The Russellville Democrat., 1881-03-31
KENNETH'S RESOLVE.
BY HANNAH HOPPER.

Kenneth Winnard stood like a statue iA his handsome library. His face was as white as the snow which lay without, and his eyes seemed, in their expression, to be wholly unconscious of anything about him.
 4 beautiful young girl had just left him, and taken with her the bright hopes and happy anticipations which for twelve-month had gladdened his heart. He stood as though he would never stir or smile again, and his disap- pointment and sorrow were the same to him as if numberless hearts had not felt the same, the very same grief which was tearing away every desire for future ex- istence.
 Something flashed suddenly into his face He started. The sun was just setting, and the startling flash was from the beautiful diamond ring which lay at his feet, the ring which had sealed his betrothal with beautiful Claudia Drum mond. He, with mans foolish heart, had thought her an ngel, and had ex- pected that nothing but death would part them. He was man of wealth, and had lived in luxury and ease all his life
 As the diamonds brilliant reflection was thrown across his face, he looked down, as if from instinct, and saw the little circlet lying where he had dropped it when Claudia Drummond had placed it i'll his hand. He raised his foot and was about to crush it into the carpet when suddenly the expression changed upon his face, he stopped and took it in his hand, and turned it about in many different ways to see the light of the low sun flash upon it.
 "I will keep it." he said, ito remind me continually of woman's inconsistency With his knife he pried apart the golden ring upon his watch-chain and slipped the ring upon it. He sat down in an easy chair by the window, and az he watched the going down of the great sun, new thoughts, new hopes and new desires took the place of the old ones and never had he felt himself so much .a man as when, after an hours medita- ton in solitude, he arose and left the li- brary. He passed through the dainty reception room and opened the door oi the hall.
 A pleasant murmur of voices greeted his ear. He stood moment irresolute then as if to prove the strength of his new determination, he crossed the hall and entered the parlor. There was Claudia sitting by the side of her new lover, the man who had won her heart from him. He saw that another ring flashed upon her finger, in the place o his and her cheeks were glowing with the joy of her new engagement. His brothers wife was there, too. and his niece, and he knew by the pleasant smiles upon their faces and their lively chats that they either did not know oi his disappointment or did not sympa thize with him in his great grief,
 His rival was his nephew Ia man mol much younger than himself) and he seemed in his own great happiness te forget the sorrow of his uncle, and the great wrong he had dcne.
 When Kenneth Winnard entered the room, there was an unpleasant silence for a moment, but the composure of the rejected man, his ease and apparent in difference, broke up the stiffness.
 T was just wondering where you were Kenneth" said Mrs. Graves. "Gome into the charmed circle, do, and eat with us"
 "No. I'm going to give you somt
 
 upon the piano stool.
 He never played better, and the room seemed filed with the music. All werC silent, and Claudia listened and lorgo for moment the new lover beside her She saw the diamond ring dangling iron his watch chain, and saw his animated face as he played, and she was chagrined and half angry that he had given heI up SO easily. Her new lover seemed tl notice it too, and Q portion of the charm was gone, the prize he wOA from anothe was not after all of much value.
 4 servant opened the door.
 Please, Mrs. Graves she said "tht little girl has come again for the pay fo her sewing and she says she must have it this time, for they will suffer withou it."
 I'm sorry but can't pay her tonight All the money l have by me must gC with me on my shopping excursion to morrow. Tell the girl I'm sorry, but can't pay it tonight, that is certain"
 The music ceased, Kenneth Winnart turned about, for his ear, quickened by the new resolve in his heart to fill hi future days with good deeds, caught tn, servants words.
 
 was about to leave the room. stop, will go myself and see the little girl"
 He passed out of the room, and wen into the warm kitchen. A little gir stood warming her red hands before th' fire.
 Good evening" said Kenneth. Yot have come for your pay for the sewing?'
 'Yes, sir, said the child timidly, "Wt need it, or would not have come ou this bitterly cold night. My siste Annie is not able to work now, and WI have no coal, and not much to eat"
 Wait a moment" said he, as he wen out of the kitchen.
 Soon he returned in overcoat, hat anC gloves
 "I am going homo with you" he saiC to me little girls questioning look. H' took the childs hand and they passed ou into the street.
 The child ran along by his side scarce ly able to keep up with his rapid strides and al last he noticed her effort, an' liled her in his arms. It was goos mile to the little cheerless home, hu thGy were soon there, and climbed tn, stairs and soon stood before the pale Rhiyering young lady, who sat by thu window wrapped in tattered blanket