The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-19
IHE HISTORY OF LIFE.
u THE AUTHOR OF CAPTAIN GERALD" THE
RIGHT OF Way" ETC.
CHAPTER XIV.
BEsSIE'S IMPRESSIONS.


The only prejudice Mrs. Weston had
was in Euphemia's favor, and this was
confirmed by the others gravely gracious
manner, and sad, soft smile.
81 hope we shall be good neighbors,"
Said the elder lady, kindly. Bessie and
are always at great loss when the Hall
Is shut up"
81 suppose there is very little society
here?"
"Well, to those who do not mind going
agood distance for the sake of ball, or
q dinner-party, there is plenty; but Bes-
Bic is very considerate of my rheumatism,
and contents herself with summer amuse-
ments such as archery-meetipgs, and
croguet-parties."
(Which Imuch prefer to balls, mamma,
as you know"
81 believe you do, my love; you always
say 50; only | have not felt quite sure
you were not sacrificing yourself for me
sometimes"
"The country is very pleasant in sum-
mer," said Euphemia; "but ] almost
think it must be dull in winter7"
"We never find it SO; do we, BessieW p
inquired Mrs. Weston. awe always
manage to enjoy each season in its turn;
and now and then when spring has set
in, we find ourselves regretting our long
winter evenings"
"It is a great thing to have contented
spirit"
"And mind at ease" put in Bessie.
She hardly knew what influenced her to
make this speech, Or why she kept her
eyes upon Mrs. Roper with steadfast
ness that was almost significant, as she
uttered ii, but she was not the least sur
prised at the defiance ON the others lips,
as she said with grave bitterness:
"Surely, we are not to suppose that
Mrs. and Miss Weston usurp this bless
ing all to themselves"
"Oh, indeed, no" answered Bessie,
laughing little, but still keeping her
clear, honest eyes upon Mrs. Roper;
"there is a person in this village, just
dead, who by right of clear conscience,
although under the most painful circum-
stances, managed to preserve such perfect
ease of mind, that no one could see her
without wondering and admiring at the
same time"
"What was her name%'
"Ama Cell"
We may be sure that Bessie Weston
was quite unconcious that there could be
any ofense in these words; and Euphe-
mia, who recognized kind of antagon-
Ism in the girl, was unjust enough to per-
suade herself that Bessie had intended to
give her annoyance and pain.
She felt herself quiver through every
over-strained nerve, and it was some time
before she could steady her voice sufii-
GENTLY to speak.
"This Anna Cell is lucky, and possesses
all the virtues, Miss Weston; though
understand that virtue is certainly not in
that family"
"No; poor girl! that was one of her
greatest trials, that all those about her
were so different from herself. However,
she is at rest now, where nothing will
trouble her"
"Has she been dead long?
"Only yesterday. The bell tolled for
her just before it rang for YOU"
Mrs. Weston gave her daughter warn
ing glance. She fancied that if Euphe-
mia were superstitious, this coincidence
might annoy her. However, she took no
notice of it, and the conversation became
more general again, ,sand Mrs Weston rose
to depart.
"1'don't like Mrs. Roper" said Bessie,
very decidedly, when they were again to-
gether in the lanes.
"But whyT inquired her mother, in Il
surprised tone; "she has exceedingly
pleasant manners"
81 don't trust her, mamma She seems
somehow, to be playing part"
"Nonsense, Bessie; you are really un-
just. thought her particularly charm
Ing and nice"
"You like everybody, mamma"
"You mean to say l dislike no one,
Bessie, | am always on my guard against
forming hasty judgments, because one
generally finds reason to alter them after
wards"
"Nevertheless, ] feel sure | shall not
like Mrs. Roper"
"Wait and see"
"Well, then, mamma, | will suspend
Judgment for the present, just to please
you; but if my verdict should be the
same after a longer acquaintance, / hope
you will give me credit for some discern
ment, and allow me to hold back from
any undue intimacy with Mrs. Roper"
"That you can now, my dear, if you
like. You know / never coerce you in
such matters"
'But | am sorry we don't think alike,
that is all. And now, mamma, tell me
was not Mr.. Irwin at Mr.. Roper'sw
81 believe SO, my love; | fancied l
heard his voice in the hall when we were
waiting for Mrs. Roper"
"Mother-"
Bessie's face was averted now, and her
voice was soft and shrinking.
"Well, my dear" answered the mother
"Do you think he meant to avoid me?''
"No, it is my impression he did not
know you were at the Hall. don't see
how he should"
Gle might have seen us pOinp."