The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-07-28
THE WIDOWS TEST.

''Sybella, you are going to do what {,
widow generally does when she marries
a second time. You are going to make
a fool Of yourself Arthur Austin
doesn't love you; it's your money he
wantsH'
Thus spoke Aunt Margaret, prim and
grim, behind her inevitable Knitting
needles. Her niece, Sybclla Ruthven,
a young widow, looked at her indignant
ly.
"Why, auntie!" she said, Chow
naughty Of you! And have no charms
that lover should not be possible to
me?'
"But, can't you compare this man
yourself with poor, dear Reginald, who
would do anything to make you happy?
I'd rather live on the memory of such
love than take pretence of a love like
this. Why, your Arthur Austin is too
selfish to love amy one but himself; and
though, of course, first love stands apart
and you can't have Reginald back again,
only be sensible for moment and con-
trast Mr.. Austin with the men you have
refllscu-that fair-haired artist-that
merry, good-hearted German, with a red
mouth just made for kisSing-and old
Mr.. Bell, who, if he was 20, worshiped
tic gIuuilu yutl trOu upon. / tell you
there's neither sentiment nor passion in
Arthur Austin. He is an extravagant
fellow, and he islaZy, tool lie happened
to have the kind of looks you like, and
so you've been silly enough to turn your
back upon good IAen and held out your
arms to him.''
ooh, auntie! any one would think I
did the courtingl" said the little widow.
"lIold out my arms, indeed!"
Its ali the same thing" replied the
elder lady. "You dropped into his arms
like a ripe cherry when he held them
out, and it's dreadful to me to see you
expecting so much, when you'll get 80
little. a gay honeymoon, perhaps.
After that, neglect, the pangs of jeal-
ousy-with good reason, too, no doubt
and bitter, lifelong regret.''
"Amtie, dear, love him, "said Sy-
bella. 81 used to say no woman could
love twice: but this second affection is
very strong, and as sweet as if / were
sixteen again. [ trust dear Arthur
thoroughly. If 1 had not penny in
the world should be even dearer to
him. lie has often said that he wished
that I had not. But I'll not be angry
with you, auntie; only I'll test him. iii
prove him. You shall own how gcner-
GUS he is, and how fond of me.'
III trust So" said the old lady; "but
l don't believe it, and beside, you are
already having your wedding dress
made"
But Mrs. Ruthven, as she kissed her
aunt goodnight, vowed that the test
should be made.
'1Ie will forgive me when ! tell him
ALL" she said. "Aunt Margaret is so
good that cannot bear she should not
exactly know how good Arthur is also.
Dear Arthurl'
Then she ran upstairs, and opening
the locket in which she wore his por-
trait, kissed it a thousand times, think
ing those thoughts that fill the heart of
any loving woman who is il promised
bride, and which are SO pure and holy
that while they move her she is better
woman for them.
Great grief had come to Sybella when
her young husband was torn from her
heart, and she had been very wretchcd
for long years; but the wound had heal
ed at last, and then Arthur Austin had
come into her life, suiting her 50 per-
fectly, realizing her every dream of
what a man should be. Often she won.
d0red how it was that she should ever
be 80 happy again.
Doubt him! Ahl she would not dare
to doubt him. But Aunt Margaret
should be satisfied.
You are looking very grave, my
DEAR" said Arthur, as they sat together
the next evening.
ga little, Perhaps" shetanswcrcd. "I
have been worried about something. l
don't know exactly how to explain it..
But when banks fail, people who have
their money in them must suffer, you
know; and you've read of the failure Of
the Cosmopolitan Bank to-day?"
eyes" he said. "You had your
money there2"
eff l had not, would it trouble me
that it should fail2" she asked. "To be
sure, ! have a little beside, but Aunt
Margaret and old Uncle Reuben must
have q home, you know, and suppose
l shall have about $500 a year over all
expenses. You'll not have rich wife,
Arthur, after ALL"
lie paused moment, then answered,
huskily: cit shall be my pride and
pleasure to see that you want nothing,
Sybella. l am almost glad you have
become poor for that reason"
Then he kissed her and Sybella was
| happy, but ashamed of herself for put.
ting him to the test.
You see he is all J thought him,
auntie," she said to Mrs. Margaret,