Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-01-10
THE BEAUTY OF THE SCHOOL
An Interesting Story for the Young
People.


Mason, looked down over the banlsters. L
started back, and gave scream.
What is the matter Dell?' she asked.
Nothing | said, confusedly; only
YOU frightened me"
81 should think So. You are white as
death. What a qqeer idea for you to be
frightened at me-
Il must be nervous; l guess 1 an
swered, as l went to my room.
The fact was that, as | looked up at my
roommate and friend-who was the ac-
knowledged beauty of the school-her eyes
looked to me exactly like those of horri-
BILE serpent once saw in a menagerie.
I could not shake off the impression for
hours. And yet it was so absurd, for Fan
ME was my most cherished friend, and l
had loved and trusted her for a year, and
found her true and faithful. And I was
her chosen confidant.
/ alone knew that she was betrothed to
Albert Saint Clair, the richest young land
holder in l., near her fathers country
seat. And l alone knew that she loved
Roy Hubert, the handsome young physi-
clan who had been called to attend her
during an illness at the school. | alone
knew of her clandeStine meetings with him,
and l would have guarded her secrets al
most with my life.
must help me to keep my meetings from
the school You must be my friend in this
as YOU have been in other matters"
i will, [ said. q will dear; though
do not see what happiness can come to
you from such meetings, when you are be-
trothed to another
1t does not matter have a whole life
to spend with that man; | have but few
brief months left in which I can see the
one love l must I will, see him p
You shall" said.
And to me she owed all the security of
her interviews. l was so fond of her; if
she was only happy l was content Yet
now she had reminded me of serpent,
and could not shake off the impression.
That night ! dreamed that she had turned
TO one, and that she wound herself about
me and bit me over the heart. and | awoke
with another scream.
The next week | took my leave of the
school. was to enter upon the life of a
governesS in l., Fannies native place
| was to 20 to her home first, and then af-
ter rest of few days to enter upon my
duties in a neighboring family. Fannie
clasped her arms about me and wept pro-
fusely when we parted.
Be true to me-guard my secret" she
cried, over and over. DO not tell my
father or my widowed sister of my lover
here-do not tell them. Be faithful to me
TO the end, as | will be to you"
You can trust me, | answered Il
will never reveal your secret.
1t was late the next day when arrived
at l.. Fannie had told me to 90 direct
" to her home that she had written to her
family to expect me. Accordingly took
carriage and was soon at the gates of the
Mason villa All was dark and cherries.
l told the cab-driver to wait moment
A nameless presentiment was over me-
I rang the bell and sent in my card A
servant stared at me as only a servant can.
Presently she brought back the card and in
formed me that the lady was not able 10
see me-she was engaged.
" But there is a mistake, | said. " am
expected am Miss Fannies friend
\ man came down the stairs 1t was
Mr.. Mason. knew by his picture which
| had seen. He was cold-featured and
stern.
IL You are Miss Rusee?' he said, icily
s. | am, sir
Then read this" he said, handing me
telegram. \ on will no doubt understand
its meaning, and also the cold reception
which you have met here
! took the telegram 1t was dated that
morning at the school, and read:
Do not receive Bell Ruggee when she comes.
She IS no longer friend of mine. Beware Of
her. FANNIE.
l staggered as if a blow had been dealt
me, and turned away without a word.
Take me to the nearest hotel | said
to the cab-driyer, and almost fell into the
carriage.
When we drove up before the hotel l
could scarcely stand. a gentleman passing
by saw me stagger, and saved me from
fall by reaching out his arm.
You are ILL., said he, as he supported
me into the hotel.
No, only stunned, I said. 81 have re-
ceived a terrible shock Thank you, sir
| glanced up into the most beautiful blue
eyes it was ever my lot to behold-so true,
SO full of sympathy.
As he turned away l heard 4 man just
entering greet him as Mr.. St. Clair So
his was Fannies betrothed lover!
I secured a room and retired, but not to
sleep. The awful mystery of this message,
the terrible cruelty Of its purport, kept me
wide awake.
The next day sent my card 10 the fam
lily where | was TO teach and awaited the
return of the messenger in fear and trcm-
bling Would they, too, turn against me?
II so. was indeed cast on the world. But
no they sent 4 carriage instead to conduct
me 10 their home and | was soon installed
in my new duties.
Here | often met Mr. St. Clair. He was
very fond of children, and, being a fire.
quent visitor at the house, used to drop
mo the school-room. He tried to converse
Hith me, but l could not talk with him.
A few months passed away, and then |
heard that Miss Mason had returned. |
saw her driving by, too, but she never
D.
Soon I heard rumOrS of the approaching
marriage. I thought my heart would break
then-it seemed so cruel for such q grand
man 70 be deceived by such a woman.
False in friendship, false in love
He still used to come 10 the sChoOi-roOm,
and [ saw ne was very pale and grave.
one day, only week before the wedding,
he came to me and said, hurrediy
Il must not see you again, child, or /
shall 20 mad. ! am in honor bound 70 an
other. but YOU you have my heart. God
pity me Good-by.
/ laid my head upon the desk and wept
tears of Joy.
The very next day he came back He
handed me an anonymous letter be had
Just received.
There are grave reasons why You should not
marry Fannie Mason. II you doubt this 20 to
Dell RUgee and demand her. on her honor as
woman, 10 tell you what She and another alone
know.
( looked up at him
Speak" he cried, in voice which I
had TO obey.
d" I cannot, ! answered.
Nou must, he repeated.
Never never! ! will die first
If YOU loved me, You would
If ! did not io,c YOU ! might" | cried
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