The Russellville Democrat., 1889-09-12
STELLA'S vow.
The Story of Faithful Woman's
 Self-Sacrifice.

She looked 50 young. So happy. so innocent. that he was conscious of a chord somewhere about his heart that had not vibrated for many a long day. He, Graham Standish, was making an afternoon call, and she, Stella Grey. had just tripped into the room My aunt begs you to excuse her for a mo- ment," Stella said "We have just como in, and she is taking her bonnet of"
 Standish made polite and appro- priate rejoinder In his heart he wished devoutly that the moment might be indefinitely prolonged. Il need not ask if you enjoyed the dance last night" he said. looking with in- creasing pleasure at the fair and can did face.
 ''Oh, so much, so much!" she re- piled, with pretty enthusiasm that was absolutely unaffected. Her eyes danced in the sunlight that streamed in at the windows-evidently dark ened rooms and cunning blinds and rosy lights were not in vogue in this house. Stella's skin was like blush rose, and, although she was not reg ularly beautiful, there was something graceful and bright about her which made her more attractive than many girls with greater claims to positive beauty. 'I love dancing, do not youP" she asked, smiling radiantly at him. If Heaven were to be one long dance, l would be good all the rest of my life."
 II am sure you are good enough for Heaven, whatever it may be" replied Standish; and he spoke with such gravity. and even intensity, that Stella felt little confused, and had to talk rather fast to conceal her embarrass- ment-
 T am not at all good. Quite the re- verse. Ask Aunt Marianr' she said.
 He looked at her with smiling in- credulity. She was like white lily to him; like the down on a swans breast; like snow fresh fallen on some mountain. And yet Standish was a thorough man of the world; skeptical about religion, friendship. love and women in general. But though he had lived and had known almost every phase of society. he never said abso- lutely to himself or any one else, as many younger and less experienced of his fellows do: There is not such a thing as good woman." On the con- trary, he had maintained that this rara avis does exist, but that the speci- mems are few, and, when found, to be valued as pearls of great price. He was hard and stern. with an iron will; but he had a conviction that good. pure, loving woman could change all the worst part of him, and inspire him with deep love and tenderness. He met Stella for the first time on the previous night, and to-day, already, he felt she approached closely to his ideal.
 '1 am sure you like dancing, too, because you dance so we'll" said Stella; and then she blushed little at having paid him a compliment
 1t was you who inspired me" he replied; and then, deeply to his chagrin, Aunt Marian came in. He had to con- trol his eyes now, and to talk all sorts of platitudes; but he went away happy, having won from Mrs. Grey promise that she, her husband, her son, and Stella would dine with him at Hurling- ham the following Saturday, and allow him to drive them down in his coach. When the door closed upon him, Stella waltzed madly round the room, finished up by embracing her aunt with an ardor which made that amiable lady smile and ask if she was going out of her senses.
 "How utterly delightful! What q nice, dear maur Stella cried, and re- sumed her gyrations.
 'I believe he is rich and very well connected observed Mrs. Grey, who was, what they say every good woman is, a matchmaker. She was quite aware that her son Leo and Stella faucied themselves in love with each other, but that was, of course, ridicu- lous, as neither had any money She tolerated tho idea with perfect good humor, but always had her eyes open for a good match for either
 Atdinner the Admiral, Stella's uncle, and Leo were informed of the invita- ton, and received it with satisfaction.
 His father and 1 served together, '" remarked the Admiral He was 8 good deal my senior. A bit of a msrtinet but by Jovel he was tanned at home. He was frightened out of his soul by his wife, who was hand some tartar. with will like iron. Her son looks as if he had inherited some of 1t"
 Now. Uncle George, you are not to say word against himw cried Stella. I've are going to eat his bread and salt on Saturday" and she laughed de- lightedly
 q suppose 1t is you my dear. We may thank for this hosp itality," said the Admiral jocularly. Leo drowned.