only
made evaslve replies to her inquiries, and
could only guess at his troubles; that they
were connected with his business she imag-
ined Her surmiscs were correct
He entered the room one day where she
was seated and exclaimed, fingins himself
on the sofa
Kate we are ruined. In vain | have
struggled for weeks past; it is useless to try
il longer TO day 1 shall be known as a
bankrupt enDiless. In trying TO double
my fortune | have lost the whole of it. You
and my children are beggars.
Why should loss Of wealth trouble YOU,
Richard said his wife tenderly, approaching
and taking his hand. That is, after all, but IA
tritling misfortune. While we are spared to
each other. blest with health and children,
why should we repine at the mere loss of a
fortune.
The husband groaned,
All, to be dishonest, Kate, he said; fear to
look men in the face because am bankrupt
unable to pay my debts, Kate, the very idea Of
this drives me mad To avoid this, what
have not none II have passed slecpless
nights and anxious days, but all in vain.
With soothing words the wife tried to com.
fort him; but alas, he paid little heed to her
efforts.
Just then q servant entered, saying that a
gentleman wished TO see Warren.
Tell hun | cannot, replied his master;
will see nobody.
But you will replied cheerful voice, and
q gentleman closely followed the servant as
he entered.
How is this, my dear Dick he said, you
are in trouble and did not apply tome; that
was not right.
And of what use would it have been? re.
turned Warren. am weary Of borrowing of
one friend to repay the other, day after day.
Even that has failed me at last, and | have
come to hide myself from the prying gaze of
those who will soon be talking of my dis
grace.
had heard rumors of this, Dick, and went
to your office to see you, as you were not
there, | followed you here You have two
hours yet before bank hours are over. Here
is a blank check; fill it up yourself, and it
shall be duly honored. Repay at your con.
venience. No thanks; it is only a loan.
know your business we'll, and that in little
time, with perhaps some assistance, all will
be right once more.
Totally overcome, Richard could only
grasp his friends hand, while his eyes tillea
with an UNIV onted moisture.
How can we ever thank you, cousin Ben >