Connecticut western news., 1878-05-23
The Story of a Life.

Miss Cameron"
 Leonie- Cameron, lazily looking out of bow-wlndow upon garden flaming with autumn tints and sunset glow, lifted par of soft, dark eyes to Mrs. Tollman's face. It was an. anxious face just at that moment, and, being usually full of placid content, the anxiety was very apparent to Leonie. So, after her first careless glance, she strengthened herself in her low chair, and said, quiet ly, yet with every appearance of in- terest
 [. What is the matter ?"
 An awkward pause followed that ques- tion.
 Mrs. Tollman fdgeted under the in quiring glance of the dark eyes, cleared her throat twice, and finally said, with nervous emphasis
 ssJohn Furber."
 Miss Cameron's face seemed to freeze. It was very beautiful face, with pride for a leading expression. Sweetness lurked in the mouth, intellect beamed from the radiant dark eyes, but pride shadowed all. It carried the small head gracefully erect, it swept the folds of the rich dresses with regal motion. It touched the small patrician hands, and was evident in the well-modulated tones of the refined voice.
 ss There, Mrs. Tollman said, despair ingly, I've made you mad already, and haven't said anything.
 "I am not mad, Leonie answered, and there certainly lurked smile in her mouth at the good woman's consterna- tion But you have not told me what troubles you.''
 I" It's-it's-John, Miss Cameron, and" then rapidly, as if the words were forced by fear of l. her own 1nabil- ity to finish her self-appointed task, she hurried on. He's my nephew, miss, as you know, though his father is rich man, very rich, and John IS above his mothers place in her life. She's dead, and John was spoiled somewhere between the year she died and two years ago. l don't know where he took to bad ways. He was brought up an idler upon his fathers money, and from idleness to drinking, gambling and bad ways is an easy road. His father is hard man and he thrust him out nearly year ago and disinherited him. He came here, for l love him. I've nothing else to love; husband and children in the grave yard, so love John.
 There was a piteous pleading in the woman's face, but Leonie's was blank, save for an air of polite interest.
 He was most desperate when he came here, but I've coaxed him up a little. But-but %, Miss Cameron, you know what l want to say. You are beautiful, rich a lady far above me in education and position, and only staying here for country quiet. I've no right to find fault, but-but-don't firt with John. He is in trouble, Respondent, disinherited, and he's falling in love with you as fast as he can. believe if you play with him, he will kill himself, body and soul"
 Fairly out of breath with her own earnest utterance, Mrs. Tollman paused, looking pleadingly in Leonie Cameron's face. The expression of polite interest never wavered, as that young lady said
 eff understand you aright, you wish me to ignore your nephew. It is not so easy, as he is in your house, so had better leave it.
 "Goodness p cried the widow, aghast at this interpretation of her words. "I never meant that. Where can you find another boarding-place near here?"
 "I can return to London"
 I've put my foot in it. John will never forgive me, :" said Mrs. Tollman, disconsolately.
 But there was no sympathy in Leo nie's face, and she turned away at last, perplexed and more anxious than ever. And Leonie, sinking back in her chair again, looked at the sunset clouds and variegated foliage, and thought perhaps it was time to return to London.
 She had come to S-, weary with 6 round of fashionable life, tired of fiat tery, dancing, flirting, and she had found rest and quiet under Mrs. Tollman'l motherly care. She was rich, richer fal than the landlady had any idea of bu she had no near relatives, only second cousin to keep her lonely home, and play propriety.
 Society constituted itself her amateur guardian, and ly1ng back in her cush toned chair, in the sunset glow, she won dered indolently what society would sa, about John Furber. It would gran him rare perfection of manly beaut, of face and form, and forgive the evi dent traces of dissipation, if it was onl,, known that he was the son of a rich man