The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-03-08
Selfrf Story.
HIS REVENGE.

HIS REVENGE.
1t was balmy spring evening; clear,
warm, with an amber light falling
through the aisles OF the trees that stood
like sentinels along the winding avenue
that led to the stately residence Of Allan
Carlisle, the banker.
The stars were coming ont one by one
in the clear, violet sky, that was still yel-
low In the west with the beams of the
setting sun; the dews of evening were
gently falling on the foliage.
The residence fltly cofresponded to
the surroundings; broad, luxurisnt par
terres Of flowers encircled the house,
while the rooms beyond were adorned
with all the splendor which wealth could
furnish
In one of these rooms sat beautiful
young girl. whose thoughts were in
strange discord to the enchanting scene
without. She sat, gazing mechanically
out on the clear evening, with q weary,
yet almost deiisnt look upon her face.
This was the eye before her welding
Lucille Moore had been left an orphan
at IN early age, and her mothers sister,
fascinated by her delicate beauty, thought
she wonld be a fitting ornament for her
beautiful home, and adopted her. She
bad given her niece as much love as was
possible for one possessing her cold,
worldly nature. Proud and aristocratic,
Helen Carlisle looked upon wealth and
station as the only things worth attain
ing.
But over the influential bansiug-htuse
OF Carlisle l. Co. hung the cloud OF ruin,
which would surely have descended, had
not pecuniary assistance been afforded.
The gifted and wealthy lawyer, Raymond
Harcourt, had come to the rescue, at the
same time asking but the hand OF Lucille
In return ii
Strange a. 1t may seem. It was not
love that prompted this request, be hsv-
ing only met Lucille few times during
the previous season, but pique. He had
been deeply charmed with May Chester,
and the fashionable world locked for.
ward to. the announcement OF their en-
gaeement; but another and wealthier
suitor appeared on the field, million.
aire fast verging on three score years
and ten, and May Immediately and
promptly accepted him.
This rude awakening from his love
fancy had no outward effect upon Ray
mond except to render him trile more
cynical. He thought to be revenged on
May, whose wedding wss to take place
in the early autumn. The financial en-
barrassment OF Allan Carlisle furnished
him the means OF 90 doing, which he
seized with avidity. He furnished the
desired relief and was the accepted
suitor Of Lucille. He had secured Q
beautiful, highly accomplished girl for a
wife; he knew that she could perform
the duties that devolved upon her as
mistress OF bis elegant mansion with the
most perfect ease; he would have his re-
venge and be satisfied.
1t Was this knowledge that caused the
bitter expression in Lucille's sweet eyes /;
naturally OF q high-spirited, though
sweet temperament, she rehslled, heart
and soul, against this heartless disposi.
ton Of her life. She had met Ray Har-
court in society, knew him to be hand
some, gifted, elegant, polished man, a
power in his profession, ,and much sosght
after in society; but when his motive in
marrying her crossed her mind, her
cheeks burned with shame, and she com.
pressed her lips tightly together.
The door swung on it's hinges softly,
and lady, elegantly attired, stepped
over where Lucille was sitting, and laid
her hand lightly on her shoulder.
"Lucille, my dear, why are you sitting
here so listlessly3 Is it not the eve be-
fore your weddingi Do try to rouse
yourself N take some interest in the
fact"
The girl turned slowly and drew her.
self up to her full height, while her ewes
bIazed with pent-up feeliog, and her low
voice was filed with passionate pain.
"Aunt, as you well know, mine is 9
marriage OF convenience; 1t has been nc
question Of love between Mr. Harcourl
and myself; he will have his petty re.
venge and the great banklng G house o
Carlisle will be saved. I have beer
bought with price; do not reptosct
me with taking no interest in the sale
Mrs Carlisle slowly lifted her eye
brows in naughty surprise.
"Lucille, you are certainly the gamer
you will preside over an elegant estab
|hsbment, become leader in society, al
will be yonr right, as the wife Of th'
gifted Raymond Harcourt Pray wha
more can you desire?" e
"What more can desire 7" An ex
ceedingly bitter emile passed over be
face. "What more can / desire2 I
wealth and position. in your eyes, al
that is worth possessing But it is use
less to discuss this matter; 1t wearie
you and excites me-" And she sur
pressed sigh a. she turned TO the win
dow.
| Mrs. Carlisle laid her lips lightly O.
Lucille's brow, and replied:
II trust. Lucille, that In time you wi
view things differently; for the present
you need rest and sleep to prepare 20
for the event of tomorrow"
So saying she softly left the room; n
thought OF the sacrifice of Lucille er
tered the cold serenity Of her heart
Sacri6ce-was she not the most fortv
nate of glrls7 That her niece die ne
appreciate her good fortune was q mi'
take that time would rectify, she redec
ed. She had ever thought Lucille pli'
ble and easily swayed. but when she u
tered passionate remonstrance at bein
thus bargained for, Mrs. Carlisle shrut
ped her shoulders in incredulous as :oi
ishment, and reminded her OF her dut
to one Who had flied parents plac'
She pictured to Lucille the beautiful al
cestral home OF the Carlisies under tt
hammer; and Lucille, too proud an
senaitive IN he called upgrsteful, sui