The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-04-26
Selfrt Stury.
UNMASKED.

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the world say-when they hear that Ian
tha Howard is going to marry her mu'
sic mastef2 What do we know OF thi,
man? Oh, pause and consider, my dar
lling-my darling"
And gentle, motherly Mrs Burnhan
knelt down on the rich carpet and slip
ped her pleading arms around the slen
der figure before her.
81 have considered, Aunt Helen," thu
girl said, coldly. "You ask me-wha
do we know of Jean D'Esterre And
answer-we know he is gentleman
That is the only knowledge I value. II
you will not consent to our marriage
now, we shall wait for year and then
will be my own mistress. But, dear
Aunt Helen," with a sudden sottening in
the proud voice, "do be nv friend in
this You have been 80 kind to me all
my life, and now"
The beautiful, dark face grew strange
| ly pleading.
"Now | am kinder than I ever was, -
Aunt Helen said, kindly, "because of my
great love for you. dear. Harshly kind,
perhaps, in my anxiety for your happi-
ness. A girl, young, handsome, and an
heiress, cannot be too careful in her
choice of friends.
"But you know-I love him."
She said the words wistfully, depreca-
tingly, lifting her lovely, ,troubled eyes to
her aunt's face.
81 know you do not, Ianthe. A girl
less than year out of school-why,you
do not know your own mind! Besides,
my darling, let me tell you truth, how
ever terrible it may sound to you-he
does not love you! / must speak plain
ly. He is only contemplate fortune
hunter who wants your money"
"Aunt Helenr'
She had sprung to her feet like 8
young tigress, a red glow leaping boldly
to the pale olive Of her cheeks, her eyes
aflame.
"My dear, it is true. If the man has
it iE his nature to care for any one but
himself, he loves Elsie Gaudet-Suther-
lands niece. Wait till have fnished,'
as Ianthe lifted her head haughtily to
speak. "He met her two years ago in
Paris. She is compatriot of his. Think
a moment, Ianthe! You must have seen
how it was. She introduced him to her
relatives as a Partisan friend-he made
the most OF his opportunity He has
good looks and plausible manner,
through which, aided by the Sutherland's
introduction, he secured an sntree to our
hest houses. He is giving her lessons as
well as you. He loves her; but you are
an heiress, and his avarice predominates.
II be cannot win you be may succeed
with her. Oh, my dear one, try and un.
derstapd."
For Ianthe Howard stood quite still
and motionless, looking before her with
blind, unseeing eyes. She lifted one hand
confusedly to her head; all the hot aams
faded from her cheek.
| 81 don't believe it," she said slowly, "a:
if too stunned for anger; i don't believe
it,"
"My dearest, l have been sudden
Forgive me-" her aunt cried, reproacb
fully, alarmed at the sight Of that white
wild face.
"No," she aaid calmly, though her lip'
were pallid and trembling. tIf you car
|prove to me that one iota of this mise
rable story is true, will thank you 70
my salvation. But" in the same strained
voice as though she we're repeating
lesson, 81 don't believe it."
81 shall give you one proof-the othe
you shall see for yourself. Yesterday
went to visit at the Sutherland's. The,
we're not at home; but tue servant sail
Miss Gaudet was practicing in the mu
sic-room. l went toward it, of course
unannounced, expecting to find he
alone. The door was ajar, and as
reached it l beard Jean D'Esterre'
voice, intense, pleading, Tell me how
shall know your Then I heard Elsi
Gauders light laugh. IF you NEE
Parthenia with white rose in her hanG
bow can tell you who it might be3'
knocked, and Elsie sprang to answer
but not before I heard him whisper
Love needs not symbols; Ingomsr wi
know NV dear one it lies with you
do the rest"
"How ?" drearily.
"Well, OF course you know they allr
ded to Mrs. Kent's bal masque on tn
eighth. Go as Parthenia yourself"
"I2'
"Yes. Will you let me arrange wit
the costumer l shall have that dres
: sent to you-another to her"
The girl started as if she had bee
shot
"No," she cried passionately, enc
Listen to condolences not intended f
my ear! 1t would he mean, dishonor'
BILE, underhand. Mo-
"Ianthe, you have mistaken idea I
honor You may save Elsie's happine'
as we'll as your own. Do not misjuds
her; she is good little thing, and thlnl