Sacramento daily record-union., 1888-11-10


complishments and fine breeding and good
looks, there seemed little doubt that he
would prove, after all, the acceptable
suitor.
One afternoon, while Julia and her
grandmother were seated at dinner, let
ter was handed to Mrs. Morton, which
bore the New York postmark, and proved
to be from no less person than MIR. Frank
Prescott. He had arrived from Germany
the day before, and would do himself the
pleasure of visiting Mrs. Morton and Miss
Julia that evening.
"Good graciousF' exclaimed the old
lady, after reading the letter aloud to the
grandchild and dropping her gold specta-
cles in quite fiutter of excitement. He
is to be here this evening, and l have
given no extra orders for supper. 1t is
nearly o'clock now, Julia, and l should
advise you to begin dressing. Wear your
lavender silk, my dear, and the pearl
! necklace" (Mrs. Morton quite forgot to
appear offended, just them, "and if you
care about that diamond buckle of mine
for your waist, my dear"
You are very kind" Julia interrupted,
coldly; " but as l am not particularly
anxious to fascinate Mr.. Prescott, and |
do not consider that his wealth makes him
distinguished visitor, | shall dress plain
ly, if you please A half hour will amply
suffice for my toilet"
The old lady shrugged her shoulders
with a comme-il-Uous plaird air, and pre-
sentlY rose from the table Julia followed
her example, went to her chamber and re-
mained there until dark, so lost in her
own bitter, sad thoughts as to be utterly
careless and inattentive as to what passed
below stairs. She had never loved Ralph
so dearly as now-never felt more keenly
than now the insult conveyed in those
words of her grandmother-"a an imposter"
"a penniless adventurer." Because
Frank Prescott had enjoyed the advan-
tageS of a German university, was he
therefore more educated, more accom-
plished than Ralph? Because one was a
gentleman at leisure, and the other a strug-
Cling landscape artist. who had come to
lngoldham for the purpose of painting
some Of its beautiful scenery, and earning
his bread with the talents heaven had
given him, could such a difference imply
Frank Prescott's superiority over his rival?
What then, was the barrier that divided
their positions in the eyes of Mrs. Morton?
Wealth, and wealth only.
These and other thoughts of Ike ma
ture occupied Julia's mind during the
three hours which she spent in her own
room. At about Z o'clock, curiosity to
discover whether Mr.. Prescott had arrived
caused her to open the door and ask the
question of a servant who was at that mo-
ment lighting lamp in the upper hall.
The servant was not sure that the gen
tleman who had called and asked for Mrs.
Morton about an hour ago, was Mr. Pres
colt. But Mrs. Morton was then in the
sittingroom with that gentleman.
As Julia was about reclosing the door,
voice which she recognized as her grand
mothers sounded from below stairs.
"Julia, is that you? Mr. Prescott is
waiting very anxiously to see you"
And he shall see me, dressed as | am
in morning costume" Without giving
glance at her mirror, she descended the
stairs. Mrs. Morton, her face beaming
with smiles, met Julia as she entered the
sitting-room. A gentleman was standing
at the further end Of the apartment, his
back turned toward the door, evidently
scrutinizing an old family portrait which
hung above the mantle.
Julia" said Mrs. Morton, speaking in
and extremely ceremonious tone of voice,
L wish to present You to Mr.. Frank Pres
colt, of whom you have heard so often"
The gentleman turned, and approached
Julia, who glanced at his face, started,
turned suddenly pale, and then as sud
denly blushed and finally exclaimed
"Ralphw
The next moment be was at her side,
holding one of her hands between both of
his, and speaking fondly in her ear:
Z" Not Ralph any longer, my love, but
Frank Prescott, who from this night
throws aside the mask with which he has
been SO long deceiving both you and your
estimable grandmamma. You will forgive
me, darling, won't you? 1t was all done
to test your truth and constancy, and so
nobly have you stood the test, Julia, that
am heartily ashamed of my deception.
had strange theory about all woman kind
when | left Germany four months ago
believed them to be shallow and vain and
mercenary, my dear, with hardly single
exception. But you have upset Ty theory
and made me firm believer in your SEX"
And so, grandma" Julia said, as half
hour later the little party was seated at
supper, you were right after all in calling
Ralph mean Frank-an impostor"
" Yes, my DEAR" said the Old lady "but
| must ask pardon for using such terms, all
the same"
" | think matters have been brought to
an admirable understanding between your
self and julia" said Frank Prescott with
merry twinkle in his eye, ad lressing Mrs.
Morton. "She objected to Prescott, you
to Olmsted; and by a species of lawful
bigamy she is enabled to satisfy you as we'll
as herself, and to marry both gentlemen at
once ?"-P Pictorial West.