The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-05-25

COUSIN EDITH.

sunny, ripping Streani Vi Waeoi'
1t was one of England's fairest scenes
on which her eyes rested, and she was
one of England's fsirest daughters.
Even at this moment. spite of the fact
that her brow is gathered in frown, and
the full, red lips, are unmistakably pout-
ing, her beauty is undeniable.
A few bold spirits have declared there
was little soul in the face; but the large,
hazel ewes could melt or flash at will;
the dark lashes shaded cheek white as
parian marble, with rarely even touch
of color upon its velvety surface, and
the little, graceful figure even uncon-
sciousiy assumed new grace in each un-
studied poise, until one forgot the qucs-
ton of soul in its perfect outward flesh
and-blood tabernacle.
Near her, reclining on low easy
chair, sat young girl of her own age
At first glance the exquisite sole lowell
ness of her face paled in Miss Ames
more brilliant beauty; hut there were
more to love its possessor, and fewer to
envy her. Something like indignation
was in her voice, as she addressed hel
friend.
'T can not believe that you mean it
Lillian" she said. "You have been Ell
gagged to Oscar Deringa year, and how
You can say so careIessly that our en-
gagement shall be broken"
"Beg pardon" interrupted the other
in low, ironical tones. II have not ye
been engaged to Oscar Dering twenty
four hours. 1t was to Lord Oscar Derins
Igave my pledge"
"Oh, but Lillian, because he has los
title and estate, must he also lose tht
woman of his Lowell Think a minute
You surely would not give him up s.
easily?
"Nonseuse, Edith l lam twenty-one
no longer a girl Of an age to live upol
sentimentalism, but to look upon tn
every day realities of life. When | en-
gagged to Lord Dering, / was the subject o
congratulation among all my friends
Now that the cousin who was supposed
to be dead crops into life in some remot
portion of the globe, and that Oscar in
sists upon renouncing the property in hi
behalf without even struggle, | am no
content to let these same congratulation
lapse into pity.
"Oh, Lillian, do you think any on
could pity you for possessing a roya
gift as the love of such man? Thinl
better of it, dear; know you care fo
him. DO not so lightly renounce you
Hfe's happiness"
"You plead his cause eloquently, m,
dear. Really | did not know l possessc
rival in my fair cousin. Perhaps
heart caught in the rebound'-you kno'
the rest, of course, and can point th
moral"
LILLIAN, you are cruel-cruel! i
But the late speaker had passe
through the open window out of hearing
and advanced to meet a man quickly az
preaching on the green sward, while til
younger girl, left behind, fell back in he
chair, the great tears coursing down he
cheeks, on which the crimson colorsis
nails famed.
1t was as though some ruthless han
had snatched the veil from her ow
heart, leaving exposed its most cherishe
secret-a secret she had known hersel
until now betrayed by her shame.
81 must leave this place l can nc
meet him again. must go home! Blu
oh! how Can she give him up"
Edith Lorian and Lillian Ames wer
cousins, but the one was the daughter c
a clergyman whose rectory was som
ten miles distant from Ames' Court, on
Of the noblest estates of England, and {
which Lillian was sole heiress. g.
The girls, however had been closel
mited, more by the tie of friendshi
than cousinship, since the latter was
distant bond, and Ames Court was 81
most as much Edith's home as her owl
Now, however, the homelier charms I
one could probe the discovery so new
herself-to trace the scarlet blush whiC
seemed so often to burn her cheek, unit
she wondered that it did not leave i
brand.
She had been home six weeks, al
twice Oscar Dering had ridden over
see her, but she had always denied he
self to him on some household prete1
until one morning he overlook her in Il
road.
She had been busy with thoughts
him, wondering how he had borne
ruptured troth, and reproaching hers'
for the cowardice which had heretofc
forbidden her meeting him, when S
heard behind her the quick tramp OF
horses hoofs. His rider drew rein at h
side.
$50 | am to find you at last" he sa
His voice sounded the same as of old
the bright, CHEEKY tone was unchang
He was not broken-hearted then, or
least he did not wear that cruelly-us
portion of his body upon his steed.
"Have you seen Lillian lately" she
last found courage to ask.
"No," he answered, and then she S
the frown gather on his brow, and an
preston of pain come about his lips.
zee as little of your cousin as posi-
now. You know, Miss Dering, / am
longer a subject for congratulation."
"Yes, know" she said. d
"Don't pity me-" he interrupted.
can't bear that quite yet"