Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1891-08-06
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The day previous 70 the ball Cara
Ainsley called, q sister Of Hugh Ainsley,
who was the fixed, central star around
which the feminine luninaries had am
bitiously beamed for the last two seasons,
each fondly hoping to be the finally
favored one.
But 10 the secret chagrin of each, he
still maintained the same quiet courtli-
ness Of manners toward them all. he
seemed quite as indifferent to their heart
affairs as he would have been to the
pyramids Of Egypt This was the gen.
t1eman Lena was bending all her ener-
gies to insnare and bring to her feet be-
fore the present season closed
Clara was an intimate friend of both
the girls, and she was invited up stairs
to see the dresses, which had Just been
sent home. Their beauty she warmly
expatiated on, but Lena would not al
low her to leave until she had told her
Of Bertha's wonderful fit of economy,
and laughingly said she should certainly
take her own opera glasses with her to
the ball. that she might descry some in
teresting, poor young gentleman, with
whom she knew her sister must have a
secret understanding, and for whose ben
eft she was carrying out this whim of
prudence.
The combined entreaties of all the trio
could not induce Mr.. Gregory to accom-
pany them to Mrs. Langdon's. He
pleaded a headache and fatigue. This
was cover to the real reason. His busi-
ness affairs we're daily becoming more
entangled by means Of several heavy
failures Of parties owing him to great
extent, and all he could see before him
was ruin and disgrace; but he would
keep his forebodings to himself until aft
er the fete was over, when, if he found
no means of extricating himself, he
would make clean breast of the whole
thing to them
Hugh Ainsley was quite attentive to
Miss Lena that night, who looked very
queenly in the gay throng, and his atten-
tions were received with deep satitfac-
ton to herself. Nor was the less inter-
ested Bertha, who had laid no siege to
him, overlooked.
He inquired at once where her father
was, as he had not seen him there. To
her reply that he had resisted all en-
treaty to come, from great fatigue, he
uttered prolonged "Ah!" and fell into
q reverie.
Hugh was thinking of the vague
report he had heard in Wall street
that morning, that the commercial
house of Gregory & Co. was fast totter-
ing toward bankruptcy.
The next morning at an early hour
Hugh called at Mr.. Gregory's counting
house and offered him loans to any
amount to help him through the
financial crisis that was upon him.
Mr.. Gregory had done the same
deed years before for Hughs father,
and he (Hugh) kindly pressed the
favor back upon him, which was ac-
cepted with tears of gratitude in the
eyes of the panic stricken merchant.
AS Clara and Hugh sat at dinner the
next day after the ball discussing the
costumes brought out there, she related
what Lena had told her of Bertha's
sCTedk OF economy.
"Is that SO, Claray" he asked. "Was
she as self sacrificing as that? But she
looked as sweet as a rose bud in her
dress, if it had been worn three times"
Then he told her in confidence of the
state Of Mr.. Gregory's affairs, and the
reason which had probably deferred
Bertha from outlay for new dress.
''She is a noble girl, Clara, and I'm
afraid we couldn't number many like
her among that gay assembly at Mrs.
Langdon's. Surely 'all is not gold that
glitters.'
A week after this the footman at the
Gregorys brought up card to the par
lor for "Miss Bertha, and the gentleman
is waiting below in the drawing room"
Bertha glanced at the card and saw
Hugh Ainsley" inscribed thereon.
"Did you say this was for me, John?"
she asked, thinking it might have beer
intended for Lena.
"Yes, ma'am. He said Miss BERTHA"
replied the servant.
Lena pouted at this. She had thought
he had made a mistake, and an angry
frown clouded her face as Bertha de-
scended to the drawing room.
'Was it me you wished to see, Mr..
Ainsley?" she asked after saluting him.
"It was you yourself. Why? permit
me to inquire"
81 thought it might be one of Johns
blunders, and that sister Lena was the
one desired" said Bertha.
"No, Miss Bertha; it is you with whom
I have special business" he said, at the
same time watching the sudden enlarge
ment of her blue eyes when he said bust
ness.
"For several years, Miss Bertha, I've
been searching in the circle of my ac-
quaintance for noble, truehearted wo-
man to ask to become my wife. have
just been fortunate enough to find her,
and have now come to ask her if she
will bear my name and share with me
nay earthly lot. Bertha, you are tue
chosen one, and my hearts best and pur-
est affection | lay at your feet. Will you
answer me 'YesY"
"Give me time to think, please; it is
80 sudden" she stammered, covering her
face with her hands to conceal her
blushes.
"You shall have three whole months
to consider the subject; then shall de-
mand an unconditional answer" said
Huph drawing the hands from her faro