The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1885-01-20
Se1erf Sforu.
A MAYNARD WARD.

1t is the business OF the philosopher,
as the world knows, to ind law and order
in even the most abnormal phenomena,
to suggest at least an adequate explana-
ton Of every enigma. For what other
purpose does he exist than to throw light
on the surrounding darkness He is
torch bearer to humanitv's ignorance. II
uoW and again, by reason OF a pessimist
temperament or defect of training, the
rays he sheds around intensity rather
than dispel the gloom, snd cast shsdows
as of Egyptian night across mems for.
ward path, surely he msconstrues bis
mission.
But the wisest head is sometimes puz
zIed, and the shrewdest explorer OF the
all-environing mystery is sometimes con.
founded. A problem presents itself
which cannot be resolved by any of ths
familiar processes. The whv OF some
suddenly disclosed fact is as inscrutabl1
as the Sphinx OF the eastern desert. II
was thus With B .rnard R,lston.
Those who thirst for fame as misers
thirst Tor gold, or c qlettes for admira.
tion, would have found much to envy in
this young mans position. At an age
when q statesman is currently supposed
to be studying his parliamentary primer,
and when future general may still he
writbing under the sarcasms Of a bsrrack
room instructor, Bernard Ralston had
neen welcomed into the front rank Of
philosophical thinkers His book on
Instinct, Conscience and Reason" was
read and criticised bv the few, praised
and avoided by the many. The noisy
heterodox claimed him as new and
promising recruit; and so also, to the
amusement of the onlooker, did the
stanchest maiutsiners of old landmarks.
He was battered, feted, and the lion oil
his season.
1t was from this suddenly acquired
distinction that his embarrassment had
spproached. rhe solicitors letter that
was the beginning of sorrows made this
clear. 1t ran thus:
"DEAR SIR: We have to inform you
that by the will of our late client, Mr.
Humphrey Power, you are appointed
sole guardian of his only surviving
Olive. As this may be in the
nature of a surprise, We beg leave to
quote the precise paragraph of the will !:
AID l hereby empower Mr.. Bernard
Ralston TO act in every respect as the
guardian of my child. am sure that
Olive can have no filter or wiser protec-
tor, none better qualified to advise and
TO regulate her life; and should hes !
earnestly beg-accept and fulfill this
charge. / give and be4ueath to the said
Bernard Ralston, over and above such
reasonable expenses as he may have in
Cured on my daughters behalf, the sum
Of $1,000, to he paid by my executors
on my daughters twenty-6rst birthday,
as a small tribute OF nv gratitude
"The young lady is very considers
BILE heiress, in her eighteenth year. and
at present in private pension In France
Further particulars will follow on your
reply. We are, dear sir, yours obedi.
emily, FANsHAwE u FITCH
The gift OF the proverbal white ele.
phant could have produced in no heart a
greater CONSERVATION. What should q
retired and solitary student, Of serious
pursuits and courtly manners, answer to
such challenge? II Cleethorpe Hall
were large, 1t by no means followed thai
he wanted more life within its bounds !;
and girl in her teens. a mere child, as
with The cage wisdom OF fye-and-thirty
years he considered her! How copld
her presence by bis 6reside be harmon
lx,d with the qliet current Of the life he
elected to live?
Yet, the halt Of $4,000 was tempta-
'uon The glories of Ceethorpe Hall
had been sadly tarnished through the
improvidence of Bernerd's father, and
philosophy is not particularly remune-
ra.ive hobby 10 ride. Mr.. Humphrey
Powers legacy, il not precisely for
tune, would he an assistance in the keep
ing up of the restricted Cleethorpe es
tahishment.
The mstter was debated long and snx
iously, and as the result Miss Olive
Power arrived at the Hall one snowy
February morning. Slight of figure.
Vinsome of feature, with merry, violet
tinted brown eyts, ard lips continually
parting in a piqaant smile over teeth oil
whitest pearl, if he was properly to pro-
tect bis ward, his position night not
prove a s.necure. Neither did it.
The girls beauty attracted suitors as
blossoma allure bees; and it was
as soon an open secret in the country
side that Miss Power, as well as being a
lonely and lovely yonng thing, was a
richly d,wered one. This brought the
lugubrious voice OF Prudence
into reasonable accord the chorus of ad-
oration.
But Olive was not minded to be an
easy capture for any Of her wooers
With woman's instructive dexterity she
kept them all at bay, and at twenty hal
escaped the necessity OF as yet refusing
any offer in formal and unequivocal
terms She was developing taste for
study which half amused half interested
her guardian. One evening he playtully
rallied her on her application to snndry
big volumes in the library.
II shall be accused OF transforming q
merry and bewitching young lady into 8
blue stocking-a disciple af nv o own dry.
as dust pursuits" he said; "some one
some day may have special cause to
blame me, fear"