The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1875-08-25
Faithful and FaithIess.

soon accumulated d respectable fortune,
and the later years Of his lire were de-
voted 10 speculations in land. Scarcely
man In the city possessed SO much un-
improved land as Abel Potter. 81
His family consisted of his vile and
three daughters. Violet, the Oldest, was
eighteen, and Estella, the youngest, was
but seven years old.
| Violet Potter was not girl who could
be called strictly beautilul, but there
was something pleasing in her face, and
her manners were so gentle and winning,
tnat after few moments conversation
with her you would become so charmed
with her that she would lind the warm
est place in your heart.
| Abel Potter had bought tract of land
on the Alleghanies, and, having been inn
pressed with the grandeur oil the scenery
and the salubrity OF the climate in sum-
mer, he sent wOrkmen to the spot, and
built himself a beautiful residence, where
he purposed to pass several months each
season.
Abel Potter expected his example
would be followed by many of the wealthy
men in the city, for he had notices care
fully written and inserted in the news
papers, and, in fact, did everything to
make his scheme a paying investment.
| To a certain extent he was successful,
but settlers did, not flock there in sufi-
cient numbers to realize the hopes Of his
theart. and for the first time he felt that,
with all his shrewdness, he was as like
Ily to commit an error as other men. Vio-
Ilet Potter had lover. What fine girl
has notS But he was not such person
as her father wished to see the husband
| of his child. Scott Rathby was the son
of a gentleman who was deeply interest
ed in several OF the largest iron works OF
| Western Pennsylvania. Mr.. Rathby was
| wealthy, influential, and strict member
of the church. In every respect he was
counted an exemplary citizen, and all
his children were brought up in the
strictest paths Of virtue and sobriety,
save Scott, and he was the black sheep
| of the family told. He was the second
son, nineteen years old, and by far the
best looking of all the sons, and certain
| ly the smartest. The fact was, Scott
| Rathby was considered by the ladies one
of the handsomest young men in the city.
He had a splendid education, fascinat-
ing manners, but he was scapegrace.
He got into too many difficulties for the
son of a staid elder Of the church, and
the worst of it all was, that he never
professed any repentance for his mis-
deeds.
They said be was incorrigible, and lit
tie hope could be INDUCED in for one
who would have the temerity to race
horses past the church where his father
was worshiping on Sunday morning.
Scott Rathby was Violet Potter's lover,
and Notwithstanding her father (and
Scotts also(, endeayored to prejudice
her against the young man, she clung to
him through evil report and evil doings.
It was. in the balmy month Of May that
Mr., Potter anu his family alighted in
front of their summer retreat, where
they purposed staying through the warm
months. Every member OF the family
we're delighted win the charming scen-
ery and delicious mountain air, save
Violet. She was sad, and at times al.
most gloomy. Her iasher and mother
knew the cause TOO well to question her
upon the subject.
Scott Rathby had used all his persua-
sion to induce her to remain in the city,
but as muon as she loved him, she re-
fused to disobey the parents WHO had al
ways been loving and considerate to-
ward her.
mo" she said, when reasoning with
lher lover; 81 must accompany them, for
it 10 a duty l owe them, and l hope you
will not counsel me to d first act OF dis
obedience. Besides, 1t won't be long that
I shall be absent. You will write me
lconstantly, and l will reply. You know
that my parents allow me- to act my
lipleasure in this natter
IL know they have tried to win you
Ifrom me-" answered Scott, gloomily,
"and that my own father has Joined in
/ The infamous act"
.'Hush," said Violet, laying her finger
upon his lip. IL would not hear you
sneak in that manner"
"Y0u may never hear me speak
again." replied Scott with yehemence,
"Who can tell what may happen when
you are not here TO counsel me? Good
by. You will regret this parting.'
| He turned upon his heel, and the next
moment was gone, ami Violet stood
watching his retreating figure with dis
TENDED eyes and open lips. A vague tear
smote her heart, bat she hid her sorrows
and endeavored to appear cheerful.
For the first few weeks OF her absence
she received letters regularly from her
lover, and her gayety returned. MIR.
Potter breathed more freely when he
saw the dark cloud lifted from his
daughters heart. Satisfied that Scott
Ratilby was entirely unworthy Of her,
he hoped that reflection might lead her
| to see that he was actuated in his oppo-
silion solely tor her good. Her fathers
great object had been TO remove her
from society which he thought danger
GUS to her peace and welfare. That had
been accomplished, but alas! too late.
Violet reposed The most perfect and
simple trust in the good faith OF her
lover, aud it never entered her mind
that she could be untrue to him or he
to her.
MIR. Potter and his wife guessed not
the strength of their daughters passion,
or they would never have thought OF
such an expedient for removing it..
Certainly, place of unvarying solitude
was i'll chosen to divert the thoughts
from a. favorite object. The effect was
as might have been anticipated, her
affection was increased by the. separa-
ton, till the Idea of hef absent lover was
ever present to her mind.
The month of July found Violet less
happy than she previously had been.
Scott Rathby's letters began to be irreg-
ular and very brief. Violet was not'a
person to communicate her feelings to
any one, so she nursed her sorrow in si-
lence. But when Rathby's letters al
together ceased, her cheek grew pale,
aud her form began to waste. Her par
ents, alarmed at the change in their
xh,,d nf.,rad n fnk a har ho n k tn tha nity