The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1886-07-08
pMammaW Sophia cried, in great agitation.

CIlcly kTtttbu
"These things happen, Sophy," the mother
continued; ''these things often happen.
never told any Of you girls before, but as
sure you the first man that proposed to me
and to whom l was ON the point of being
married-had to fly from England to avoid
transportation"
'Mamma!" Sophia cried again, but now
springing to her feet, with face white with
fear and pain. "Tell me; what is It'll He
can't, o, he can't have do e anything
wrongp
Nothing wrong, DEAR" she answered. II
only mentioned my case as in some respects
like yours. No; the Brents are honorable
people, hSt they are beggars this morning,
Sophy-beggars.
Then, in as few words as she could use, the
little woman, with most perfect lucidity, told
the story of the disaster remarl1ing, when
she came to the maneuvering widow, that the
rector ought to have kept a sharper eye on
his brother.
Because we all know, Sophy, that there are
always widows who will do these things if
they can. l should as soon think of leaving
my Jewel box all night open ON my front
doorstep as of leaving a rich relation un-
guarded-if it was my policy to get his
lnOIGys NON1 hOl NlJY uCdA3 ollS duiCu1
seeing her girls tears flowing fast; "things
might have been much worse"
'I am not crying now, mamma" Sophia
said, sobbing, however, while she spoke. II
was frightened at first by what you said At
least, these are tears Of relief, | mean. l
really felt afraid of don't know what. But
it is only money Percival has lost-not char
acter, not honor"
90, no; his honor is untouched" the mother
replied. "His character is as good as ever;
and that will of course, stand by him when
he goes in search of employment. Besides, 1
am glad ON your account, dear; for even the
most transient connection Of your name with
a person who had done anything wrong would
be disagreeable."
Sophia said nothing. She was drying off
her tears with great brisknsss and assiduity
1t is pleasant sight to see pretty young
woman wiping her tears away, and feather
ing herself into cheerfulness again.
Excellent good sense, Sophia" the mother
said, looking at her with great approval. II
always knew, with your sound judgment,
you would come to this view of the matter;
but was prepared for little temporary re-
luctance and a little girlish romance, and 1
was prepared to bear it kindly, dear, and to
wait for the return of good sense, which
knew would not be delayed long. But you
are a wise girl, Sophy; nothing like facing
the inevitable boldly, and at once"
"But, mamma, Sophy said, ''it is not such
great trial Percival can work. We can
both wait"
20, then have mistaken your exclaimed
the mother. Now, Sophy, my dear, you
must not be absurd. This marriage is simply
impossible. Wait as long as you may, the
young man cannot make a fortune such as
you should expect and require. You will see
this some day."
"I promised him would love him always"
Sophia said, with artlessness which in an
other woman might have seemed affected;
"and am to break my word because my
poor fellow is unfortunate? He has done
nothing Is he to lose his money and-and
me too"
At which dreadful prospect Sophia began
to cry again, and worked at her eyes with
her pocket handkerchief, which she had
twisted into sort of ball, as crying women
do
at is very nice, kind way of talking,
Sophy," the little diplomatist said "and it
does you credit, dear. / almost think l like
you better for it, sweet, sweet girl" with a
kiss at each adjective. "But we must be
prudent, dear. Believe me, Sophy, nothing
that is imprudent is ever kind in the long
run. It may appear so; it never is-not
kind even to those it seems mVst to bene-
fit. In life, dear, everything depends on
prudence"
Mamma" Sophia cried, rising from her
chair for the second time, 'if you had told
me that Percival had been disgraced, | think
l should have died. If you had told me that
the man who spoke to me as he spoke had
any secret dishonor, l think l should have
killed myself in grief and shame. | know the
world would never have been the same to me
again. But his fortune, his money-what is
that? Mamma, l promised to love him and
to marry him, and nothing but his own fault
shall make me change. Not if he lost ten
fortunes! 1t would be hard ON him." she re-
peated with another rub of her eyes, ITO lose
his money, and then to lose me-"
Mother and daughter, there they sat. The
mother was not angry, scarcely disappointed,
quiet, confident fully assured that the vic
tory would be on her side at last. Were not
time and money with her, and who with such
al xiliaries ever lost battle? And there sat
the daughter fearful, flushed, affectionate,
longing to have her Percival beside her to
console him. All, sweet Sophia Temple,
some there were as well as Percival who for
a few Of those tender dewy kisses then bud
ding on thy lips would have lost half the
world, and scarcely sighed as it slipped
away!