The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-03-03


fair cheeks dyed with the flush of indig-
nation.
And why has the fair Young Vesta re-
turned alone and in this disturbed state
of mind?
We shall soon learn.
Mr.. VIlliars had gone to Lancashire
when he left London, and three years
after was again in business.
About this time he married Mrs. Hun
tington, widowed lady, who had seen
about thirty-seven summers.
Mrs. Huntington possessed fortune
Of few thousands, and this, united to
Mr.. Villiars' business talents and present
stock, set him firmly upon his feet again.
Little Vesta was now eleven years old,
and her step-mother did not wish to have
her at home, therefore she was sent to a
boarding school.
But the first year had hardly drawn
to close, when she was summoned
home.
Her fathers second wife had died sud-
denly.
Two weeks elapsed before the day on
which Vesta arrived at her home.
As she drew near the house, she saw
little coffin carried out and placed in a
coach; then followed her father and a
tall, strange youth.
Entering the house noiselessly and un-
observed by side entrance, she met the
old house-keeper and asked breathlessly:
"Her baby is dead, too, is it not, Ju-
liet?"
eyes, dear"
"Bnt who is that young lad with
papaf'
hIis wife's first child"
"What?' exclaimed Vesta.
ayes, dear" returned the old woman
composedly, "the mistress sent for her
ron to come home from college a few
weeks after you were sent off to please
her ladyship."
"Did father know she had her son? l
never knew it"
at seems to me, master didn't know
It until he saw youth of nineteen walk
in and call his wife mother. But he's
fairly foolish about the boy now," said
tue HouSt-ketptI SCOl Hlully.
"Perhaps he is good boy, Juliet"
ooh, suppose he's good enough; but
there's flash in his eye and curl to his
lip that | don't like--it don't speak
much good anyhow"
Five years rolled on,and Mrs. Villiars'
step-son had grown into manhood.
Apparently, he was frank, true
hearted person.
But away beneath the smooth, bright
surface there dwelt heart that was full
of vice and deceit.
Vesta. who was now a beautiful girl Of
reventeen, agmired his light, bright
hearted ways; yet she sawa something
about him which prevented her regard
ing him as sincere friend.
What the something" was she could
not tell.
She liked to be with him, he was sc
gay, but she could never bring herself tt
that sweet interchange of thought which
entwines hearts so dearly.
Not so with her father.
He was perfectly wild about the
"handsome boy" and his dearest wisl
was that Vesta and Louis should marry
Another year had passed, and Vesta'
eighteenth birthday has come.
A grand party is to be held in he
home.
The guests are already arriving.
A wild cry rings through the building
''What is it?" all asked, wildly.
''Mr Villiars has fallen to the floor il
q ftp is the answer.
All hurry down stairs, and fve-tel
minutes pass before Mr.. Villiars re
covers.
Then he speaks few words, and ex
pires in the middle of his sentence.
His last words were these, spoken in
faltering voice, while his eyes rested OF
Louis face, who bent kindly over him
"Iouis, you know what would like
] can trust you. Take my place to Yes
to. Be kind to her. Give"
unspoken.
Two weeks after the funeral Loui
asked Vesta for her hand, which she de-
clined to give him.
Then he told her if she would no
marry him, she should leave the houe
and earn her own living; that it was hi
mothers money which enabled he
father to become so wealthy; and now
all belonged lawfully to him.
Vesta listened to him, but said notl
ing; but the next morning she was mis-
ing.
Vesta has been in London two day
and has not yet succeeded in gettin
anything to do.
Turning from the window, with
Aeayy sigh, she says:
81 will answer that advertisement
Perhaps | shall be more fortunate tn
time"
After wearisome, long walk, sh
stood before Madame G-'s milliner
establisl ment.
But, alaA the same heart-sickeninl
soft words met her here as they had dor
20 often before,