The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-01-23
So PER ANNUM.

And Bertha Haines, the friend from
who Raymond parted two years before, in
this renewed intercourse became to him
more than ever was friend before. They
had not thought Of love in the days when
the girl was debutante in society, and
Raymond one Of its favorite bcaux but
when they met, after the long parting,
some new emotion stirred both hearts.
They did not know what made the hours
pass so quickly when they were together,
nor recognize the subtle charm that dwelt
for each in the others presence, for many
weeks.
Raymond was the first to awaken 10 the
knowledged that love was the charm that
bound him to Bertha side, wherever she
was present that it was love that made
her eyes, the dark sparkling eyes, so beau
tiful in their expression that love tuned
her voice so musical that love made her
the dearest Of all women in his eyes
Amabel was delighted Bertha was
one of her own fast friends, and Bertha's
father merchant of standing and inau-
ence. Aside from this the girl had in
herited money from her mother. Alto
gether, Amabel decided the match would
be charming. But hint to that effect
met one of Raymond's sternest frowns,
such as had never visited his face in the
old sunshiny days.
Never speak Of it again, Amabel, he
said. ~ am no fortune-hunter to live
upon the money of rich wife. I'll carve
out my own way first! y
But carving his own way proved tedious
work, till, desperate at his many failures,
he accepted position, offered in jest, Of
driver to an express wagon.
| do understand horses" he said, "if
| cannot sell goods or keep books"
1t proved harder work, however, than
in tho first flush Of his desperation he had
imagined Not the mere work that he
soon conquered; but the sights, rudeness
aud stares Of his old friends. Some few
recognized the true nobility that accepted
honest labor rather than an easy depen-
dence upon wealthy connectio ions, but these
were few.
A week passed, when one morning, de-
livering some goods at one of the most
fashionable stores on Broadway, as he went
out, Raymond saw Bertha Haines opening
the door of her low carriage. An impulse
made him start forward to hand her out,
only to draw back, crimson with confu-
sion, aud dropping the hand he was raising
to lift his hat. The sweet musical voice
he loved spoke at once
Please, Mr. Thurston, help me with
this obstinate door. 1t will stick
He went forward, then, with all the
easy grace ofmanher. that had ever marked
his intercourse with ladies. The little
gloyed hand was extended TO meet his, as
she thanked him.
1t is too bad you are engaged" she
said. ~ should like TO borrow your artist
eye to aid me in selecting dress for my
reception on Thursday evening. But you
will come and tell me how / succeeded
alone, will yon not p
She said the last words very earnestly,
raising her dark eyes to his face.
Do you really wish me to come no'cF'
he asked.
al dor
"Then will come l must say good
morning" and he left her with most
courteous bow.
But while the great express-wagon rat
tied down the streets, Miss Haines turned
away from the store she had been enter
ing, and re-cntered her carriage,
To my fathers" she said to the dri-
yer, and in few moments later the mer-
chant looked up from his ledgers to see
his only child, in a faultless walking-dress,
entering the counting-house.
Another check r he said, moving a
chair to her. "How much this time ?"
"Nothingl want to talk to you.
Shut the door, so those horid men cant
hear me.
The door closed, aud privacy in the
sanctum secured. Bertha astonishsd her
paternal relative by bursting into pas
sion Of weeping.
Why, Bertha" he cried.
"Neyer mind, papa. 1t is all over now.
Do you remember what you said to me
when Raymond Thurton asked for some
employment hcre?'
Not exactly
81 do. You said that man brought
up as he had been would want sine
cure that he never would como down to
real work, and that you had no position
for fine gentlemen that his offer to take
a subordinate position and learn business
was simply farce"
Did / say all that, Bertha ?"