The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1878-03-26
Selert Story.



The pearl cross was an heirloom. Et-
to wore il the first time ever saw her,
and I noticed its beauty as it rested upon
a knot of deep blue ribbon at her throat
Ribbons and pearls both suited her fair
complexion, deep golden hair r,and brown
ewes, large and soft as fawn's
l think l loved Henrietta Raymond
the first hour in which / met her at a
small party my Aunt Hilda gave in hon
OF of my return from a long business
trip in western cities When the party
was over Aunt Hilda told me that Miss
Raymond was the niece of new conner
in our village, retired clergyman, who
had tsken house near our own.
Had she bten great heiress or very
fine lady, might never have drawn her
into my heart Of hearts, as I'dld very
soon But she was loving girl, pos.
sessing no earthly wealth,and We met on
terms OF perfect social equality,
was an orphan, who owed education
care, everything to Aunt Hilda, who had
an income SO very narrow that it mus,
have cost her many acts of self-denial to
support me But at the time l met Etts
RAYMOND I had obtained good situa
ton in mercantile house 10 New York
and was putting all my spare funds into
Aunt Hilda's keeping for her own com
| fort
I had been absent more than a. yea
on business for the firm, and was enjoy
ing q vacation OF months duration
when / met, wooed and won Henrietts
Raymond. I courted her with all my
heart; and when she acknowledged sh'
loved me ms cup of happiness was full
Her uncle, Mr.. Raymond, when
placed my worldly prospects before him
was averse to an immediate marriage
but gave his hearty consent to our en-
igagement. How the timespeededa away
and how much Of it We spent side by
side in that happy summer.
A year passed, during which I was re
tsined closely ST my post in the count
ing house, having responsibilities ant
duties which kept me far into the night
As summer drew near ! was troubles
with frequent attacks Of vertigo, and
looked forward to my months vacation
as much needed rest as well IS pleas
ure. To my great disappointment it wa
postponed until September, and / wa
really i'll when at last l packed my trun
and took the train for home. Before
saw Eta / was prostrated by an attac
of fever that threatened my life, depriv
| ing me of consciousness for weeks :
When I recovered there fell upon me
blow that caused dangerous relapse
| was blind. Our only doctor said hope
lessly, incurably blind.
1t was impossible for many bite
months for me to feel resigned Or ps
tient. / prayed to die rather than to liv
| in my youth and strength burden upo
a weak and aged woman. My gifts
Aunt Hilda were melting away fast uI
der medical expenses, and there was onl
her own small income for her support
| But for Eta I believe should hav
taken my own life in the dark, ,despairin
days. Yet she was q very angel of con
fort. She refused to accept my offere
release from her engagement, and actl
ally proposed an immediate marriag
and emigration to New York. where sh
was sure she could find work. Oh, m
darling! how my heart wrapped 20
close ia those dark days, when all otht
hope or Joy seemed stricken from m
life. Every day, as I sat in our tin
parlor, helpless and idle, Eta came
me, pressing her soft lips upon blin
eyes and whispering words Of comfort
She read to me, talked to me,sang an
played upon Aunt Hilda's old-fashione
piano all my favorite airs If the weath'
was fine we walked out, Eta leading N
to retired spots.
| But mourned for my future! VIII.
was life to me? | must learn some ne
pursuit to win bread, or depend upe
charity. I was we'll again and stron,
and every drop OF my youg blood vi
in revolt at my enforced idleness.
| At Christmas time, Mr.. Raymond
only son came from Chicago on a visi
! | had heard of Albert Raymond fro
, Aunt Hilda. From his mother he hs
inherited fortune, and he had loved h
cousin Eta. Because of her refusal
q be his wife he had gone to Cnicag
where he was adding to his heritage
successful land speculations.
y l was prepared to be Jealous of Albe
Raymond, for Eta always spoke kind
Of him, giving him warm, sisterly affe
ton. But after he came, though he W
4 cordially pleasant with me, l hated hil
n Before he had been home week kne
!. that he and Eta had some secret betwe
Is them. I could grope my way by th
time to several neighboring houses, al
was often Etta's visitor as she had be
:. mine when was getting we'll.
~ More than once, coming across t
I garden, 1 could hear Eta and Albe
= conversing in an animated, eager tor
: to stop abruptly the moment appeare
or awkwardly introduce general sub;et
E. which was sure we're not the sujects
II the original conversation. A visit
n came from New York to Mr. Raymond
}, friend of Albert's, and Eta insist
upon my inviting him to my aun
y house.
pI He was gruff spoken man, and tai
d ed necessarily of my afll ction Kno
e ing how ! shrunk from any conversatio
v from any sympathy upon this suhje'
1t Eta had always delicately led all SD
4 talk away from it But, to my surpris
she epcouraued this stranger. and fair