The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1885-10-22

Miss Foster only in name to all il
tents and purposes Nora was the
elder sister. While Nagdalen had
seen poring over her books, Nora
had studied the art Of making her
self agreeable, and assiduously cul-
tivated various useful gifts.
One evening they were taken by
surprise by the unexpected arrival of
Will Fairburn, an old friend and
playfellow. Dinner was just being
served, and the young man took his
seat among them. laughing and put
ting up his hands as if to petition
against the volley Of questions and
ex carnations with which he was sa-
luted.
Il haven't distinguished single
word any one has said,' he de-
clared at last.
"But l imagine you are asking
where I spraug from and what I've
come about. Briefly, then. I'm off
to the west in a months time, and
have come to bid you all long fare
we'll"
Farewell! !" exclaimed all the
Fosters. "What do you mean?'
Il had $4,000 left me by my
aunt" Will proceeded to explain ;
land a friend strongly advises me
to invest it in cattle. He says they
pay tremendously and the life is de-
lightful. I have consulted every
possible authority and really don't
see that could do better. I hate
Office work, | haven't the brains to
take up a profession, and farming
here is no go. Aud I consider that
am rather cut out for rancher.'
He ended in tone Of modest self
appreciation, which was not unwar-
rantcd, for he was man of splendid
physique. Besides which, all his
tastes fitted him for an occupation
demanding physical rather than men,
tai ability. He had never cared for
study. So long as he could scrape
on at school and college without dis
graclng himself he was content, and
devoted his heartiest energies to the
athletic sports in which his soul de>
lighted.
Dinner over, Mr.. Foster rose al
most Immediately from the table.
"Can you spare me an extra hour
this evening, Magdalen?" he asked.
"Ceriainly, papa, l will come at
once"
"Magdalen is a good deal chang
ed" remarked Will, as he and Nora
strolled out into the garden togeth-
er. Nora offered her own explana-
ton, taking care to speak in the
most affectionate sisterly tone.
"Yes,"she said; 'you are right.
You see ever since Magdalen return
ed from Wellesly she has been en-
couraged in her devotion to stndy.
People express the greatest admi-
ration for her talents; then papa
has made her his secretary. and so.
without being in the least conceited
she naturally feels that she is supe>
per;or to the girls she ordinarily
meets. You know, Will, I can't help
thinking it was mistake to let her
grow so very learned. | think it is
woman's part to be helpful end do
nest ic, to take interest in the good
management Of small matters, and i.
the welfare of those about her,
"Why can't Magdalen be domestic
as we'll as intellectual2' demanded
Will moodily, II don't see the in
compatibility.''
Nora did not choose to tell him
that Magdalen has begged to be al
lowed to take a part in the house
hold affairs and that she herself had
opposed the suggestion. She had
gained character for domesticity
and she did not wish to have her
supremacy shared.
81 dare say there is no actual in
compatibility,'' she admitted gently !;
''but Magdalen is SO wrapped up IN
her work for papa that we never
think of occupying her mind with
matters which l am quite willing to
see after myself. Why should she
be bothered? She is not the girl to
marry, unless indeed" Mora laugh
ed gaily-"she could find a man that
was all intellect and had no body
needs to be ministered to-"
Poor Will! Magdalen joined
them in the garden later on. but for
his own sake he kept aloof from her.
The girl was greatly hurt. as of old
she had been his special friend, Too