The National tribune., 1890-04-03
CHAPTER III.

ShAIIEh liz
Modern iconocIasm is ceasolessIy engaged in
| its work of destruction among our historic idols.
| The voice of the irreverent critic of our hapess
day cries aloud that Shakspere was not the
author of what we know as "Shakspere ~;
that William Tell was not down-trodden by
the tyrant Gesser. and that he did not, as
| stated, shoot the apple lying on the brow of his
| son, for the conclusive reason that Tell had no
son, never knew man called Gessler, and
| never even saw patriot named William Tell ;
| or, to put tho case without circumlOcution, no
| William Tell ever existed to propagate sons,
| defy tyrants or win immortality rs q "shoot-
| ist" Recent progress in this unpleasant direc-
| tion has brought the cynic to the door of Emer-
| son, whose utterances, which we have been
wont TO regard as the highest expression of
| philosophy, are now derided as illogical in the
extreme.
Believe this who will The subject is too
vast to be treated even in tho most superficial
manner Mt this place; but to refer TO 0nly one
of Emerson's we'll known diCta, do we not all
| know of our own knowledge, derived from OBJ
servaton that there is a law Of compensation
, in force which preserves n certain equilibrium
in Mortality's balancer Crnsus cannot detlect
Deaths arrow ffOm the breast of his puny boy;
while tho bakers dozen of strappug lads be-
longing TO "the Widow Macrce' thrive apaco
TO manhood aud become citizens Of Importance,
despite their early poverty. Long would be the
CatalOg of similar rantitheses, were one minded TO
compile IL; but as illustrative of the truth of
the Emersonian contention, tho respective
positions of Abigail Morton and of Clara Ro-
maine will sufficiently serve.
Abigail was the daughter Of parents Of the
highest respcctablity, of education and of
wealth. She was the heiress-nO one dreamed
of disputng that sclf-evident fact-of her
fathers estate. lie supplied her with abun-
daut pin-money, besides providing for her by
far the most luxurious home in the place whcrc
they lived. The neat little sum of $4,000 which
had come to Mrs. Morton as legacy from a
relative, had been transferred. by her request
on her death. bed to her daughter, and now
stood subject TO Abigail's order on the books of
the Stockton National Bank. That tho young
lady was well educated, well-manuercd and
kind hearted were facts patent to all; and
equally patent to ali was the unbcnding fact
that Abigail was not beauty; never had been /;
never could be.
She was a tall. thin girl while in her teens
and now when she had reached 25-at which
age ones physique is apt to assume the pr6por-
tons il is to maintain through life-her hight
and sparcness were what was first noticed
about hor. Next, one observed
THAT HER FACE WAS PLAIN,
almost ugly. Analysis showed large month,
with thin. pale lips between which, however, a
fine set of teeth were visible a sallow com
plexion. though one not especially indicative of
ill-health; and highbridged nose--an inheri-
tance from her fathcr-which readers of facial
traits knew 10 be the outward and visible sign
OF resolute aud upright spirit. Her hair WAS
dark and not particularly abundant; and OF a
verify the only feature Of her physiognomy
which could lay any claim to charm were her
eyes which were large in their size. of rich
hazel in their color, and deeply soulful in their
expression.
On the other hand. tricksy Nature had
lavishod her choicest gifts on the base born
bond maid Clara Romaine. She was OF petite
figure. every lmba model for Vcuus.creating
sculptor; and her face-was ever seen snch
bewitching combination of blue eyes and gold
hair, of peachy complexion and Of dimpling
chin? Inferior as was the girls social position
and tho spirit of caste holds sway in villages
rs well as in cities-it was tacitly conceded that
Clara was the prettest girl in Thebcs. Perhaps
Mr.. Morton's original idea of sending her out
in the world aud letting her do for herself
would have proved kindness 10 her. after all.
As a free agent. Clara would certainly have
attracted To herself the admiration of many
men, from whom no doubt she could have
selected desirable husband. Under her pres
ent circumstances she was not allowed tho
privilege of speaking to n man, much less Of
inviting one TO pass an hour with her or an
evening by the side of tho kitchen FIRE Mr.
Morton went in mortal fear Of her following In
the footsteps of her unhappy mother. and gave
strict orders TO Abigail to the effect that any
biped which appeared at tho house with the
avowed intention of beau-iug Clara, should 10
instantly, ignominously and definitely cx-
PEELED.
Never had the little creature looked more
fascinating than on the afternoon following the
alteration at tho breakfast.tnblc between Mr..
Morton aud his daughter. Her clothing WAS
always OF the finest quality. for the simple
reason that Ahigail's cast of dresses cut down
10 splendid advantage for the shorter figure.
Often disappointed in gown herself. Abigail
became aware how pretty IL was only when sho
saw Clara rigged out in IL. For instance, this
delicate gray cashmere trimmed with self
colored velvet which Clara was wearing, aud
in which she looked fairly bewitehing, with
her brilliant complexion. her yellow hair, her
ruby lips, her turquoise eycs--that had been
sad and costly mistake of AbigaiPs. A New
York dressmaker had persuaded her 10 order IT,
aud when she got 10 home aud had spoiled the
face of a one. hundred dollar bill ia paying for
ii, she found the delicate dove's.brcast hue
utterly unsuitcd TO her sall0w complexion, her
colorless lips aud paliid cheeks After several
unsuccessful efforts ia New York 10 convince
herself that her new Directoire gown WAS be-
coming. Abigail laid il away regretfully. At
home. in the Spring oyertuFniDg Of house and
wardrobe, she found tho moths had domiciled
themselves within its soft and abundant folds.
Reluctantly, but with that fixed determination
10 make the best Of everything which was a
governing feature OF her character. Abigail be.
slowed the pretty frock Oh Clara who now for
the first time indued herself with IT, thereby
making of herself study in coloring which
would have enraptured Alma Tadema, Sir
Frederick Leighton, or any other artist who
loves 10 paint beautiful woman becomingy
attired.
ITO be continuedl