Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-01-08
4 BATTERED LIFE.
,e4 2:BY MARION HARLAND. eas5gs
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er s VIE upon the mountain. lie never
told her that, attracted by her singing,
he had stealthily neared the spot
where she sat, and, unseen by her,
been witness of the fearful struggle
between her real self and Fate. He
had pitied her heartily then, while
comparatively ignorant of the reason
for her seditious emotion. His COM
passion was more profound as he bet
ter understood the relations between
the Unmatched pair. Had his personal
liking for his new sister been less de-
cided he would have pronounced her
unhappiness to be the righteous punish
ment of her crime and folly in having
linked her destiny with that of man
whom she did not love. He had known
dozens of other women who did the
same at the bidding of similar motives,
and his sympathies had lain dormant.
But this one had heart and intellect,
and both were furnishing.
| have said that Mr.. Withers' sensi-
bilities were not lively, nor his love in
tense. But of all people living this, his
only brother, had most hold upon his
heart, most influence upon his judg
ment. He made much or him after lis
formal style; listened with obvious re-
spect and secret pride to his opinions,
and conceived the notion that his wife
was highly honored when Edward sim
gled her out as the object of his
marked attentions, and did not els
guise the pleasure he, the lion of many
brilliant circles, took in her society.
This fullness of confidence in them
both, and his unselfish regard for his
nearest living relative, might have be-
gotten softer and kindlier sentiments
toward him in Constance's breast but
for the palpable fact that he encour-
aged the association, not because IL
brought her enjoyment, but as a means
Of prolonging Edwards stay with them.
you seem to amuse my brother" he
said to his wife one morning, as she
was arraying herself for her ride. His
admiration for you is highly compli
mentary. l trust you will leave no
means untried to induce him to remain
with us some weeks longer. 1t gratifies
me to see how amicably you get on to-
gether, and the friendship is especially
creditable to Edward, inasmuch as he
was universally regarded as my heir
prior to my marriage"
Gin that case he deserves all the cour-
tesy 1 can show him." unused Con-
stance, going thoughtfully down to her
steed and cavalier. II do not know
many men who would be so complaisant
to a stumbling block in the path to
worldly advancement"
The conversation would have thrown
her off her guard had she ever consid-
cred it prudent to be wary in an asso-
citation at once so natural and inno-
cent. She had always liked Edward,
and was growing to like him better
every hour. They were near the same
age, and, being of harmonious tempera-
ments, they usually enjoyed the same
things. He was good, kind and spright-
ly; amused and interested as much as
Mr.. Withers and Harriet wearied her.
This was the reason why the sun saOne
odorous, her favorite exercise more
inspiriting on that early midsummer
morn than these had ever been before.
Il can hardly believe that enter to-
day upon the third week of my sojourn
in this region," said Edward, when the
steeply-rising ground compelled them
to slacken their speed.
rs it possible?" The exclamation
was not a polite and meaningless for
mula, as Constance brought her startled
eyes around to his. ut seems very
little while ago that you came to us.
You do not think of leaving us soon,
I hope?"
81 cannot say positively how long l
shall stay. This visit is welcome eX-
change for my long wanderings. This
my brothers home-is the only one 1
have in America. Yet I was dissatis-
fed with it last year. Elnathan was
often absent-you know best upon
what business meaningly
"and, to be candid with you, our cousin
Harriet is not the person whom
should voluntarily select as my only
companion in a desert. But for my gun
and fishing rod l should have commit
ted suicide or run away and left her to
the tender mercies of the Hibernian
domestics and the bears. 1 would not
be SO communicative touching her to
any but member of the family. But
she is one of my betes noires. l never
liked her."
Nor To- answered Constance, cner-
getically.
"Then, my little sister, you and 1
should unite our forces to counterfeit
her influence with my brother. His
disposition is, in some respects, singu-
larly guileless. He believes that Har-
riet's officious regard for his comfort
and Difference to his wishes and opin-
ions have their root in sincere attach
nent for himself. We know better
know her to be as mercenary as she
thinks herself cunning, and that she
clings to him as the leech does to him
whose blood Is fattening it. l lose all
patience with her fawning and flat
teries when l recollect that these are
the tricks by which she hopes to cain
her living, and, at his decease, a COM
Portable legacy"