The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-02
THE HISTORY OF A LIFE.
BY THE AUTHOR OF CAPTAIN GERALD" ''THE
RIGHT OF Way" ETC.
CHAPTER II.
NOT TO BE.

gainly-looking, from his exceeding length
of limb, and the loose set of his sombre
habiliments. His hair''was of light color,
his eyes large, blue and clear, his brows
thick and overhanging. But there was
something reliable about him; certain
fold in the shrewd lips, which showed
honest determination.
One might, perhaps, picture him fond
OF money, but as to believe him capable
of resorting to any unworthy means of
obtaining it, that was impossible.
No sooner had he made his greetings,
than Mrs. Beloe found some trivial excuse
for retiring, and left the other two alone
together.
Euphemia was bending so low over her
embroidery frame, that Mr.. Roper could
not catch the expression of her face, or
feel sure whether he was a welcome Wis
itor or no. And this latter discovery he
was most anxious to make, for he had
come to-day resolving that he would
tempt his fate.
But Mr. Roper felt more nervous than
he had ever known himself to be before,
for, in real truth, he loved this cold,
proud creature with all the strength of a
strong nature. His voice trembled mis-
erably as he began to speak.
"Miss Beloe, l am a matter-of-fact,
middIe-aged man, and should, therefore,
only excite your mockery if | ventured
upon any fervid sentimentalities. Be
sides, it seems to me that plain purpose
is all the more trustworthy for being
couched in plain language. | am not
young, or handsome, or clever, and must
confess myself an awkward wooer; but
if you could make up your mind to be-
come my wife, | might promise, in all
sincerity, that, so far as my efforts could
prevent it, you should never have reason
% oregret that hour"
Mr.. Roper paused here. Miss Bcloe
went on with her embroidery as quietly
and stealthily as if marrying and giving
in marriage were quite beyond her range
f interests.
But presently, the rose was finished,
and she drew herself back to contem-
plate it. Finally, she seemed to remem-
Der that something was expected of her;
and threading her needle with another
shade of wool, spoke:
II am very much obliged to you, Mr..
Roper, for taking this tone with me. 1t
is 50 much wiser for people of our age to
Rbjure, as you say, all fervid sentiment,
alities, and | will answer you as plainly
and candidly as YOU have spoken. |
like you very well, Mr.. Roper, but l have
no love for you"
The Scotchman palpably WINGED.
"At the same time" she went on, II
believe that it might be very possible to
find certain measure of happiness with
you; as much as any woman of my age
allows herself to anticipate"
"a woman of your age" interrupted
Mr.. Roper, in admiring reproach.
"Weil, yes, a woman of my age. AT
twenty-eight, one takes a sober view of
life; it is well that it should be so, for a
great many things that would be natural
and excusable to a girl of sixteen, would
be most unseemly i'll me"
81 can't bear to hear you depreciate
yourself in this way, so beautiful as you
are"
"Well, Pll admit that, to please you"
continued Euphemia, in the same cool,
tranquil tone; 'but my beauty is that
of full blown rose, whose blossom
the first breeze scatters to the seven
Winds
"You seem to forget, what you can not
fail to know, Miss Beloe, that you are
the undisputed belle of every ball you
grace with your presence"
"And few years hence, Mr.. Roper"
"You will yield your place to your
daughters, and be twice as proud of them
as you ever were of yourself"
Miss Beloe pressed both her hands
tightly against her heart, as if assailed
with a sudden agony it required all her
fortitude to bear.
Ooh! no, no, no" she almost gasped,
her superb tranquility broken up; don't
speak of that; let me 90 awayW And
she made faint Intellectual attempt to
rise, then sank heavily back again into
her seat.
Miss Beloe-Euphemia-for mercy's
sake, compose yourselfl What can have
agiIated you in this way%'
Nothing" she answered. making an
heroic effort TO regain her former COM
posure; nothing. 1t was a.pang-at my
heart
'I.et me get you something pray; you
look 50 very ill! Shall | call your moth
err"
"Oh, no; | shall be quite right in a
moment, if you won't speak to me; /
soon recover from these attacks, if l keep
quiet"
He walked away to the center table,
and took up a newspaper, pretending to
be absorbed in its contents, that she
might not fancy herself observed. But
Euphemia knew nothing. She remained
perfectly motionless for the space of ten
minutes, with her head buried in her
hands, and then she looked up, and act
ually smiled, although it is impossible tc
know how much the effort cost her.
Mr.. Roper sprang up then, and came
back to her side.
81 hope you are better now, Miss Beloe
] am almost afraid | have annoyed OF
distressed you by some remark of mine.
"Why should you think that? There
4 I