Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-03-19

another disappointment A poor old man,
who had once been an actor, used TO come to
Us twice a week and get few shiilings by
teaching the girls to read aloud. He was
called Professor of English Literature and
he taught out Of ragged book Of verses
which smelt of his pipe. / learnt one of the
pieces and repeated il TO him, and asked il
there was any hope Of my being able to go
ca the stage. he was very kind; he told me
the truth. Ny Gear, you have no dramatic
ability; God forbid you should go on the
stage went back again to the penny
journals, and tried new editor. He SEEM
ed to have more money than the other one;
or perhaps he was kinder. got 10 shfllings
from him for my story. With that money l
made my last attempt advertised for
situation as governess. II Mr.. Linley had
not seen my advertisement might have
starved in the streets. When my aunt heard
of it she insisted on my begging her pardon
before the whole school. Do girls get half
maddened by persecution? II they do l
think must have been one Of those girls l
refused to beg pardon, and was dismissed
from my situation without character. VIII
you think me very foolish? l shut my eyes
again when l woke in my delicious bed to-
day. was afraid that the room, and every
thing In It, was dream" She looked
round, and started to her feet. 'Oh, here's
lady! Shall go away2"
The curtains hanging over the entrance 20
the library were opened for the second time
With composure and dignity the lady who
had startled Sydney entered the room.
"Have you been reading In the library"
Mrs. Linley asked. And Mrs. Presty an
swered: mo, Catherine; have been listen
ing"
Mrs. Linley looked at her mother; her
lovely complexion redeemed with deep
understand you"
Never mind, Catherine, whether you un-
derstand me or not l want more informa-
ton. Tell me what your husband said to
you about this young lady"
Wondering at the demon Of curiosity
which appeared to possess her mother, Mrs
Linley obeyed. Listening throughout with
the closest attention, Mrs. Presty reckoned
up the items of information and pointed the
moral to be drawn from them by worldly ex-
perience.
First obstacle in the way of her moral de-
velopment, her father-tried, found guilty,
and dying in prison. Second obstacle, her
mother-an unnatural wretch who neglected
and deserted her own flesh and blood. Third
obstacle, her mothers SiSter-beiDg her moth
er over again in an aggravated form. Peo-
pie who only look at the surface of things
might ask what we gain by investigating
Miss WestcrfieId's past life. We gain this
We know what to expect of Miss Westerheld
In the future"
II fo- one" Mrs Linley interposed, sex
pect everything that is good and true"
Say she's naturally an angel" Mrs
Presty answered, land l won't contradict
you. But do pray hear how my experience
looks at it. l remember what life she has
- and ask myself if any human creature
could have suffered as that girl has suffered
without being damaged by it. Among those
damnable people, beg your pardon, my
dear; Mr.. Ormond sometimes used strong
language, and it breaks out Of me now and
then-the good qualities of that unfortunate
young person can not have always resisted
the hOrrid temptations and concentrations
about her. Hundreds of times she must
have had deceit forced on her; she must have
lived, through ungovernable fear; she must
have been left (at critical time of her life
mindD with no more warning against the
inSidiOus advances of the passions than
than. I'm repeating what Mr.. Presty
said of niece of his own, who went to a
bad school at Paris; and ! don't quite re-
member what comparisons that eloquent
man used when he was excited. But l know
what mean. / like Miss Westerfeld; be-
lieVe Miss Westerfield will come out well in
the end. But l don't forget that she is going
to lead a new life herc-a life of luxury, my
dear; a life of ease and health and happiness
and God only knows what evil seed sown
in her. in her past life, may not spring up
under new influences. l tell you we must be
careful. l tell you we must keep our eyes
open. And so much the better for Her. And
so much the better for U.s."
Mrs. Presty's wise and wary advice (pre-
scented unfavorably, it must be owned,
through her invcterately quaint way of eX-
pressing HERSELF failed to produce the right
impression on her daughters mind. Mrs.
Linley replied in the tone of person who
was unaffectedly shocked.
ooh, mamma, never knew you so unjust
before. You can't have heard all that Miss
Westertield said to me. You don't know her
as l know her So patient, so forgiving, so
grateful to Herbert
$50 grateful to Herbert" Mrs PreSty
looked at her daughter in silent surprise.
There could be no doubt about it; Mrs. Lin
ley failed entirely to see any possibilities OF
future danger in the grateful feeling of her
sensitive governess toward her handsome
husband. At this exhibition of simplicity,
the old Iady's last reserves of endurance gave
way; she rose to go. You have an excel
lent heart, Catherine" she remarked; 'but
as for your head"
Wv eli, ana wnav rrrolT-
'It'S always beautifully dressed, my dear,
by your maid" With that parting shot Mrs.
Prcsty took her departure by way of the Ii
hrary Almost at the same moment the door
of the WeaktaSt-room was opened. Ayoung
with Mrs. Linley.
n-. 49,