Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-12-11

cation rendered his pretensions less mon
strous-nay, there even seemed to be a
sneaking disposition on Mr.. Randolph's
part to accord him at least negative
support Mr.. Vinal, the Unitarian cler-
gyman, was in fact, from an unworthy
point of view, tolerably inofensive
match. He was studious, decorous and
endowed with grave and unobtrusive
manners. He was not handsome, but
there was a certain masculine concentra-
ton in his close set gray eyes and long
narrow chin which was not in itself IN
pleasing.
His voice, if somewhat harsh, was
resonant and assured; and, coming as it
did from a chest apparently so incapa-
cious, produced a sensation Of agreeable
surprise. 1t would have been unreason-
able not to respect the man, and churl-
ish not to feel amiably disposed toward
him; but for Beatrix it was impossible
to love him. He lived in little white
wooden house with green blinds, close
to the white, green blinded church. He
possessed an imposing library, in which
was not single book that Beatrix could
have brought herself to read, and the
main object of his endeavors was, appar-
emily, to make all the rest of the world
think and live like himself. Moreover,
though he approved of music, he neither
knew nor cared anything about it.
Mr.. Vinal began his operations by
private interview with Mr.. Randolph,
from which he came forth with a coun-
tenance whose serenity made Beatrix's
heart sink. The dialogue which followed
was of extreme interest to both of them.
'Have you made any plans regarding
your immediate future?" the minister
began, in an unembarrassed and bust
nesslike tone. eve cannot doubt, you
know, that providence, in bringing this
affection upon you, has had some wise
and merciful end in view. You have
talents; perhaps but for this you might
have kept them folded in the napkin.
| Adversely forces US out of our natural
| idleness, and stimulates us to use what
means we have to win our own way in
the world. Have you thought of any
thing to dor"
Beatrix's spirits rose again; he was not
thinking of marrying her after all. I've
been thinking might give lessons on
the piano." she said. She happened to
be seated at that instrument, and as she
spoke she let herwhite fingers drift down
the keyboard from bass to treble, from
depression to hope, from gloom to light,
winding up with a sort of interrogative
accent, as much as to say, "Why shouldn't
be good for something?"
Every right" said Mr.. Vinal; 81 have
nothing to object to in that; indeed l
had intended to propose it. You could
also, unless the instructions of the late
Professor Dorinar were wholly value
less'-
fWhat?' interrupted Beatrix, in a
voice which, supported as it was by a
chord sharply struck, made the minister
start in his chair. After a moments |
pause she said, her eyes still bright with |
indignation: Professor Dorimar, who is |
now in heaven, taught me more and |
better things than you have ever dreamed |
of He showed me that have a soul!'' |
Surely have done as much as THAR |
faltered Mr.. Vinal, who was confused |
by this sudden outburst.
''No, for you know nothing about it."
said Beatrix loftily. "You have only |
been told that it is so-you have read it |
in books-and you repeat what you have |
been told, and no doubt you think You |
believe it. But you can never know itT' |
continued the young lady, with a fiery
emphasis on the verb, because you
can't understand music"
81 intended nothing against Professor
Dorimar," protested the minister, who |
was amazed and daunted by the passion
and pride that he had unawares caused
to kindle in her lovely face 1t was
perhaps the first time he had occasion
to observe that the spirit of the old Vir-
GINA Randolphs-the descendants of the
cavaliers-was as naughty and untamed
in this tender hearted American girl as
II that terrible ancestor of hers who
rode with Prince Rupert.
Beatrix made no reply, but sat with
her head erect and flushed cheeks. and
one hand still on the piano keys, as if
ready once more to smite terror into the
soul of her visitor should he again step
amisS. A piano, it seems, can be used
who has no comprehension of music.
what l was about to remark was
that you might teach singing as well as
playing" said Mr.. Vinal circumspectIy.
There are, believe, a number of per
sons in the village who would be willing
under the circumstances to place their
children under your instruction"
ut Is no favor to be taught music un-
der any circumstances" returned Bea-
trix, hndling again. whoever thinks
otherwise does not deserve to Learnt
And there are other places in the world
besides this miserable little village, and
people who are wiser and betterr' !
"You surely do not mean to intimate
that you contemplate going anywhere {
else?" demanded the minister in some ,
CONSERVATION.
The fact was that such an idea had
never until that moment definitely pre- ,
sented itself to Miss Randolph's mind: ]
but IN her present aroused condition she s
could see and entertain many POSSIBLE |
ties that would have seemed audacious I
or lmpracticable an hour before.
why not? she said; ''I was not born
to pass my life hereIs
But Lit has never been nv inten. S
ton to leave here" exclaimed Mr.. Vinal
anHously.
What satisfies you does not satisfy +
me" answered the young lady. I
But your father, ina conversation / 1
have just had with him, has informed
me that he viii not oppose my address ,
ing you with view to marriage" said '