The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1881-08-27
MOLLY.
An Rsthstic Agony in Three Tones.

An Rsthstic Agony in Three Tones.
When first entered the room II seemed to
me that was confronted by a thick veil of
darkness; but when my pupils, contracted by
the fierce glare of the July sun OUTSIDE, had
become accustomed to tho sudden change, |
perceived that a subdued light, proceeding
from three carefully curtalned windows, dimly
illuminated the apartment L advanced eau
tlously, threading my way amongst the quaint
ard Oddly-disposed furniture, until slipped
into the little nook where her ladyship recln-
ed on a soft luxurious dvan She was almost
walled up between hugo black cabinet, and
some curiously carved shelves filled with sau.
GERS Of antique china, each of which stood
with one side against the wall, so as to form
little square chamber within the large draw.
ingroom. This corner was just big enough TO
contain the dvan, small, low ottoman, and u
tiny table, on which lay buttercup with q
long stalk. by the side of slender vase in
which had been placed spray of white cur
rants, the stem and leaves struggling high in
the air, whilst three or four punches OF the
transparent fruit hung over the edge of the
glass. 'tt.
Lady de Burgh was lying back amongst the
deep red cushions with listess hands clasped
round her knees, and contemplating the vase
Of cnrrants with the rapture OF one who has
discovered a profound secret. She was a wo.
man whose a!sc it was difficult to guess, and
whose height and figure could not be OWNED
from the obscurity Of the room, the nature of
her apparel, and her lounging attitude. She
was very pale, and her features, though hardly
beautiful, were refined, She wore no orna'
ments, not even on her long, white fingers,
save her wedding ring-and on her head her
sole adornment was her soft, dark brown hair,
which seemed to cling simply about her IN
short, dainty waves, without either plat or
parting. She was arrayed IN pale green
dress, with good deal of old and yellow lace
about it; 1t sat loosely round her neck and
wrists, and though her elbows and knees were
sharply defined, he waist remained unmarked
behind the straight and single fold of her
silken garb.
IL must not be supposed that took IN all
these facts at glance observed them gradu
ally as | sat by Lady dc Burgh's side on the
divan, whittier she motloned me.
III am very glad to see you" she said, in a
low, melancholy voice. Il believe have no,
seen you since the day of my marriage, and
you were such a rough boy then"
II hope ara not u rough man." SAID, try
ing to moderate my voice. Il was only fifteen
then, and 1t Is twenty years ago. You went
abroad, and before you came back, had gone
TO India"
"Ah you must have found India very try
ing" she remarked. But then HE is a drea
ry affair to all-always desire and never fru
ition"
"But surely you have no cause to complain, ;
ventured To demonstrate "SIr John is rich
and successful, and understand you have ,
charming daughter"
She shivered slightly MY daughter is {
sheperdess," she said, IA mere shepherdess.
d" my best for her. but she Is a mere shcpher
dess, She Is entirely her fathers chllu, lik,
MIN afi1rmatively and negatively. Would yor
believe it'-she even rldlculcs my currans
She says fruit ripens to be eaten! Eaten,
can hardly support the idea. Had had ,
son. he would have fully understood me, ant
sympathlzed with me, intui.ively dec,pheree
me"
But hear that Miss de Burgh is infni,el,
lovely" 1 said
mo doubt said Lady de Burgh; mo doub
the soulless beings you have met In town thipJ
so. Numbers. Of soulless men and womer
come here and think her perfect. And so sh
Is, IN her WY, but she 10 q mere shephertess
as said before. She cannot satisfy me. Bu
l seek no Joy from those Of my own hearth
look for II bot in this calm seclusion an,
occasionally IN the intercourse Of select few
who can appreciate And she took IN IN
buttercup. leaned back among her pillow,
and fondled the flower against her lin an
check.
al shall 10 curious to see your shepherdess
said i. "She seems well known n0twithstapt
ing that she lives In this retired place. But
have sought her In vain In London crowds
.You have sought herr
"Yes, wanted 20 know what my old friend
little girl vas like, ADD when found the pres
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