Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-01-13

set the constant and ylgllant care OF NM
self. His interest must not be damaged
by mere matters Of sentiment. HIS out
look for a comfortable future must not De
interrupted by absurd arrangements.
For thirty wears he had thought solely and
entirely Of Albert Beltham, and the re-
ward Of his vigilance bad been that this
Gentleman had not suffered. NO woman
vet had been at once attractive and rich
enough to wear the costly gift OF his
name. At least such was the general I'M
preston easily deduced from hi air and
talk. He was careful not to chronicle his
WOOrthree failures with certain heiresses
who had failed to appreciate his charms.
Annie was only too easily deceived.
Sometimes. when alone with her, he had
spoken with pathetic resignation of his
lonely and blighted future which
stretched in such heightened sadness be-
fore him, etc, etc" and although she had
not replied even with look, she took up
an added cross, thinking by night and day
Of his isolation and cOnstancy. Her hus-
band, "A stern and naughty man, engrossed
with public cares and great responsible
ties, never suspected his WIfe'S brother of
ever having had any sentiment towards
his wife. He rather liked Mr.. Beltham.
liked his constant kindness toward his
mothers ward, and liked his always def
erential manner toward himself.
Indeed, the young man had spared no
pains to render himself pleasing to this
distinguished connection. He had care
fully studied his particular bent, in poll
Tics, religion, everything, and had never
presumed to differ in his opinions. Judge
Barrett thought he saw in him more of
the modest respect and graceful Difference
TO age and position than usually charac-
teriZed the average American youth. Mr.
Beltham was a person OF schemes-he
had always been. The direct road to
certain success did not seem TO him one
straight and narrow. but rather subject
to various circdltOus Windings and twist
ings. As bow, he did not boldly stand
and shoot at his game, but stealthily
creeping behind cOyerts of brush, he
watched the snare he had laid tor their I'M
wary feet-watched them with q sharp,
nOiseless concentration, and smiled little,
lust enough to show the CLEAN Of a set of
white teeth, when the lucklesS prey hung
caught and frightened. He had never been
a talker He had not the cheerful good
nature to exert himself to be generally
pleasing, and, besides this, he believed
wise man kept his own counsel. Though
there is little to object to in this article of
belief il loses its hest pith and marrow
when it seems only the result of u sus-
mCiOus craitiness. Mrs. Beltham had fire.
quentlv been congratulated on her elegant
son. Well! she admired his cool calcula-
his hard wOrldlIness, which she miscalled
sense; but mother though she was, she
never for one moment believed him sim
cere. She knew him too we'll. To this
lady he had always been what she con-
sidpred respectful, and he liked her gen
eTalshIp in matters of interest for him.
self. but even to her, he was "a ltless of
atFectionate demonstration. However, as
neither cared much for just such pretty
establishment in their intercourse, there
was NO loss felt.
Annie had almost reached the stone
terrace step, when she stopped and said:
"MOther, you are out early. | thought l
heard somebody speaking"
W ell, dear, so you did"
"Did l interrupt yOu?
"Ohl no. Come here and see who is
looking at you through the orange
leaves"
Unsuspecting still, she stepped down to
the level space where Mrs. Beltham had
led the way, and looked with some little
interest, first down the gravel path to the
gate, and then to cluster Of trees on her
right.
You are teasing me, MOTHER" she said
smiling a little YEARLY.
''She is teasing me, Annie" Mr.. Belt
ham said. looking down most kindly upon
her. "HOw are YOu?"
just what her passive face had needed
Of warmth and expression it showed now.
Into her calm eyes crept lustre soft ami
tender, and delicate color OYerSpread
her throat and face. just SO he had been
met scores of times bef0re-just so he pro-
posed to continue being met as lOngas she
liVCd-wlth this subtle, unconscious show
Of joyful delight even as happy child
might nave demonstrated its pleasure
Not Once-nOt once did a thought of his
selfish cruelty cross the mans mind. not
once Of the costly price he was eXacting
for a little gratitied vanity.
ALBERT" she said, Il did not know YOU
We're here. When did you cOmeY'
Last night; or rather this morning.
We had a run Off and were delayed"
The color all fOrsOOk her cheeks.
"A run Off" Oh! Alberto
"Pshaw! 1t was nothing but horrible
bore. How is the Judge."
Il don't know. He was not very COM
Portable when | left him at two O'Clock.
He has ordered everyone to be kept out of
his room until he wakes. His man, John.
Is with him."
you are thinner than you were Il few
weeks ago, ANNE. Ali you won't take
care OF yourself, no matter how earnestly
J urge it. Didn't you promise me to
do better when l went away last sprIng?"
"Yes, but l cantt now, Ny husband
needs my care. He is great sufferer"
Yes, L regret TO hear so poor an ac-
count of him. VIII you let him know that
l am here-have come particularly TO see
him. Don't mention it Just vet but at
some suitable time during the day
"Oh! yes. He will be glad to see you
if he is quiet. When he is in pain he is
very nervous
4 suppose SO. How is Charlie:"
Very we'll"
''And as untamable as ever? Can't
YOU teach her to be more like her man.
map
Like me: Oh. no, Albert. Charlie
Is much too bright and too clever to be like
me"
4 know you try faithfully 20 love your
step-daughter, Annie; but even you find
it fatiguing."
ssNo, Albert. As have told YOU be-
tore. it is easy to love Charlie-eyeryb body
does"
Except her father and relatives gener-
ally"
Judge Barrett does not understand
Charlie. He hardly knows her. But |
do. and l love her exceedingly"
DWELL, ali I've got to say is that | don't
ind it easy. She is such perfect hurri-
cane-stOrm-temp The girls and
women Of my love should be as gentle and
as sweet as the west wind from of a bed
Of viOle.s.'
"Albert, know Annie is too discreet to !
repeat your talk. But do be careful. /
such words should not reach Charities
ears. She is spirited enough to make YOU
feel them" So cOunsels the mother, some /
what anXiOusly
Mother, / have done my best, nv very /
best to recommend myself to her. HaveI /
not, Annie: And l expect to win her re- I
gard yet. But ! confess Fve little en-
cOuragement.'
yes. mother. Albert has really tried
hard to make a friend of my dear Charlie. /
butt don't know how it is, she seems I
strongly prejudiced or something. Idon't /
know what"
s'WeH! wellp' eXclaims Mrs. Beltham,
impatientIy. "YOu are both making a
fuss about nothing. Who cares for the
likes and dislikes ola child Ofseyenteen? l
have managed Charlotte for nine years,
and / shall continue to do So. She never
shows any Of her nonsense where l am.
III she don't like Albert, why nobody
cares. That's all. You two talk of her
as if she were a Royal Princess. and not
a strOng-willed, audacious school girl.
shall make a first class woman of her
vet. In the meantime, you two can find
something pleasanter TO talk about.
There's Lucinda to announce breakfast"
''Yes. Do walk in, Albert; you must be
famished after travelling all night" and