The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1877-12-27

m00tl0& OelWcen DrOlnec anu SlSto
was somewhat formal and con
strained and their first words wer
tinged with bitterness and reproach
But blood is thicker than water ant
soon they were as tenderly to eacl
other as of yore. The years of separa
ton had been thoroughly bridged.
When John Morton returned, boil
Inez and her mother accompanied
him. He was charmed with his nice,
and he at once resolved to make hel
his heiress, and introduce her into so
ciety. The girl bore her new position
with dignity. Lifted from povert.
into eminepcc, she remained unchang
cd. Her uncle seemed only too anx
ious to repay her for past neglect. He
had the hail and grounds renovated
an army of workmen kept the place in
confusion for weeks, and then, theil
labor done, they disappeared.
Inez had q suite of rooms which
were exquisitely furnished ; her ward.
robe was inexhaustible; her every
wish was grstified the elements which
surrounded her were taste. elegance
and wealth. Yet she was not happy
Down in the secret recesses of hel
heart was cherished q secret which
embittered her very existence.
Inez was sitting in her room one
morning, two or three months after
her arrival at the hall, wrapped in
thought. She had pushed aside the
curtains of heavy damask and price.
less lace, disclosing landscape varied
and beautiful, the groves of tall pine
aud magnolias, the thickets of timber
which skirted the stream. the long
fields of cotton thronged with negroe.
plucking the fleecy treasure, formed q
most delie htful picture. Inside, birds
chirped in gilded cages, the gold fish
darted to aud fro in the aquarium
the atmosphere was heavy with the
perfume of flowers which were ar
ranged with artistic skill throughout
the room, and the magic touch Of gold
was everywhere visible.
4 rap sounded Oh the outer door,
aud, in reply to her invitation, her un-
Gle entered.
sInez,' he said, as soon as the usual
were exchanged, Il have
had visitor
'Who?' she asked indifferently ,and
without looking up.
Guy Dartoh.'
AT the mention of that name the
girl started violently. She was 10
longer Indifferent. The color slowly
left her cheeks, her very lips grew pale
and her eyes glowed with an express.
ion of positive terror. For moment
she seemed to control herself with an
effort.
what did he say p she asked husk-
lily.
Nothing. What could he say p said
Morton sternly.
The girl was silent.
Her uncle sat down beside her, and
took her hand.
Inez, this is nonsense. You should
have told me of this attachment before.
But no matter. have sent him away
and forever. He Is no match for q
lady in your position. Besides, have
different views for you. Your mother
made an unfortunate marriage, and 1
IND determined you shall not
Then he unfolded his plans. lie had
chosen for her husband Walter Leroy,
he son of a neighboring planter, and
Who had been a constant and not un.
welcome visitor at the hall since Inez
lad been there.
sYou are my heiress, Inez.' he con-
.luded. and 1 expected you TO submit
% my authority. When I am dead
you will be free to follow your own
These words rung in her head for
many days, and afterward were
ranght with terrible significance.
That evening, while walking through
he grounds. she met Waiter Leroy.
The grew pale the magnolia blossoms
ell from her hand: she attempted to
,ass him, but he grasped her hand and
eld her firmly.
Release me, she cried, family
truggling to free herself.
Not until you answer one question,
le said, deter1ninedly, l have spoken
o Mr.. Morton, and it now remains for
,ou to decide my fate. l love you;
vill you bid me hope?'
With great effort, she wrcnched her.
elf from his grasp.
Il cannot listen to you. lam
She staggered, murmured some bro
en sentences, and would have fallen
II the ground had he not sprane for
' ard and caught her in his arms, and
her to seat. Soon she
While a violent shudder convulsed her
ramc. The young man noticed the
and it stung him sharply.
Am so hateful to you,' he said
utterly, that my presence inspires
orror? I fancied, a few days since,
hat you regarded me with something
ike Affection
You were not wrong
SIS it possible that you love mc?'
sIt is too true,' was the faint reply
Leroy knelt at her feet, and SO well
lid he plead his cause that she con-
ented to become his wife. his elo-
luence apparently banishing her
cruples. In glowing terms he pic
ured their future, and she listened,
,ut said nothing. It was singular
betrothal. Naturally they fingered
some time. aud when thew finally