The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1877-10-16
Written for the standard.
THROUGH RIGHT AND
WRONG.
DY LAvILLA Il. ALLEN.

nash OF intellgence that went from eve
to eye
Kate McGregor turned an instant
from the object of her admiration and
caught the CLEAN OF scorn on the faces
that only moment before were beam
ing with mirth. II was as though a
battalion Of soldiers had been sud-
denly thrown into line ready for action.
their bayonets flashing dangerously in
the face Of the enemy. Miss McGreg-
ors eyes fairly bristled with interrAga.
tions, and by that mysterious telegra-
ply that society women are so familiar
with, she managed to separate young
lady friend from the gay company. and,
seating herself in quiet corner OF the
piazza, she asked an explanation.
II was the very height Of the season
at Long Branch, and up to this time
the visitors had more especially been
OF that class OF whom il might be said,
Each was the others counterpart in taste and
thought.
Each prled that pleasure most the others
sought
Kate McGregor was an exception. 49,
Exquisitely refined in her nature, yet
when reused, giving proof Of strong
individuality and Of rare attainments;
"a bright particular star" in the world
OF thought, to which the mere votaries
Of fashion were but as nebulae. Her
sturdy independence of action and
thought was largely due to her Scotch
origin, but her spotless and consistent
life was broadened and strengthened
by sweet and child-like faith in the
Infinite. To be poor aud desolAte aud
iorsaken, was 10 find friend in her; 10
be guilty, was 10 find pity rather than
| loathing, entreaties 10 reform rather
than scorn and reproaches.
The new ARRIVAL had awakened her
interest, and as she found herself alone
with her friend, she exclaimed:
"Tell me who is that regal woman
who has inst been 'metaphorically'
stabbed with oil those fierce glances.-
Her looks deceive her il after all there
is the smell OF fire upon her garments
notwithstanding the fiery furnace
which she was compelled to pass
I through.
Miss Manning sneered politely as
she looked into the animated face Of
her questioner, and she answered in
those cold cutting tones that are the
/ quintessence of derision:
lyon are too positive in your opin-
ions, Kate, and advise you not 10
throw down the gauntlet 10 the world
Of gossippers until you are prepared
/ 10 prove their actions 10 be as immacu-
late as you desire. The person You
are so suddenly interested In is a niece
OF DIR. Grey, OF Boston, an eccentric
bachelor who has petted and spoiled
her since she came into his care years
ago, at the death OF her parents. Dur
| ing her school days, or rather near
sent them suddenly abroad. What IL
was the world never knew, but ID is
evident that they believe il 10 be some
thing unforgivable, as she has not gone
into society since her return, and pro-
badly will not be invited TO do so very
soon, Judging by the silent demonstra-
tion of tonight. She may be an angel
Of purity and goodness, but there will
hoA TIC AupHt Ntutluk VINO viii
the feathers out Of her wings every
time she attempts to soar above her
present rank IN society"
"And may the Lord have mercy on
their poor sould. calculated Kate. 81
tell you, Helen, that this condition Of
affairs is terrible; not spoken word,
vet by looks and gestures and n shrug
Of the shoulders direful meaning is
conveyed TO which no legal penalty can
be attached, aud yet which burns its
way into the consciousness with all the
force OF successful argument. Many
souls that were pure as angels using
your own words, have been dragged
down TO shame and infamy by the en-
vious uplifting Of an eyebrow, and the
calumny that grew out of il.
"Well, Kate, TO be classically ele-
giant. What are you going TO do about
itP"
"1 have only vague idea nj present.
Call on Miss Grey the first thing, 1
think"
Miss Manning rolled her eyes sky.
ward in utter horror.
kate McGregori you are the most
incorrigible of enthusiasts. / sincere
ly believe that you wonld sacrifice
your right hand i'm defense Of princi-
pie. What would Horace say TO your
Quixotic scheme? You are aware how
exceedingly sensitive he is regarding
the worlds opinions, refusing even 10
come here for fear that some one might
detect his preference for you"
Miss McGregor's lip curled slightly
aud a faint flush suffused the fair face
like the delicate tint that lights mp the
sea shells heart, then In burned down
into each cheek and remained. The
lines about the perfect mouth grew in
20 irmness and decision, and the grey
eyes looked feArl essly into those of
her questioner.
"If your brother is sinsitive in the
direction Of right and justice, Helen,
am glad that know IL now"
"Ameni" said n deep voice that
reached her ear alone, and turning she
caught the dark eyes of n stranger as
ho walked awty from the shadow OF
the piazza.
"You are right, Helen, when you af-
firm that would give my right hand
in defense OF principle. I think
would give even more than that"
Again Miss Manning sneered as she
realized IN a measure how the soul Of
/ this grand woman lowered above her
own selfish and sordid existence, but
her brothers suit for the hand and for
tune Of Miss Kate McGregor was not
20 be imperiled, and she therefore en-
deavored 10 dispel the unpleasant i'm
I pressions that would naturally result
from such a conversation. Did she
/ succeed?
IL was mid-aafternoon the following
day. The lustrous breakers kissed the
clear, pure sands; their rhythmic mur.
mur falling upon the slumbrous air like
a gentle lullaby. The lonely distances
Of azure, brooding over the oceans
calm, we're cloudless and serene. A
drowsy silence pervaded the spacious
halls and airy rooms 81 the hotel, for
the guests were nearly all dreaming
thelheavy hours away, or doing lazily
over the latest item Of news. In one
OF the elegant suits Of rooms however
there was one whose eyes showed no
trace Of languor; for a moment they
would fash defsntly and the next the
beautiful lips would quiver as the dark
eyes overhowed with emotion. Back
and forth through the spacious rooms
she slowly walked, her small hands
clasped behind her. and then pausing
10y the window she swept back the cur
tain and gazed seaward with so much
OF longing and pathos in her eyes, that
/ one MIGHT imagine that tha e.J heat