Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-04-15


On the morning of the Trent tragedy,
at about eight o'clock, Olympia Raven
awoke from the sleep of health and inno-
cence and remembered that she had an
appointment at half-past ten.
A half smile of meditative satisfaction
moved her lips and dimpled her cheeks
at the thought. Apparently the appoint
ment was not an unpleasant one. For
that matter, there had thus far been very
few disagreeable experiences in this
young ladys career. Her father had died
before she was old enough to comprehend
the bereavement. For time she and
her mother had been poor, but their
wealthy Cousin Harry had come gener-
ously to their assistance and had placed
them beyond the reach of poverty.
Olympia had been an attractive child
and she grew up to be beautiful
girl. She had more than usual intelli-
gence; and education Gin the conven-
tional sense) was little more than a pas
time to her. Their Cousin Harry, who,
having no children of his own, had ideas
as to how children ought to be brought
up, put her in the way of getting sound
training. She was of spiritualistic,
mystical temperament, and possessed
perceptions and susceptibilities unknown
to the generality. But she was OF
wholesome constitution, and had seldom
been in poor health.
She was very fond of Cousin Harry,
and he was 30 young in his ways and
spirit and entered into her thoughts and
point of view so easily that she regarded
him as a companion rather than as a
guardian, and man three or four times
her age. They laughed and chatted to-
gether and went to theaters and balls,
and danced together. Whether she had
ever thought of him as possible suitor
for her hand is an abstruse question. 1t
is safe to say that, if she did, the idea
was not likely to have been Of her own
suggestion. The traditions Of their in
timacy were against that. He, however,
may have prepared her mind for the en-
tertainment of it. Men of the world
like Harry Trent know how to manage
women-some women at least without
soaring or antagonizing them.
Now, Cousin Harry's birthday fell on
Feb. %, and Olympia, wishing to please
him, had resolved to make him present
of her own portrait. This plan was the
more easily realized, because she had
latteriy made the acquaintance OF GER
tain Mr.. Keppel Darke, young portrait
painter, who had delightful studio in
Twenty third street. Mr.. Darke was
himself delightful, in Olympia's opinion.
He was tall and rather slender, with
powerful blue eyes, and hair black, or
nearly 80, which he wore longer than
was common, so that it curled about his
neck His manner was grave and, for
young man, impressive; he was laconic
in speech, observant, and, beneath a
quiet exterior, impressionable. He kept
his face, including his upper lip, close
shaven. You might have taken him for
atragedian, or for a clergyman-except
that his costume was incompatible with
the latter character. He affected some
what of the brigand style of dress; in
doors, velvet; outdoors, a long capped
overcoat and broad brimmed hat.
People turned to look at him as he
stalked along the street Fashionable
men of his own age said he was con-
ceited ass. Girls thought him delicious
ly romantic aud did not know how to
talk to him" Married women COM
monlv dismissed him as unavailable for