The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-11-11

life."
"Anybody would think you were
eighty at the least" was the reply; and
then she darted off, and in few mo-
ments the great house resounded with
music. never heard such voice, even
in a concert-room. A pure, clear So
prano, yet with the deeper notes marvel,
ously perfect. She played brilliantly
and sang exquisitely. .ITF \
How can describe the life that opened
for me? All the morning spent with
Mrs Hall, reading, and having, by her
taste and desire, open to me the real
treasures of literature, complete course
Of the best authors. We read history,
poetry, fiction; we wandered over the old
authers; we dipped into newer works;
we thoroughly enjoyed the hours. What
was really keen pleasure for her was a
neyer-ending delight for me. The after
Moons were devoted to walking, reading
or driving.
Martha, or Matte. as she preferred to
be called, rode splendidly, and attended
ridiag-school, and soon became sufi-
GENTLY accustomed to the exercise to Join
her and Gerald in their long rifles. Our
evenings were spent in music, or else
quietly in Mrs. Halls room for Matte
soon formed circle of friends, and
plunged into the vortex of New York
society. A relation Of her mother-Mrs.
Marsfeld-one of the votaries of fashion,
undertook to chaperone the brilliant
beauty, and Gerald was often released
from attendance upon her, and Joined his
mother and myself in our quiet sitting
room. ] learned to accompany him .as
he played the violin, and to blend my
voice with his duets, and if we could not
translate melody as brilliantly as Matte,
we at least enjoyed our music as fully.
would like to pause here, and leave
the rest untold, and yet--well, you will
guess it. l, who knew that the cousins
were engaged, knew that Gerald was
willing to marry Matte, and considered
himself bound to her; |, who was there
because I was considered true to my first
love; |, double traitor to past and pres
ent--loved Gerald Hail. '' !
did not know my own heart formany
long months. 1t was a dear brothers
love | received, a tender sisters affection
l gave, said to my heart; and so uncon-
sciously let his image grow to my soul,
till | could not tear 1t away. Charles
faded away, and face, his-and not his
took his place, The merry, sunny laugh
was never so dear as was now the grave,
tender smile. ..-....
More than year had gone by, and
December ch II was in the air when Mat
tie came to my room one morning, with
uIwonted clouds on her fair face.
Here's confusion" she said, taking
me as usual into her confidence. "Auntie
reminds me this morning that next week
| shall be of age, and you know all about
Gerald and me. ! think myself he's in
love with you'll Gracious, don't jump
that way, Agnes. Of course, don't sup
pose you care for him, you quiet mouse; !;
for you are infinitely too proper to love
another woman's fiance, and then there
was that wonderful Charles. But he is
fond of you. If it were not for aunte,
now; but you see she's set her heart on
the match. Well, there'll be one suicide,
for Guy Howard will hang himself"
"Guy Howardw
"You don't know him; Mrs. Marsfeld's s
nephew; man after my own heart,
with some spirit. Well, never mind
him."
But she did mind him, saw, for she
sat quiet for some moments.
"Well have to submit" she said, at
last. 'It is mercy you don't care for
Gerald, for it's all arranged now. You'll
come to the wedding 1 suppose, and
please wear white, for / am superstitious
about colors at a wedding"
And she went off, leaving me in a
strange turmoil of pain and irresolution.
could not stay! / loved him! Not
with the girlish love | had given Charles,
but with woman's whole heart. l
loved him! / could not stay and see
him married, and married, too, to a
woman who loved him not. Some wild
scheme of warning him of Mattie's feel
ings rushed through my brain, but
discarded it, and resolved to 90 away. l
would 90 somewhere and hide myself and
my new sorrow from all eyes. Then
thought of my uncle. Only two days
more and he would welcome his guests
to New Years party again. ! had met
Charles there; | had first seen Gerald on
that anniversary; I would go and live
one night in memory Of happier days
and then--then-well, the future would
decide. So ] went to Mrs. Hall and told
her was going to Milford.
"You will return soon?' she said, wist-
fully.
"Yoa will be alone," said, "when
Gerald takes his wife for a wedding tour.
Then 1 will return" M
She held my hand moment, hooking
into my face with loving, pleading gaze
that nearly unaeryed me.
eyes," she said, 81 will be alone. It
was her fathers will, you know, and
would like to see Gerald happy"
I kissed her for answer. It was not
well to talk about it, and then bade her
farewell. ] felt that l could not meet
Gerald again.
NY uncle's welcome was cordial