Smyrna times., 1882-02-22
UnnaSked.

Don't be rash i'll this, my dear-dOn't!
What will your friends say-what will the
world say-when they hear that Ianthe
Howard is going to marry her music
master? Oh, pause and consider, my
darling-my darling"
And gentle, motherly Mrs. Burnham
knelt down on the rich carpet, and slipped
her pleading arms around the slender
figure before her.
Il have considered, Aunt Helen" the
girl said, cOldly. You ask me-what do
we know of Jean D'EStewe? And |
answer-wc know he is gentleman.
That is the only knowledge l value If
you will not consent to our marriage now,
we shall wait for year, and then l shall
be my own mistress. But, dear Aunt
Helen, with Il sudden softening in the
proud voice, "do be my friend in this
You have been so kind to ME all my life,
and now"
The beautiful, dark face grew strangely
pleading.
Now am kinder than | ever was"
Aunt Helen said kinder. because of my
great love for yOu dear. Harshly kind
perhaps, in my anxiety for your happi-
ness. A girl, young, handsome and an
heiress cannot be too careful in her choice
of friends"
But you know love him
She said the words, wistfully, depreca-
tinsly, lifting her lovely, troubled eyes to
her aunt's face.
II know you do not, Ianthe. A girl
less than Il year out Of schOol-why, you
Go not know your own mind Besides,
nay darling, let me tell you a truth, how
ever terrible it may sound to you-he
does not love you l must speak plainly
He is only a contemplate fortune-hunter,
who wants your money"
Aunt Helen
She had sprung to her feet like young
tigress, red glow leaping boldly to the
pale olive Of her cheeks, her eyes ahame.
My dear, II is true. If the man has it
in his nature to care for any ope but him.
self he loves Elsie Gaudet-Sutherlan
niece. Wait till have finished p" as Ianthe
lifted her head haughtily to speak. He
met her, two years ago, in Paris. She is a
cOmpatriOt of lis Think a moment,
Ianthe! You must have seen how it was.
She introduced him to her relatives as an
old Parisian friend-he made the most OF
his opportunity. He has good looks and a
plausible manner, through which, aided
by the Sutherlands introduction. he
secured an entree to our best houses. He
is giving her lessons as we'll as YOU. He
loves her; but you are an heiress, and his
ayarice predOminates. If he cannot win
you, he may succeed with her. Oh, my
dear, try and understand"
For a moment Ianthe Howard stood
quite still and mOtionless, looking before
her with blind unseeing eyes She lifted
one hand confUsedly to her head; all the
hot flame faded from her cheek.
don't believe it," she said slowly. as
if too stunned for anger don't believe
it,"
my dearest, have been sudden. For
give me-" her aunt cried reprOachfully
alarmed at:sight of the white, wild face.
NO." she said, calmly, though her lips
were pale and trembling. If you car
prove to me that one iota of this miserable
story is true, will thank you for my sal
walton. But'-in the same strained voice
as though she was repeating lesson"
don't believe it,"
" shall give you one proof-the other
you shall see for yourself Yesterday
went to visit at Sutherland's. They were
not at home; but the servant said Mis-,
Gaudet was practicing in the music-room
went toward it, of course unannounced
expecting to find her alone. The dool
was ajar, and, as / reached it heard Jear
D'Esterre's voice, intense, pleading, Tel
me how shall know you? Then hearC
Elsie udOt'sslight laugh Tfyou shoult
meet Parthenia, with a white rose in hel
hand, how can tell who it might be?'
knocked and Elsie sprang to answer, bu
not before / heard him whisper, Low,
needs not symbols. Ingomar will know,
My dear one, it lies with you to do tn,
rest p
"How?"
"Well, of course, you know they allud
ed to Mrs. Kent's ball masquc on th
eighth, Go as Parthenla yourself.
"I?"
eyes. VIII you let me arrange witt
the costumer? / shall have that dres
sent to you-another to her."
The girl started as if she had been shot
"No," she cried, passionately
Listen to condolences not intended for m,
ear! 1t would be mean, dishOnorable, un
derhanded. No." @@