The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1882-08-03
MARIE'S MISTAKE.

.'Oh, what delicious voice! Who is
it, Marjorie, and where does it come
from?' asked Marjorie Hare's early vis-
itor, as they sat together chatting in the
morning-room of the home of the
former.
''It is Marie Moreau, the children's
governess. She is such pretty little
thing. too, Edith! We are quite in love
with her, and every day, after dinner,
she sings for us until am surprised she
does not grow hoarse. Did you ever
hear SO perfect voice? She might
make her fortune on the stage. l Won
der she is ever content, with such a
gift, to teach children. asked her once
why she made such choice. She
blushed crimson, then grew pale, as she
answered. in her fascinating accented
English,1 promised once, mademoiselle,
and keep my PROMISE am quite
sure there is hidden romance, some
where; yet she is very young-scarcely
of age, should suppose"
II must bring Frank to hear her. May
we come in some eveningP" ~
Certainly, dear! Tonight, if you
choose. We have no engagement, and
Marie viii sing for us. am sure. But
are you not afraid your brother may
lose his heart? Although only a gov
erness, she,is most bewitching, assure
you"
Il almost wish he would" answered
Miss Ferrol, laughing. .But except
for music, I sometimes think Frank has
no heart. 5 By-the-way ;. Marjorie, on the
subject Of hearts, when do you expect
Captain Ellisp Is he coming for the
holidays?','e7a s y q
1t was at this moment the portiere was
drawn aside, and u young girl, in the
act of stepping into the room, suddenly
paused. -.-.-
Captain Ellis! Her lips, grown pale,
putely repeated the question:. while she
stood motionless awaiting the reply, her
presence all unnoticed by the two speak
erS. h-5-. A-7A tF 71 ~ e'
1t was now MaTorie's, turn to blush.
"He is coming, if it is possible TO OBJ
tain his furlough."
s'And when am l to play bridesmaid,
my dear?"
1--WE have not quite decided yet.
Thornton pleads for then, but l say
year hence. am so happy, cannot
bear to think of leaving home"
The postiere had dropped again, and
the little figure who so unwittingly had
been eavcsdropping ran lightly through
the wide hall and up the low, broad
stairs to the pretty room she might call
her own.
Hero she paused, and, turning the
key in the lock, stood upright, her
hands tight pressed upon her madly-
beating heart, hereyes dry and tearlesss,
but flashing with light.
Full five minutes she remained mo-
tionless, then she crossed to her desk,
and, opening it, took from one of its
recesses picture in a case.
A handsome, smiling face looked up,
rs she touched the spring which reveal
cd it. The eyes, grey and eloquent,
looked out at her as frankly and fear
lessly as though no treachery wore hid
den in their depths; the lips. well-nigh
| tache, yet showed character and firm
ness, all lacking in deceit; the brow was
| clear and unfurrowed.
den tears suddenly blurred the portrait
from her sight She dashed them away
with gesture of pride and anger.
81 weep for him." she murmured, in
her own liquid tongue for him who
has forgotten me? All, l know now
why | have not heard from him since
came to this house-why no reply has
come to the letters have sent him!
How can | stay here? And she is my
rival! She-young, rich, beautiful!
--ah, onceshe called me, too, beautiful
I, too, am young 1t is money, then
that | lack. l can have money, too
! My promise binds me no longer; break
! it.. To-day L will write to Signor Luigi
and ask him if he again will offer me
the terms l refused sixmonths ago All
it was cruel, when all was ready for my
debut, that he whispered, Marie, | love
you! l have been wild, careless fel
low, and it viii take six months to cleal
my debts. Then, my darling, you viii
marry me and share soldiers life; bu
| not all the money you could bring ms
would compensate to me for the knowl
edge that my wife had stood upon ;
public stage, subject alike to men,
praise or criticism. Give up your am
bition, child, even though in return
offer you the poor reward of a soldier
heart And / obeyed you, Thornton
for this--only for thisp'
q.s*
''Mademoiselle, will you sing for u
this evening?'' asked Miss Hare, as the
came out from dinner into the lighte'
drawing-room. 81 have some friend
who are so anxious to hear you. Blu
you are pale--you are not well. y"
8 "Oh, yes, am quite well. Twill sim
with much pleasure H
II told you Frank would lose hi
heart" whispered Marjorie, a littl
later, in Ediths ear, indicating, with
smile and nod, the tall, handsom
man who turned the music-leaves s
assiduously, and listened with such rap
attention to the sweet, exquisitely
ulated voice.
'It's the musio,s my dear-only tn
music" answered his sister.
But as the days went by,. some dout
mingled with her former conviction.