The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1877-02-09
LIFE's MUSIC.
BY JENNIE STERLING.

1t was late spring. A young
girl was seated by the window
but neither the newly awakened
4 beauties of fnature, heralding the
b approach of summer, visible in
the smiling landscape, the twit
tering of the birds, nor yet the
/ fragrant blossom scented air, elic'
tied a passing notice-her eyes
cast pensively down. and an ali
of listlessness plainly intimated
that her thoughts were introspec-
tive and not altoa ether agreea.
! BILE. ''
| Nevertheless she made a pret-
ty picture for the window framing
with long dark eyelashes rest
ling on pale cheeks, a mouth firm,
but sweet, dimpling at it's corners,
matching one deeply cleft in the
slightly unturned chin. .ri
The moments flew rapidly by,
but she still remained as unmovr
BILE as a sphinx, until loud knock
at the door disturbed her reverie.
A tall, fashionably- dressed wo-
man entered, her long train Of
costly silk sweeping the carpet.
With a haughtyiair aIfl gesture,
she said: -,
81 wish to speak with Lizzie
O'Conner. viii you please call
herr a'.. .,-
"Thatis my name," the girl re-.
piled, indillerently. sfllf
"Pray be seated, madam"
The stranger seemed embar-
rassed; the stylish appearance of
the girl evidently surprised her,
and despite the humble surroun-
dings, she instinctively felt that
she was addressing an equal; but
concealing her thoughts beneath
society manners, she adopted an
affable conversational tone, say
ing: - -., n
"It distresses me beyond meas
ure tospeak to you with appa-
rent harshneSs, Miss O'Conner,
but think it best to inform you
of the object of my business at
once" Pausing as if expecting
reply, but perceiving the girls
surprised look, she continued:
II have a son, very dear to me,
but, alas! somewhat wayward; in
fact, he is deeply in debt, and
both his father and myself, are
anxious that he should marry
WELL" Ll#
"Of course" replied Lizzie,
feeling obliged to say something,
although not particularly inter
ested. !
"My,dear you can materially
assist me, in forwarding my sons
interests"
"Iw she calculated, now inter /
ested and attentive. ma uV5
"Yes, you! Our dear boy has
an aunt who has signilied her in
tention of making him her heir; |
not. however, without conditions;
he must remain on his best beha-
vior; but the silly fellow is so
perverse,n q yaCEIfV 2 4
lido not understand how this !
can effect me in the least,'' she
replied. III do not know even
the names Of the parties.31,as ,a !
miss O'Connor, pardon a mo-
theirs anxiety-do you not love
Gerard KnowltOnW
Gerard! and if dog inquired
the girl, defiantly. I'D
do you not see, then, that
marriage with a penniless girl
would ruin his prospects and de-
feat our plans for his welfare!"
Lizzie was nettled and indignant.
What right had this worldly !
wise, bold woman thus to intrude,
desecrating the purest, sweetest
feeling she had ever known; but
pride--her ruling passion-gain
ed the mastery over her temper,
and controlling herself with EFF
fort, she coldly answered:
''Far be it from me, Mrs. Knowl-
ton, to interfere with your sons
prospects. He did not even hintl
at such contingency when he ur-
ged me to be his wife; but | will
never trust myself unwelcomed
to any family; therefore, my
course is plain, j shall leave my
hometo-mofrOw and seek honor
able employment, and may God
forgive you, Mrs. Knowlt0n, for
the shadow you have cast upon
my young life" she added, bitter.
ly. {SA s ~ % p 2 r = Z
The proud mother took her
leave without word, feeling
ashamed, yet secretly exulting at
the success of her visit.
!, In the privacy Of her own room,
the pentsup emotions in the soul
of the poor girl, found vent in
tears and ,sobs, and when becom-
ing calmer, she set herself to de-
termine ways and means. !
Had Gerard deceived herr No,
she was sure that he was too hon I
orable--too fond, to expose her
TO, reproach or insult-this was all |
his mothers doings, and how for
tunate that she had refused an
immediate marriage, and had
bade him wait for a year, at least.
Nowl she found that she could be
-. If :. -. n o..... r.. L.. - crI