Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1879-01-03
MAUD HESKETH

eff any one but yourself had tcld me
this I would not have believed a word oi
it," So said Percy Herbert to his friend
Harry Liston, as they smoked theil
cigars outside the library window of the
house they were staying at. "It seems
perfectly incredulous that girl like
Maud Hesketh could be what you de-
scribe her."
"It is a fact nevertheless, Perry; she
is complete fortune-hunter, and, far
from Disgusting the fact, rather boasts
of it than otherwise; it is not much more
than month since I saw her, and then
she certainly did not hesitate to speak
her sentiments on the subject. I am
glad have arrived in time, old fellow,
as verify believe you are on the eve OF
falling in love with her."
81 do love her." said his friend slow
ly, and with sigh; "and was vain and
foolish enough to think she carei some
thing for me. However, the charm is
now broken, for if there is one thing
have contempt for more than another,
it is q mercenary woman. The woman
[ marry must love me for myself alone,
and not for what / possess"
The above conversation was overheard
by Maud Hesketh herself, who had re-
tired to the library for an hour or two's
quiet reading; and hearing her name
uttered by Percy Herbert, curiosity to
hear what he had to say about her made
her creep to the open window, where,
screened from observation by the heavy
curtains, she listened eagerly to all that
was said. Never was the old adage,
Listeners hear no good of themselves, u
so thoroughly verified as in this instance
and, overwhelmed with shame and dis.
may, she fled to her own room, where,
locking her door, she gave way to pas
sionate burst of tears, none the less bit
ter for knowing that the accusation
brought against her was true one, for
in thoughtless moment she had uttered
the words which were now to part her
from the man she loved better than life.
Maud Hesketh was the eldest of O
large family, as poor as they were
proud ; for until the last two or three
years their father had been a man OF
large landed property, but owing to the
loss of chancery suit was completely
ruined-nothing remaining of his great
wealth but few thousands. The crash
had been sudden and most unexpected,
for not only themselves but all their
friends had regarded the winning of the
suit as certain and great indeed had
been the CONSERVATION when their loss
became known. The old home was
given up, and they retired to secluded
country town, where, unknown and un-
sought, except by few, they could live
quietly and cheaply. 1t was a great
and sad change for all, but for Maud
especially, who, not having been long
introduced, and always being made
much of, not only for her beauty and
brightness, but also for her supposed
wealth, the sudden reverse of fortune
was almost more than she could bear
aud she was often heard to say thai
never would she marry any man who
could not restore to her all the luxuriet
and pleasures she had lost. But un
fortunately she had made that remark
to MIR. Liston, an utter stranger to her
who, staying with lady friend in the
neighborhood, had GENE with her tC
call upon the Heskeths; and who, hear
ing young girl make such a remark
and not knowing the Circumstances IS O
the case, had very naturally drawn hi
own conclusions.
One of Maud's greatest friends wa,
an old school companion, who was nov
married, and it was at her house tina
she met Percy Herbert, a favorit,
cousin Of Mrs. Carlyon's, who was
very anxious TO bring about a mattel
between the two.
Mr.. Herbert was possessed of consid
cradle wealth, and was considered
great catch, so that when Maud first ar
rived she congratulated herself upon he
good luck, and laid herself out to be O
fascinating as possible. But befor
many weeks had passed over her heat
she made two discoveries-frst, that he
heart was irretrievably gone, and
secondly, that money had nothing to d
with it; for it was the man himself sh
was in love with, so that it was doubl
CALLING to her to hear her former merce
nary views brought to light, and to fee
that not only had she forfeited Perc
Herbert's love, but also his respect.
"Oh what must he think of me
How he must despise me |" said th
wretched girl; and, burying her face il
her hands, she thought long and earn
estly as to the best way of proving th
falsity of Harry Liston's opinion. :"
know what I will do |" she exclaimed
81 will play Mr.. Liston off against him
and let him see that can fiirt with
poor man as we'll as a rich one."
| So. removing all traces of tears. sh