The Democratic advocate., 1882-03-04
Stlett Story.
HER PRoPRR STATION.

Beautiful Edith Merrion! Fair as a
flower or star; exquisite as picture or
statue, or any other perfect or lovely thing
to which it is the fashion to compare youth
and grace and exceeding beauty-she look
ed. in her neat, plain, dark cashmere dress.
ike a princess in disguise.
So, at least, thought Paul Seldom, and
made no scruple about saying 50, too. His
sister-in-law, the naughty and wealthy
widow of his elder brother, james, looked
at him in amazement and contempt.
Il am surprised at you, Paul. Aperfect
nobody. My companion-nursery govern
ess for Elsie-seamstress you will
l do beg that you win not make such
absurd remarks in the girls hearing. You
will I'LL her head with nonsensical ideas,
and quite unfit her for her proper station.
Paul answered her con4emptuous tones
with an angry sneer.
perhaps our ideas Of her station differ,
YOU see. Her father, although poor, Is .
gentleman A clergyman upon small
salary. but in good repute, Is the equal at
least. of your father, who made fortune
out of pork. But you may rest assured
that when | make her discontented with
her position here shall be prepared to
offer her better one
That Of your wife, perhaps very con
temptuously.
aPreeisely. Before many weeks--per-
haps days-are over hope to offer her my
hand. A business opportunity has sud
denly presented itself which seems likely
to secure to me prosperity. That j. what
calls me away so suddenly tonight If |
succeed-and, indeed, whether or ne--l
shall ask Edith 10 become my wife.
ssAnd you make quite sure of being ae-
eepted. You are right there; il Is what
this shameless migrate has been plotting for
ever since she came into this house, TO Sc
cure husband superior to her in station,
and foist herself upon his family. oh, |
/, am not surprised. I've seen her lures, and
arts and wiles; the artful, designing adyen-
turess. I've seen
And there she stopped suddenly, con
fused if not ashamed, for the door of an ad-
Joining room was flung open, and Edith
Merton stood before her, trembling and
''passion-pale."
ssYou had forgotten that | was within
hearing, madam, said she, With indignant
scorn. aYou know that You accuse me
falsely. am innocent Of all efforts to at
tract your brothers astention, or win from
him the offer with which he intends tO
honor me. Toyou, Mr.. Seldom, my thanks
are due-and my gratitude-I have ne
more TO give. Poor as | am. | am at least
too proud to s'foist myself upon family
where no welcome awaits me; and 30, mad
am
Ii was her turn to stop suddenly now,
startled at the hdy's absence. No sooner
had she turned to address Paul Seldom than
his sister.in=laY, EMBARRASSED and angry
had swept noiseless from the room. Edith :
pale cheeks grew crimson. She gave one
quick glance at the door, as she also con-
templated retreat; but Paul caught her
little hands in both his own and detained
her.
II neither deserve nor want your graft
tude. Edith, he said earnestly. Il want
your heart and this fair hand Oh, love
have I deceived myself when hoped the
treasure Of your affection might be mine
that you would be my wife
But the woman to vhom he spoke vas
very proud. Mrs. Seldon's unjust word'
stung her bitterly. Hurt pride and wound
ed modesty were all in arms, and for one
passionate moment, stihed love.
aIt is as she said; he had made sure Of
being accepted r she thought, bitterly, and
snatched her hands away.
1T Is impossible-impossible. she cried
@Your sister is right. Seek your wife from
4 higher station, SIR for met is impossi
bic r
But Paul persisted. A man does MOI
give up the hope of his life and the desire
Of his heart very easily
leave my sister outof the question.
marry to please myself-not her. Only
let me hope that you love me, and nothing
shall ever make me give you up. Oh
Edith, you do care for me viii you LEI
Voug pride break both our hearts
An, no, she could pot Something ii
the welI-loyed pleading notes struck at hel
very heart She looked into the tender
kind reproaehful eyes, and then-all al
once she was in his arms, and wePt forth
oil her grief upon his bosom.
The next moment the sound of an ap
proaehing footstep startled her. 1t wa'
Mrs, Seldom coming back.
Il must go, she whispered. 'dood
by"
And then she had lifted her tear-wet
blushing face, and received on it lover
first fond kiss, heard his quick whisper
..For week only, darling and tearing
herself from his clasping arms, fed away t.
her own chamber.
Thither came Mrs. Seldom to her, some
two hours later, when Paul had safely de
parted.
s4You anticipate what L am about to say
no doubt" she began coldly. 4 desire
that you prepare instantly to leave my