Weekly Trinity journal., 1878-08-31
CLARA'S STEPFATHER.
'It's too had ~ said Miss Norval.

-that was easy 10 see. her pretty lace
was pale, her eyes were swollen and cir
clsd around with rings Of purple, and
Madame Durande was bending over her
with a cup Of strong tea in one hand, and
n bottle Of eau de cologne in the other
For Clara Norval was the pet scholar and
showgirl in all Madame Dursnde's ia
nous French and English Entain-
aent."
Dent fret, my DEAR" said madam,
consolingly. ITS very sad, to be sure
but then you must reflect that there are
worse troubles in the world than to have
ones mother marry again. Reflect, my
love. Mrs. Norval is not yet forty"
Forty ~ repeated Clara, despairing-
ly. "The idea Of widow OF forty mar
rying again It's ageous-scanda
lous-disgracefu !"
my dear |" reasoned Madam Duran
de.
"Well, it is I" asserted Clara; "and
mamma ought to DO ashamed of herself.
won't go to the wedding. at all events.
l won't countensnce the affair, not even
by my presence. III take the situation
AS governess, sooner than be domineered
over by a stepfather."
I'm afraid you haven't much idea OF
the trials of a governess' life, Clara"
ssid Madam Dursnde, soberly.
Zone can preserve ones self respect,
ut all events,' said Clara resolutely, sti-
fling fresh sob. "Aad l don't feel that
can ever look mamma in the face
again"
just then. Ariel Bond, the youngest
scholar in the school, tapped at the door,
with blue eyes as big as saucers, and
round red chesl;s.
''Oh, Miss Norval, said she, "he's IN
the parlor The handsomest gentleman
that ever I saw in my life. And Betty is
bringing up his card, on silver tray, for
you, Miss Norva I"
Instinctively, Clara sat up among the
sefa pillows, and put back her dishevelsd
curls.
WHO is it, Ariel ?" said she.
And at the same instant, Betty came
in with the tray. Miss Eorval caught
nervously at the Eu.tache Bur-
Esyne."
She dropped the bit of pasteboard
again, ss if it had been live coal.
"Mr. Burgoyne !" said she, haughtily.
"Hsw dare be come here to exult over
ma will not spa hin, ~
"But, my dear, you must - pleaded
Madam Durande. Respect to your
mother I"
I've no respect for her, . retorted Cs-
ra, springing to her feet. 'But should
like, now that [ come to think of it, to
let him know nay opinion OF him."
CLARA don'tsay anything rash, )" cried
Madam Durande, in dismay.
But Clara Norval had swept away, her
blue muslin dress rustIng softly on the
carpet, her eyes gli:te-ng defiance, while
Madam Dulande looked after her with
some trepidalion in her face.
I'm afraid that child will say some
thing dreadful" faltered the lady pre-
ceptrsss. But what can do ?"
Mr.. Burgoyne, tall, handsome man
about thirty, WAS walking up and down
the parlor, as Clara entered. Hs advsn-
ced pace or two, and held out his land
with frank smile. She stood still, with
both her own palms clasped tightly be-
hind her; but Mr. Burgoyne took no no
tice Of this very peculiar proceeding.
miss Norval," said he, courteously,
81 Am commissioned by your mother"
Excuse me, " Interrupted Clara "but
II mamma has any communications to
make, | would rather they should be by
letter."
Mr.. Burgoyne looked somewhat sur
prissd.
IT supposed" said he, "thnt the new
rotations which are soon to exist between
U.s.
II don't want to hear anything about
new relations" said Clara, with rising
color.
Are we not to be friends, thes ?"
No, sir !" said Clara. Certainly
not"
Eus:ace Burgoyne smiled little. lie
could not help it she was SO lovely and
so inlurated.
81 suppose you consider it gentle
manly thing laugh at me-" said Clara,
the color growing more and more vivid
in her cheeks, "but incredible as it may
appear to you, have feelingsv'
~ beg your pardon !" said Mr.. Bur-
goyne, hurriedly. 81 had no idea Of
laughing at you. But"
"Do not apologize" said Clara. at
is as well to be be frank. Let us under
ftand each other at once. / hate you Mr. {.
Bnrgoyne l dsapprove this whole
thind. And I will have nothing what
ever to do with you ~
"This is being frank, with ven
geance," said Mr.. Burgoyne, trying hard
10 restrain the laughter that would ripple
around the corner Of his lips. "But, Miss
Nerval, ] do not think we quite under
stand each other yet."
''Do wo not ?" said indignant Clara
ut is necessary TO speak palmer yet-to
tell you that I stigmatise you as fortune
hunter, and that I8espise you ?"
''Not at all necessary" said Mr.. Bur-
goyne, little erisply. perhaps I had
better bid you good morning" ?"
perhaps so, sir" said Clara, and she
bowed him triumphantly off the field.
''Ten years younger than mamma, al
the very lesst," she said, hotly. "Oh,
dear, what cruel heartless, mercenary