Morris tribune., 1886-11-03
FAMILY PRIDE.

arlStocratlc French family, the men,
bers of which babe adieu to France
about a century ago, with view OF
making q home and wealth ia this
country. A love of the old name had
been handed down from father to son,
and one of the boasts~"of the DeVois-
sys was that no plebeian blood ever
mingled with theirs.
At the same time Gerald had not
rtune enough to keep up the ideas
grandeur which had been part OF
education. He and led bohe-
N sort of life, for both had adopt
the same profession - art.
worked in studio which
the most inartistic place
ever saw, and our rooms ad5oin-
~. Zach other on the same floor.
How Iloved our old studio, right at
= the top OF a house which commands a
| good view OF Central park!
! From the windows We could watch
the autumn turning the trees into
crimson and gold, Or the delicate
touch of spring tinting the foliage with
those fresh, delicious shades which we
loved to reproduce on canvas. Then
our room was a curious medley OF
half-fnished sketches, painting ma
terials, old armor hanging on the walls,
curiously wrought fabrics strewn here
and there, and in the windows our
easles bedaubed with patches of every
possible color.
We were both making rapid success
in our profession. worked hard for
the sake of Alice, a darling blue eyed
! | who had promised to make me
ppy some day. Gerald worked
m pure ambition, for he had good
expectations from his relations.
The kindest friend il the house was
the iantor's wife, good, respectable
woman, but in very reduced circum-
stances. She granted US many little
privileges, and was always willing to
render Us any small service in her
power.
One morning our quiet life was in
terrupted by the arrival of black
edged letter for Gerald De Voissy
which bore the French postmark.
1t announced the death of an aunt.
He had not met the old lady for years
so did not expect to see him go into
paroXysms of grief on h airing of her
1ass77 =. 70 ''a q - .4s7 risad 3
see the hook of delight that overspread
his features as he read the last page of
the ietter
''How can you be so heartless," I
exclaimed. las to look pleased over
such sad event?"
"Well, it's an awful shame" replied
Gerald, looking penitent, "but, my
dear old boy do congratulate me. I'm
left heir to the greater portion of my
poor aurt's fortune, somewhere near
$4,000 u year. This letter is from
one OF her nephews. He tells me my
aunt's generosity arose from the fact
that my mother was her favorite Sis
ter, and not from any personal inter-
est in myself, as she never saw me
since was a schoolboy."
81 sincerely rejoice at your good for
tune, Gerald, and there is no fellow
who deserves it better than you do"
1replied, as | grasped his hand and
shook it warmly.
"Well, then, let us celebrate the day
by taking holiday" he cried. eve
will run down to Long Branch, and
then you will have chance OF seeing
your tiancee."
Such an offer was too tempting to
be refused, for l knew Alice and her
parents were staying there. So we
gladly closed our untidy studio and
prepared to ENJOY our day on the
sands at Long Branch.
AS We went down stairs we stopped
a few moments to speak to the good
souled Mrs. Robbins, the housekeeper
already alluded to, for Gerald was
eager to ecquaint her with his good
fortune. He had, however, scarcely
begun to speak before the rustic of
lady's dress was heard, and in an in
slant young girl brushed past him
and threw her arms affectionately
around Mrs. Robbins neck.
"How are you, dear mother" she
cried. i'll a sweet, soft voice. 81 am
so glad to come back to YOU"
The good old woman kissed her
repeatedly, while Gerald looked on in
admiration and surprise at the beauty
and grace of the young girl.
Perceiving his wonder, Mrs. Robbins
said, laughingly.
"You did not know, Mr.. De Voissy,
that l had SO fine a young woman for
a daughter. thought would give
you start some day. But go on and
tell me of your good fortune. I am
impatient to hear all about it.
l noticed that my friends usual
self. possession had deserted him; and
though he spoke to Mrs. Robbings his
eyes were fixed on the young girl,
and he prolonged the conversation
purposely, fancied. When, at last,
he tore himself away, we had discov-
cred that the young ladv's name was
Maggie; that she was living with her
cousins in the country, and had only
come home for a few days.
"What sweet gir!'' muttered Ger
aid. "What a pity she is not of good
family! Has she not wonderfully |
sweet and beautiful EXPRESSION"
quite agreed with him, but banter |
ed him not little by reminding him,
every time he alluded to Maggie, OF
his family pride, and the solemn VOW
/ had SO often heard him make that
the girl he loved must be his equal in
birth and position.
We returned from Long Branch late
thatevening, and heard Maggie's sweet
voice singing an air from Ella Sonnam-
bula" as we assembled the stairs.
I noticed during the next few days
that Gerald found q great many
reasons for going to speak to Mrs
Robbins in her apartments. Nothing
could exceed his ingenuity in discover
ing small items which needed her at
IGNITION. Then it suddenly had oc-
CURED to him that he had heard
during the last few days that she and
her daughter were fond of going to the
theater, and he was thoughtful enough
to provide tickets for them taking
care to reserve seat near them for
himself.
Gerald tried to laugh off my inslnu-