The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1877-12-01
AN EMBROIDERED STOCKING

She was very prctty-but there came a time
when don't think | cared in the least for her
beauy--hcr soul was so much more attractive
than her hOdy. She was no humble wIld.tlow-
er maiden, but woman who had received a
magnificent dover of blue blood. including
talent and the highest attributes Of character,
and all that culture could develop in beau
tiful and intellectual woman was hers; all that
wealth could bestow upon her she possessed.
She had the good fortune to have no SINGULAR
ty Of nature, but all was Il symmetrical and
harmonious whole
loved her and possessed the humbleness
of true love The more intimately knew her,
she made me conscious of things that were
mean in myself Out OF this feeling grew
jealousy Of other men.
A bitter jealousy. She was of too sunny
and generous a temper to pick for flaws, nor
could she know man as other men knew
him
She could not understand that DR.. Cosgrove
was az irritable in private as he was suave and
agreeable in public, and would not tell her
that Capt Langdale seldom pays his debts.
They were but two of her many admirers, and
they were both handsomer and Shower than
myself In time, ! was miserable on their ac-
count
cannot now, in cold blood, accuse her of
coquetry; but Stephenie ST. Jean was Of French
blood on her fathers side Besides speaking
that language perfectly, she had the French
woman's secret Of fascination A trific in
vivacity, when surrounded by gentlemen, made
her utterly irresistible.
saw and felt the charm and could not con.
tent myself with the thought that in the quiet
hours we passed together knew myself dear
10 her. Many winter evening had we sat
together on the little velvet sofa before the
drawing room fire, secure from intrusion, her
beautiful head resting on my breast content in
her eyes, happiness in her smile. And yet
swearing her to be the proudest and most
delicate of wom.n. | was madly jealous OF
other men.
For months would not see her alone She
was one Of large family and she had favor.
tie cousin, Lily Lawton, who Was her constant
companion.
She was very young, and bright, sweet lit
tie thing. but of late she had seemed droop-
ing as if out of health, and Stephenie had
been unusually protective and kind
For Stephenie's sake often took Lily out to
drive, though her exceeding simplicity often
bored me-
| could not but wonder that Stephenic asso.
ciatcd with her so constantly; but Lily wor-
shipped her magnificent cousin, and the latter
delighted in being kind to those weaker than
herself Kitten" she called Lily, and there
had been something especially kittenish in the
girls round, bright gray eyes and playful
graceful ways.
Her special charm was gone now. She Wa
a pale, faded. spiritless little thing. Stephcnic
kept her constantly under her wing.
Kitten must have green fields and pastures
new" she said. The May suns are getting
strong and |. too, long for country trip ",
are going to Branchvlle and shall he absent q
week. Mind you are good boy till We com,
back"
| smiled, but on the wrong side of my face.
"A wccky' | murmured
"A week and one day." she laughed
IL shall be gray-headed when you com,
back" said, smiling at my own vexation
She laughed more gaily than ever; then {
shadow fell over her face.
(" 1t is fofLily's sake she whispered "Lool
al her"
Lily lay in hammock on the piazza, he
hands lying listlessly in her lap, not shade O
color in her cheek
The thought came to Inc that the child Wa
bound for the land Of shadows.
'She must have help, and soon" said Ste
picnic.
"Yes," answered
saw them of on the morning train-kitte
with her cheek on Stephenie's shoulder
carried the picture they made before my eye
all the week-my magnificent, generous brl
nette supporting the failing strength of tina
pale, fair-faced child. And had never love
her better in my life than in this new phase
A week and day Stcphenie had said; ther,
fore had no expectation of seeing her wher
at the end Of five days. entered the drawing
room of her fathers house to find an opers
glass had left there.
had told tha uofx,ar1f AZ fie hall dior a
my errand was, and that knew just wher
TO look for the glass. But on the threshold @
the apartment my steps were arrested by III
sound Of Stephcnie's voice.
A rush Of delight went over me. | Wa