Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1888-05-24
Loves Teaching.

The words were spoken half jest
ingly and half cynically by Theodore
Darleigh--a grave-faced. keen eyed
handsome man of thirty.
Tho speech echoed impressively
through Ruth Avery's heart and brain;
she wondered il it implied some re.
buke for her. If he counted her, too.
among them who were ready to think
and speak kindly of others.
Ruth was one of the few who oc-
casionalIy subject their thoughts.
deeds and motives to severe and
searching examination. She wished to
do what was right, simply for pure
rights sake; but all the same she de-
sired Mr.. Darleigh's good opinion. and
h s half jesting and half cynical COM
ment had strangely dinturbed her sem
s'tivc heart
She had dreamed that he mi light love
her. There had been times when she
fancied that h s grave face frightened
at her presence. that his voice took n
softer tone. his dark eyes n tenderer
light when she was near him.
She recalled his words now as she
sat watching the groud at the further
side Of the long parlor.
The ncwly-engaged governess had
Just entered with two rosy little lads
Ruth's motherless nephews. the child
rem of her brother Chester.
Chester Avery at the moment was
chatting in a friendly fashion with the
governess and Mr.. Darleigh was
turning over a pile Of music at the
piano.
As Ruth silently watched the group.
il occurred to her, rs it had several
times before, that the now governess-
NJ IS Edridge-was singularly familiar
10 her somehow.
The stra CHIT, slight figure, the deli
cate and colorless profile. the midnight
eyes, the massive co Of purplish- black
har-all impressed Ruth with vague
feeling that she had somewhere met
MISS LIuliuRo piONIous'y'
Theo. Darleigh turning over the
music, presently adjusted sheet be-
fore him. and struck the opening
chords of The Roman Charioteer.
DO you not sing it. Miss Eldrdge2"
he asked.
For II second Miss EIdrdge made no
response. At the opening chords OF
the song her whole attitude and ex-
preston changed. She started as il
before threatened blow; scarlet
spot like flame leaped to her colorless
checks; her m dnight eyes dialated as
ii with terror.
II am hardly equel to singing ii
now she said at length. with the
piteOus failure of a smile.
Ruth, slit ng at the opposite end OF
tie room, had noticed the agitation OF
the new governess.
Her own face whtenod and she
could scarcely restrain tho cry which
quivered on her lips.
She knew now where she had met
Miss Eldridge.
Memory pictured the sccne!-a glow
ing Southern sky. the thronged seat o;
brilliant Southern city, a grim prison
building looming blackly against the
dazzling sunlight, the iron doors yawn,
my to receive n weeping grl who had
been accused of theft and not far away
a band playing the wierdy resonant all
of THE Roman Charioteer.
In that weeping prisoner she recog,
n zod Miss EIdridge, and she did no,
marvel that the governess had shud.
dered at the sound of The strain. which
must ever be associated in remembrance
with n scene of pain and ignominy.
In the moment in the shock of thai
recognition, Ruth Avery deemed hel
duty clear.
A girl with such blot upon her pas
was surely not a desirable iustructress
and companion for those two innocent
little lads!
And there was no doubt about the &C
cusation against Miss Eldridgc. Rutl
herself had been stopping at one of the
hotels in the fashionable Southern re
sort where the affair happened. and one
of Ruths own acqaintances had made
the charge against the girl.
The acquaintance was wealthy lady
who was fond of an almost ostentatou.
display of costly jewels and trinkets.
Among these articles was a curious
fan, which she had purchased at an al
most fabulous price from some must.
relic depository of Europe.
The mountjngs of the fan were o
ivory, inluid with gold and precious
stones. several of which were Of consid
cradle value.
She had left the article for moment
with her book. upon garden seat
when she returned. ii was gone.
No one had been near the spot bu
the governess of her little ones. AM
some one had observed the governes
bending over the seat for an instan
and immediately hurry away.
These details and the sight of tn
girl van shing within the black priso
doors. constituted the story as it ha
been forced upon Ruth attention.; q
the girls name at the time, she ha
Geen ignorant.
As Ruth recognized Miss Eldridg
and recalled the affair, she felt that th
duty before her was no less painfr
than plain.
Miss Eldridge had produced exec
lent and questionable recommends
tons; she had but recently been in til
employ of an exclusive family. who OF
teemed her highly, and were 10th t
dispense W tn her services.
But, of course all these people ar
ignorant OF what know; she has mar
aged 10 keep hidden that black stat
upon her honesty. 1t will be painfr
for me to expose her and have her sen
away. But cannot, in justice to m
little nephews. do otherwise" Rut
reasoned. with a sigh.
While she sat there meditating, she
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