The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-11-30
THE PRIVATE TUTOR.

Two men sat in conversation. The
cooling wind played gently with the
short brown curls Of the younger, while
his handsome eyes and face were lighted
by T. bright, animated expression. 81
can scarcely credit such good fortune.
Are you sure there is no mistaken he
said.
Perfectly; here are the documents.
Prove your identity; prove to our salts
faction that you are Ralph Hamilton
and you are rich man. Can you
prove it?'
u can, Immediately. But this is in
deed welcome change; to spring from
deep poverty to such wealth in a mo-
ment by the death of an unknown rela-
tive, seems almost incredible. | am
grateful to you, Metcalf, for your pains
in so soon seeking me, also your interest
in my welfare. have one favor only
to ask in addition-that you remain
silent about it. The fact of my changed
circumstances need not be made known
as yet. shall not alter my style Of liv-
ing TO. 4 while, but shall fulfill an en-
gagement TO become the private tutor of
two small boys residing, strange to re-
late. in the same place where lies this
new estate. in taking the property you
say am required to assume the name Of
its former owner. This will do after
few months spent in the neighborhood
AZ a poor teacher. have met sad re-
bluffs during the days of my poverty, and
have no idea of being made victim Of
some fortune hunter, so | will win some
good woman for loves sake, then settle
down and enjoy myself"
In a beautiful residence sat two ladies,
Mrs. Corsair and her daughter Zoe,
while third, niece Of the elder lady,
Blanche Gilmore, stood with q light hat
in her hand, as though she was just re-
turning from q walk. They were dis
cussing tho appearance Of a new tutor
who had undertaken for a time on trial,
the education Of the two sons Of the
family. Charley, one of these boys, had
Just appeared, and, looking from the
window, whispered:
Now, girls, there he comes. Tell Inc
III what said was not true"
Yes indeedp exclaimed both young
ladies, as they surveyed the fine figure
and handsome face approaching; and
when tho young man smiled pleasantly
upon Charley, Blanche thought she had
never seen so handsome a men, while
Zoe whispered:
IF the young heir of the Belmont
property prove one half as handsome !
will be content"
A splendid estate, with residence OF
almost royal magnificence, lay within
sight of their pretty home, and had just,
through the death Of old Belmont, a
childless widower, passed into the hands
Of q young relative, expected soon to
visit the premises. Zoe Corsair and her
prudent mother had decided to appro-
pirate both owner and estate as soon as
possible after his arrival. The new tutor,
Mr.. Hamilton, soon became a great
favorite with his pupils. Living as he
did i'm the family he soon became well
acquainted with all, while he evidently
admired the beautiful Zoe, who treated
him with cool Ponteness. Of Blanche
he saw little. She was the only poor
relation, depending upon her uncle for
support, therefore compelled TO bear
every imposition and caprice her worldly,
selfish aunt and cousin saw fit to inilict.
Only little enjoyment was hers; soil
tary spot, deep ravinc wildly romantic
and secluded, not far from her uncle's
residence. Thither she went one beauti-
full afternoon about October 1, tripping
along down the small winding path that
led to the depths below. But suddenly
she paused, q groan and faint cell for
help arTesting her steps. fastening TO
the spot where she judged the sufferer
to be, she saw man lying at the foot OF
the ravine, motionless and now quite
still.
In few minutes she was beside him,
and, on lifting his head from the ground,
she found Mr.. Hamilton, the tutor, I'M
conscious.
Running to the stream Of water, she
dipped in her handkerchief and bathed
his brow.
At last he opened his eyes and gazed
long and vacantly upon her.
"Ah, yes, remember. i did fall. !
leaned over TO pluck flower and lost
my balance. But ! feel better again,
thanks to you for your care, and viii
zee il cannot rise"
lean on me, Mr. Hamilton. think
can get you up to tho path, If 1t Is too
steep to the road. and from thence, after
q rest, home"
Slowly, yet surely, leaning on the
young girl for that support he was so
accustomed to give to others, he crept
along. often stopping to rest, until at
last the level road was gained, and from
there his own room, to which physi-
clan was soon summoned, and his limb
yet and bruises attended to.
: Lying thus helpless upon his bed, the
door partly open to allow circulation
Of air, tho young man lay half doing,
when he accidentally heard the following
conversation, not, Of course, intended for
his ears:
"a pretty piece Of work, this" said
Mrs. Corsair, who was an intensely self
ish woman. "Wh0 is to play nurse, I
would like to knowf'
"And to o miscrable tutor" inter-
rupted the equally selfish Zoe.
II should DO very glad TO take charge
OF tho poor young man, alone among
strangers and sick, said Blanche, land
k-Ax -. .- ..-..-.-