The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1884-01-23
INTERESTING STORY.
The HALF-CASTE.
AN OLD GOvERNESS's TALE
FOUNDED ON FACT.
ny MISS UNLOCK.


ola times lie always ulSllkeu Sucitty, l.
answered that | did not think such dis
play necessary, but | would try to find
out Zillahs mind
did SO. 1t was an innocent, girlish
mind, keenly alive to pleasure, and new
to everything. The consequences were
natural-the ball must be. A little she
hesitated when limited at her guard
ian's peculiarities, and then she offered
cheerfully to renounce her delight. But
he, his eyes beaming with deeper de-
tight still, would not consent. So the
thing was settled. t
1t was very brilliant affair. for Mr..
Sutherland spared no expense. He
seemed to show restless eagerness in
providing for his young fayorite every
thing she could desire. Nay, in answer
to her Maynard entreatieS, he even con-
scented to open the ball with her, though
saving" he was sure he should make
an old simpleton of himself" That was
not likely!
| watched them walk down the room
together, and heard may people say
with smile what handsome pair
they were. Notwithstanding the consid
cradle difference of age.
1t was very quiet evening to me.
Being strange to almost everyone there,
| sat near old Mrs. Sutherland in cor
ner. Mr.. Sutherland asked me to dance
once, but did not feel strong. and in
| deed for the last few years had almost
given up dancing He laughed, and
said merrily: 1T was not fair for him
to be beginning life just when | ended
it," A true word spoken in a jest.
But only smiled.
The ball produced results not unlike
ly, when one considered that it was
meant for the introduction into society
of young woman, handsome, attract
i've, and an he!ress. A week OF two af-
ter Zillah's birthday Mr. Sutherland
called me once more into his study.
noticed he looked rather paler and
less composed than usual. lie forgot
even to ask me to sit down, and we
stood together by the fireplace. which
remember was filled with a great vase
of lilacs that Zillah had insisted on plac-
ing there. 1t filled the room with
strong, rich scent, which now [ never
| perceive without its bringing back to
my mind that room and that day.
lie said: Il have had IA letter to-day
on which wish to consult with you be-
fore showing it to Miss lie Poer. Il
was rather startled by the formal
words. since he usually called her vii
lah." as was natural.
1T is 1etter-scarcely surprising
| in fact to be expected after what no.
| ticed at the dinner-party yesterday; in
fact-But you had better read it your
SELF
lie took the letter from his desk and
gave it to me. 1t was an earnest and
apparently sincere application for the
hand of his ward. The sutton, the Hon.
| Henry French, was of good family and
moderate prospects. | had noticed he
was very attentive to Zillah at the ball,
and on some occasions since; still ] was
good deal surprised, more so even than
was Mr. Sutherland, who had evidently
watched her far closer than |. gave
him back the letter in silence, and
avoided looking at his face.
"Well, Cassa, he said after IL pause,
and with an appearance of gayety,
what is to be done? You women are
the best counselors in these Matters
| ! smiled but both he and very soon
became grave once more.
1T is q thing to be expected con-
tinued he in voice rather formal and
hard. with Zillah's personal attrac-
tions and large fortune she was sure to
receive many offers. Still it is early to
begin these affairs
| reminded him that she was twenty
one.
True, true. She might, under other
circumstances, have been married long
before this. DO you think that she
suppose he was going to ask me
whether thought she was likely to ac-
cept Mr.. French, or had hitherto formed
any attachment. But probably delica-
cy withheld him. for he suddenly
stopped and omitted the question.
Soon he went on in the same steady
tone:
Il think Zillah ought to be made ac-
quainted with this circumstance. Mr..
French states that this letter to me is
the first confession of his feelings.
That was honorable on his part. He is
gentleman of good standing, though
far her inferior in fortune. People
might say that he wanted her property
to patch mp the decayed estates at
Weston-BrOok
This was spoken bitterly, very bitter
~ for man OF such kind nature as
Andrew Su herland. lie seemed con-
scious of ii and add ID: Il may wrong
him. and il so ! regret il. But do You
not think. Cassia. that of all things it
must be most despicable, most mean,
most CALLING To Il man of any pride or
honest feeling the thought of the
worlds saying that he married his wife
for money, as Il prop to his falling for
tunes, or shield to his crllmbling hon
or? would die a thousand deaths
first"
In the passion Of the moment the red
color rushed violently to his cheek. and
then he became more pallid than ever.
l watched him, my eyes were opened
now. | held fast by the marble CHM
ey-piece. so that could stand quite
upright. firm and quiet. lie walked
hurriedly to the window. and flung it
open, saying the scent of the lilacs was
too strong. When he came back. we
were both ready to talk again. be-
lieve | spoke tlrst--to save him the pain
OF doing so.
Il have no idea. said |, and said
truly. what answer Zllali will give'to
this letter. Hitherto have known all
her feelings, and am confident that
while she stayed with me her heart was
untouched
Here | waited for him to speak, but
he did not. ! went on:
"Mr. French is very agreeable, and
she seems to like him; but girls
heart. if of any value at all, is rarely
won in three meetings. think, how
ever, that Zillah ought to be made ac-
qnainted with this letter. Will you tell
her. or shall II"
$50 you and do it-a woman can best
deal with woman in these cases.
And" he added, rising slowly and look
ing down upon me with that grave and
self possessed smile which was likewise
as sweet as any woman's, tell Zillali
from me, that though | wish her to
marry in her own rank and with near
equality of fortune, to save her from all
those dangers of mercenary offers to
which an heiress is so cruelty exposed,
still, both now and at all times. / leave
her to the dictates of her own affections
and her happiness will ever be my chief
consideration in life."
He spoke with formal serenity until
the latter words, when his voice faltered
little. Then he led me to the door
and | went ont.
Zillah lay on sofa reading q love-
story. Her crisp black hair was tossed
about the crimson cushions, and her
whole figure was that of rich Eastern
! luxuriance. She had always rather
| fantastic way of dress, and now she
looked almost like princess out of the