The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-05-18
MISS MOUNTJOY,S LESSON;
Or, Pride Must Have q Fall.
CHAPTER 1.

The long, slanting rays of golden
sunset were streaming in through the
crimson stained glass windows of Clarice
Mountjoy' elegant boudoir, and lighting
up in subdued splendor the costly ap-
phances and luxurious ornaments that
filled the apartment.
Before the lofty mirror sat naughty,
imperial woman, upon whose raven black
masses of hair, arched eyebrows of the
same ebon hue, and flashing eyes of
midnight darkness, the rose-tint from the
window fell in becoming addition to her
costly toilet.
A frown rose on her brow, and she
tapped her delicately-booted foot in vexa-
ton and impatience.
"To think that, after all the pains I
have taken to have the jewels collected,
/ am unable to wear them to the only
evening party care straw for. Where
is the use of having diamonds and pearls
if we haven't suitable toilet to appear
IMP"
She pulled the slight silken cord by
her side, whose tinkling summons
brought her maid.
"Felice, must have my dove-colored
MORE for this evening, come what will.
Put on your cloak and run down to
Madame Ruche, and tell her cannot
think of going without it, if L must wait
until II o'clock"
Obedient to her imperious mistress
commands, the lady's maid departed to
execute her commission.
:" I am determined to wear it, and my
elegant diamonds with it Sir Irvine
Tressell shall see me in my splendor, and
he will soon decide that English ladies'
can surpass the foreigners he has danced
with"
She rose and looked searchingly in the
mirror.
"People say am beautiful. Well, 1
know am; have every desirable feat
ure necessary to beauty, from my head
to my feet but all is naught to me if it
does not win me his love-the love /
have cherished for months-the love /
must win, and win soon-to-night p
Her beautiful lips were parted in
circle of grateful pride, as her eyes wan
dered over her feet, face and form.
"Ah, Sir Irvine Tressell, you little
know Clarice Mountjoy would barter life,
soul-honor, 1 had almost said-for your
sake!
A timid rap at the door 'dispelled her
soliloquy, and she turned with gesture
of impatience to the intruder.
"Lilias, how often have requested
you not to annoy me when / am alone
You seem to have a singularly deep re-
gard for this room. Do you want any
thing2"
The dark hazel eyes of the intruder
"Lilias she was called-fashed mo-
ment darkly; but the voice, low, sweet
and modulated, replied: 81 am very
sorry if 1 disturbed you. 1 merely
dropped in to see if / could be of any
assistance to you in your preparations
for Lady Armstrong; reception"
A selfish smile played over the carmine
lips of Clarice Mountjoy.
"Oh, will you help me get my moire
finished, if the dressmaker cannot? /
will give you my old blue silk, if you
will"
The lips of Lilias Bradley curled scorn-
fully; but, as before, she curbed the ris-
ing anger.
"Thank you, Cousin Clarice, do not
need the old blue silk. / will assist
Felice to finish your dress when she re-
turns, if you think you must wear it
without fail"
Indeed must, and shall, too For
Sir Irvine Tressen says golden moire
with diamonds is the most bewitchinQ
costume he ever saw. The Princess
Louise wore one at presentation, and
he is constantly reminding me how much
resemble her."
Lilias made no reply, but gazed
thoughtfully out of the window.
81 hope you are not envious of my
good luck, Lilias Bradley, because L
happen to be an heiress, and the future
wife of the splendid Baronet, Sir Irvine
Tressel?"
A smile, Multiplying, half-amused
lighted up Lilias' sweet, pale face.
"Oh, no, Clarice. 1 was only won
,lering if, with all your wealth, your ar
istocratic lovers, and dreams of future
happiness, you were really as happy as
l."