The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-12-06
CHAPTER If.

many weeks had rolled by.
CHAPTER If.
The gossips, of course, duly cauyassed the
latest OF Maud Cheswicke's eccentric no.
tions," and wondered how long it would last.
About thecourthouse and the hotels too, it was
commented upon occasionally; it was whis-
pered that Mr.. Cheswickc was "involyed," ;"
and there were dubious head. shakings. But
upon sober reflection very few, of any class,
countenanced the idea that Henry Vincent
could hope ever to marry Cheswicke. 1t
was generally understood that his employ
ment was purely business matter so far as
the Cheswickes were concerned, but poor
Henry was suspected Of having been ready to
come out of his shell at the first chance to
heighten his social standing and it was con.
ceded that the friendlness of that family
might so result
Teacher and pupil both loving knowledge
for its own sake, and each, whether impartng
or receiving it, moved by an enthusiasm which
difficulties could not quench, Maud's progress
was rapid. Henry had expected much, but
was astonished at her brllance. He fire.
quently overstayed his time, forgetiul or
careless of everything but what engaged their
attention. Mrs. Cheswicke sometimes sug.
gested to Maud that she find some means to
teach him little etiquette, enough, at least
to have him know when to come aud 60; but
there was no change in this respect.
The quarter ended the tutors re.engage.
ment was Il matter Of course. The lessons
went steadily on.
The outer world moves on needless Of all
changes within US. Two human destiuies had
touched each other. A new life had dawned
upon two large souls.
In spite OF some appearances which had
made his fellow.townsmen think the contrary,
Henry Nincent's was a strong nature. There
lay in him depth of feeling and latent en-
ergy which, if his dearest hopes should be in
danger of illustration, might be reused with
tremendous effect.
He had shown himself capable Of persistent
application to severe study, but in so doing he
had kept away from the daily conflicts of
human passion. lie was now drifting on that
tide Of feeling which few know how to check,
even when they clearly perceive the wisdom
of doing so; but he failed to see ii, and was
being rapidly borne toward vortex in which
his strength would be tried to the utmost
He was ardently in love with Maud Ches.
wicke. The vision of Maud Cheswicke was
ever before him. o, If he could only win her
love, what would be not be willing to do |
Never had he felt so unworthy of anybody's 5
love, yet never so intensely longed for it,
Each recurring visit was made with increas.
ing agitation; his hand trembled when he
handed her book; he sometimes for few
seconds lost the power of speech, This love
stirred the great deeps of his being.
Maud saw it. Ay, and her heart responded
TO it. A new impulse was given to her euer
gleS she studied the harder that she might
see his eyes kndle with pride at her success.
The world did not know him; he was laying
the wealth Of his nature before her; and there
was magnetism about him that made her
long from day to day for his presence, She
had already begun to dsdain the formalties
by which her life was hedged about, aud why
should she allow mere social prejudice to steel
her against this man Of powerful intellect and
lofty moral character She felt that she had
met her peer, her souls love. Society might
close its gates against him; might seek to
place him in the pilory of its ridlcule; might
try to clasp around his neck the collar of ser
Witty; but in imagination she saw its pigmies
fleeing before that grand soul's indignant and
devouring seOrn. She loved him, and love
was something derived from heaven; some.
thing 10 which her conscience, despite all the
struggles she anticipted, would hold her true
while life should last. Maud saw, moreover,
that she would soon be in the midst of those
struggles. Their conversations after the les.
sons were taking more personal range.
Time and again, as he bent his intellectual
brow toward her, the love that was thrilling
him glowed in his eyes and trembled upon his
lips. Though he had held back the truth
those old library walls must soon hear its ut.
terance.
1t was on clear day in January, when the
snow covering housetops and roads and fields
glistened in the sunlight, aud the air was crisp
and bracing, that Henry, having returned
from . sleigh ride with Maggie, drove into
town to attend to some business for his father.
his spirits being unusually exhilarated, he
jumped out at one Of the hotels to chat with
some friends. While standing at the door
with one of them, rapid ginge of sleigh.
bells in the direction of Queen street attracted
their attention. A stylish team dashed by.
pratt Morris and Miss Maud Cheswicke.
Pretty attentive to her, isn't hep
'Well-yes-that is, he used to be- but
thought he had given that up.
alt is very strange to me, Vincent, that
Mr.. Cheswicke allows his daughter to 90 about
with him. True, he has money, and can ride,
shoot, dance, and kill time with the next
young blood, but then, whose son is he?
Ned Norris came here Q poor boy, from
iarmi aud was clerk for years 10 store
before the prOprietors gave him an interest.
"Oh yes, everybody knows that, aud its no
discredit To him." Henry replied, with some
impalience. His companion buttou.holed
him, and went on. "Of course, if that were
all. Bot he married rich girl they went to
hvein Queen street, adopted the latest fashions,
made point Of joining St. Anne's, aud, in
short, came out in few years full -Hedged
aristoerats. Yet after ALL it surprises me to
see such an old blue. blood family encourag.
ing Pratts attentions. Much of this was
unheeded at the time The last words, how
ever, made an immediate impression.
well, this much | can say for Pratt I'll
believe he is good, generous fellow But
must 60. Good.by.n
Escaping from his wordy friend, he made
a few purchases in the neighborhoqd, drove
down TO inquire how the oyster.packing was
progressing, and swept back into Main street
and along the homeward road. He soon
came TO the lane gate, but kept straight on,
with theintention ofmeetiug Maud on the road.
He was in an uncomfortable frame Of mind;
he feared Maud might be at last yielding to
Prau's Importantly aud the influences of
Queen slreet and with the fear came new
doubts aud quesIionings about himself If
the encouraged attentions Of Pratt Morris
caused surprise, what would be thought Of his
own aspirationsY Evidently they were not
even considered. But why not2 His father
was Weather than Mr.. Morris, his father
was of obscure origin, but SO was Mr..
Morrisi his father was public benelactor,
giving life to the enterprises Of the town and
employment 10 many who would otherwise be
idlers, while Mr. Norris was gentleman Of
leisure, except when in training for the leg
islatnre. More than all that, Pratt, though
bright and quick, was plainly inferior 10
Maud IN intellect, while il could not but be
seen that there was an Intellectual eonRenial.
ity between her and himself
Yet these considerations no longer suliiced
to ease his mind; he had been brought to
partial consciousness OF the deficiencies Of his
department.; he knew that most fashioUable
kingsburians looked atthe hard external facts |
Of his life, and that it would be impossible 10
make such minds see, OF properly respond to,
any demonstration Of the insigni6cance Uf
such deficiencies compared with the positive
results Of Intellectual diligence and moral |
parnanfuoan. ao ha loef r.,t,ek g.f tlo "a