Sacramento daily record-union., 1888-08-04
ILLUMINATED TEXTS.

1t is a singular fact that things are apt
TO be IN perfect taste" in bachelor
residence, so far as the eyes of his unmar-
ried lady friends are concerned; but then
Mr. Elsley's house was new and elegant,
with marble vestibules, floors of inlaid
wood, and furniture patterned after the
most modern and approved styles.
Yes" said Mr.. Elsley, looking com
placent around his library, where the dark
oak cases full of Turkish leather and Rus
sian bindings centrasted exquisitely with
the green orlut carpet, the silken hangings
and the violet and amber tints of the
stained glass oriel window; 81 think
myself it isn't 50 bad. All | want now is
= pair Of Illuminated texts over the door
way"
Oh, let me make them for YOU" said
Clara Wrexford, artlessly. Z" am so fond
of Illuminating texts. | should be de-
lighted to have some little memory of my
insignificant self woven in among those
pretty things. May l ?"
couldn't think of troubling you"
.aid Mr.. Elsley; but at the same time he
noticed how pretty Claras eyes were lifted
in the shy, appealing manner.
81 am sure Clara would be charmed" :"
said Mrs. Wrexford.
''Pll have them all ready by the end of
the week." said Clara. "Oh, | shall be
90 proud
And she clapped her little dimpled
hands like child
Mr.. Elsley sat down and meditated in
the great velvet cushions of the easy chair
sfter his lady guests were gone
He was bachelor. That was a fore
gone conclusion. But then again that was
no reason that he should always remain
bachelor. 1t was lonely, unsatisfactory
sort Of life. He knew within himself that
he had become disgusted with it long ago.
He had not married as young man be-
cause some intangible, but none the less
impossible, barrier of pride and ofiense
had risen up between him and the girl
who e , his first sweetheart Old Mr..
Barringef had refused to allow Stella to
marry young man who opposed him di-
rectly in politics as well as in sundry
social matters. Stella mad declined to set
herself in opposition to her grandfathers
will.
Wait, Ralph, wait" she had said, with
tears in her eyes, "It will all come
right"
7'No, It will not all come right" said
Ralph Blsley, with all the impatience OF
youthful and intolerant lover. 1t comes
to this, Stella; you have to choose between
your grandfather and me-"
"Oh, RalphI'
1t IS Just as you choose. do not urge
you one way or the other"
Bat grandpapa is so old and feeble"
In other words you prefer him to me-
| thought you loved me, Stellap
Stella's only answer was a flood of tears
and Ralph Elsley left her in anger. The
next week old Simeon Barringer sailed for
Europe.
That was the end of it. Old Barringer
died-as he ought to have done long ago,
Elsley uncharitably reflected. No news
came from Stella-of course she was mar
ried to some wealthy Londoner, and Cupid
folded his wings and laid aside his culver
at the threshold of Ralph Elsley's heart
Love is over, so far as am concerned y
said be to himself And he really thought
10.
But that was all in the psst. No reason
now that he should not marry. 1t was the
thing te do, he supposed. And Clara
Wrexford was nice girl enough. Not
like Stella, to be sure; but where was
there one in all the world who could ever
take Stella's place? Clara was true and
gentle and innocent, and Clara loved him.
That should be enough.
Well, the Illuminated texts came, daint
lily mounted and framed, in the course o.
few days and, critic though he was, Els
ley could not but acknowledge that they
we're perfect. One was Faith, Hope and
Charity" the large letters in gold over.
hung well-twisted festoons of lilies of the
valley, the silver bells and glossy green
leaves exquisitely tinted. The other
For He Is Our Peace" in crimson and
gold medieval letters, wreathed around
sith myrtle and wild violets.
What do you think of those" he ex
ultingly asked of Mr.. Clymer, the rectol
of st. Aramis', and his only intimate
friend, when that gentleman sauntered in
as usual, for his evening cigar. Mr.. ely
mer put up his eye-glasses-he was rather
near-sis hted-and took look before h,
answered;
"Very pretty" said he. Where die
you get them p
They were a present.
From young lady !"
Yes How did you know 2" Mr ely
mcr smiled.
II saw her making them"
You saw her making them?''
Yes Is there anything extraordinary
in all thstf'
No, but you seem TO know every
body"
Clymer smoked puff or two and thei
responded;
SWell, do know great many people
rs part of my profession, you know, t
become acquainted with the world in gen
sral.n
What did she say9
" She has said good MANY things sine
/ first met her"
"Then you have known her a lon
time n questioned Mr.. Elsley, beginnin
to feel sensation which was not exactl
jealousy or annoyance, but a comminglinI
Of both.
R"That depends upon what you call
long time" retorted the clergyman.
have known her for about six months
"Six months And never to tell me
"Why should she tell you? Are yo
her father confessor
"No," rather crustily; but Eve spoke
Of you at least dozen times"
Mr.. Clymer turned himself around
The depths of his Sleepy Hollow chair.
al should like to know" he said slow
and meditatively, " where on earth hay
you seen harp She lives quiet an
most secludSl life, and receives no yisi
orsn
II don't know what your ideas of a S
cluded life may be-" said Mr.. Elsley. ''Bl
she goes to all the balls and parties, hi
AT Homes on Thursday afternoons ar
drives in the park every clear day.
there's any particular seclusion IN tn
mode of life it's new to me-"
Rev. Mr Clymer stared.
"Elsley, whom on earth are you talkir
abo,1t 2S