The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1888-07-11
Seletteo Storp.


Only think, she actually refused to
dance with Leon Forest at Mrs. Fitz
Hugh's reception. And just because
he had taken little too much wine,
and he is so wealthy" And Mrs. Lang
ley leaned back in her chair with de-
spairing sigh and looked to her sister
for sympathy. To her unbounded sur.
prise and indignation she looked in
vain.
Amanda Wentworth was the oppo-
site of her more worldly sister in char
acter as well as face.
odd it never occur to you, Mary,
that Grace might prove to be your trial
instead of Kate?" she asked, gently,
not noticing Mrs. Langey's angry start.
" A more heartless, fashionable and
pardon the truth-selfish girl never
saw than Grace, while Kate
Kate is heartless, or she would not
go contrary to my wishes; she is selfish,
for nothing will induce her to yield her
whimsical notions; but she is not
fashionable-no, indeed" and the
worldly-wise mother concluded the in
terruption with bitter, sneering laugh.
"NO, Kate is too true for that-true
said her aunt, earnestly.
ooh, WELL" returned the mother,
impatiently. Your standard and
mine are not alike, so there is no good
in discussion between us. Grace is
y-like-she will settle well in life:
but Pm always looking fer some new
freak from Kate. She will never marry
unless 1t is to some poor mechanic,
with more high notions than money.
1t is perfectly useless to say more about
them. There never were two sisters
more unlike"
"There never were," asserted Mrs.
Wentworth, significantly, and the mat
ter was dropped, as Grace Langley
came into the room faultlessly attired
for driving.
"Mr. Forest is going to try his new
bays this afternoon, and he invited me
to accompany him." she said, compla-
Gently, as she drew on her gloves.
Persuade him to drive past his new
residence" said Mrs. Langley quickly.
1T is a most splendid mansion,
Amanda, and they say that he will soon
select mistress for it," she explained
to her sister. So, Grace, my dear,
be sure that you appear properly
pleased with every detail-he is so
wealthy"
Il think you can trust me, MOTHER"
retorted the beauty, peevishly. L
know the advantages of wealth too
well to throw away my chances"
There was a very satisfied smile on
Mrs. Langley's lips as the stylish turn
III To ha
est's handsome face was flushed, but
what of that? Perfection is seldom
found among mortals, and riches cover
a multitude of faults which poverty
would expose as sins. Kate came up
the street as Leon was handing her
sister into the buggy.
"Ah, Miss Kate, good afternoon, ;"
he exclaimed, with more eagerness than
Grace liked to notice. Won't you ac-
company us on our drive? There is
plenty of room, | assure you, and it
isn't the slightest trouble to wait few
moments"
No, thank you; l do not wish to
drive" she answered quietly, adding,
with significance which he could not
fail to understand: Besides, | have
L
Union meets to-day"
"Kate is thorough temperance
fanatic" said Grace, with slight sneer,
as her companion seated himself be-
side her and the equipage dashed
away.
And your" asked Leon Forest, alb
ruptly. "Oh, as to that" laughed the
beauty, slightly embarrassed, /" l am
willing that others should have their
pleasures in their own way, so long as
they grant me mine. do not dictate. -
"Ah!" there was mysterious
meaning in Leon Forests short an
swer-a meaning which the worldly
girl beside him could not fathom,
although it rendered her drive uncom-
Portable.
They passed the new residence, and
while she admired it greatly the owner
glanced at it with a gloomy brow and
did not acknowledge the compliments
which she showered upon him. In
stead he smiled bitterly as he compared
her shallow mind to the pure integrity
of her more independent sister, and
his newly-awakened conscience up
braided him strangely.
Leon Forest was like most fashion
able young men-no better, no worse.
1t was new experience to him to have
his attentions sighted or his actions
questioned, especially by one whose
good opinion he cared to gain.
Kate Langley had interested him
more than he knew at first, although
Grace's beauty had attracted him more
strongly. 1t was true that his new
mansion was nearly ready for mis-
tress, and it was equally certain that
one of Mrs. Langley's daughters would
be asked to fill that position. To the
surprise of every one, except Mrs.
Wentworth, he asked Kate to become
his wife and was refused!
Are you crazy, Kate?" cried Mrs.
Langley in despair, while Grace hid her
face behind a snowy handkerchief and
mourned that the home and wealth of
Leon Forest had not been offered for
her acceptance.
think that l am perfectly sane
MOTHER answered Kate, with faint
smile, and Aunt Amanda's watchful
loving eyes noticed how pale the girl
suddenly became,