The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1885-08-29

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even penetrated the feeling that was to
be seen among some of his fashionable
pupils, who seemed not to care about
making any social advances toward her.
Was she not their equal in position? He
curled his lips in scorn. His own father
had been blacksmith and peasant be-
fore they left Europe; he was alone and
could snap his fingers at the world if
this sweet girl would consent to be his
wife. And all the while Lisbeth labored
on in silence; serene, ambitious and
hopeful, determined to master the art OF
teaching as well as the teaching of art,
and fit herself for more congenial en-
ployment.
The closing of the summer term came
in June, and reception was given to
the pupils and their friends. The
rooms were crowded; fashion smiled on
anything artistic and delighted to honor
the handsome Professor who presided
over the school,
Foremost among the gay groups were
Maud and Mignon Lyster who enjoyed
such gatherings, but wished particularly
to see and criticize Lisbeth's work. AT
ter some music, it was announced that
an essay would, as usual, be read by
one of the pupils, and when Lisbeth APP
peared in her simple white dress,
with no ornament but bunch
of pale roses at her throat and belt, the
audience listened attentively to her
words. Calmly, and in rich, deep
tones, she spoke of simplicity in art, ="
and when the last eloquent words were
said, was greeted with rapturous but
well-bred applause. As she stood alone
the pleased Professor gave her his arm
and escorted her down the long room,
stopping now and then to introduce her
to some gentlemen. who wished to con-
graduate the fair essayist.
A few minutes passed in pleasant
conversation, when suddenly there fell
upon her ears the voice of Maude LYs-
ter, sharp and clear. Didn't you
know, Mr.. WilburnP why she is Our
houSemGid. Mamma indulgently al
lows her time to attend the evening
school, but l think there ought to be
rules to exclude that class.
The young man addressed was a
dandy of the first water, and put up his
eyeglasses to stare at Lisbeth's pale
face, but the Professor had heard the
words, too, and he hurried her to a
quiet corner, and procuring a cup of
tea, gave it into her trembling hand, as
he commenced an argument on the
taste and culture of the age with rival
professor who stood near. The
whispered insinuations of the thought
less guest did not prevent the sensible
part of the large-hearted crowd from
ngratulating Lisbeth. upon her sue
cess; her fair face and gentle demeanor
: favorably impressing the thoughtful
artists who were assembled. And so
the time passed, though a sting had
been planted in the young girls heart
that ranked sorely.
81 wish to see you home" said the
Professor, with sudden imperiOus
manner, when she spoke of leaving, and
she folded her hands in her lap and
quietly awaited the Aye-taking of the
rest 1t was over at last and he stood
in the hall as she came out of the cloak
: room. The moon shone brightly, and
the scent of roses was strong in the little
park they had to cross to reach Mrs
LISTERS.
"Child, / want to know your history
he said when they started, and in 6
few sentences she told him all, and he
5 in turn talked of his lonely home, his
s dead Anna, and all his past. 81 have
[ been loving you for long time, my
Lizbeth, but only tonight found cour
, age to speak.
But" she said, shivering in the
: warm, sweet air, ''yOu can not marry
9 mel am only "a housemaid. '"
r He stopped and turned to her. "Yol
p are all the world to me" he said simply
+ land l need YOU"
n Her clear, deep tones broke tn,
q silence. Then if you need me, my
$ master, l must be yours, and-with you
| feel so safe"
They had reached the front steps, hi
put his foot on one of them, mot there,
!, she said appealingly, Il go in by tn,
= area steps. Do you repent?" He
y voice had taken joyous ring, almost ;
= laugh, and in the midst of her confus
sion he kissed her with sudden passion
There is no one to consult" 1t
: whispered, land l shall come for yol
tomorrow. My heme is ready. Sste
y. Greta will welcome you, she knows m,
y wishes. Good night, dear one"
= He was gone, and she entered tn
q dark hall in wRirl of amaze. To b
k married tomorrow Yet it seemed a
O if she had known him all her life, an,
q now she remembered many things tina
|. proved he loved her; she had Away
o felt that he was her friend; she woul
n yield; heart and art would be safe in hi
IL keeping, and as she CROPPED her wa
, towards the upper hall, the voice c
" Miss Maude called over the balustradC
v ats not proper, Lisbeth, to be talkin
i tie young man and laughing on tn
:, area steps"
o at shall not happen again, Miss,
4 = 4 II 4 4 e