The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-02-18
BY MARY FORMAN.

1t is the very set | ad miTed 80 much when
we were out the other day"
"Gerte. it is eleven o'clock, and | must
20 to Mrs. Lewis. Little daughter, you
may have callers while | am out y she
drew her child into her arms, and looked
with anxious love into her eyes, "Gertie,
my darling, be true to your own heart"
And so she left her.
True to her own heart Gertie Jameson
cat down to ponder over the words The
diamonds flashed out their glorious waves
Of light before her eyes the copy of verses
lay open upon the little work table, and
Gertie sat musing Pictures OF the past
came in rapid succession into her memory.
1t was ten years ago, Tut she could still
remember the day, since her father had
been called to the shadow land. The lux
urious country home where she and Jane,
her elder sister, were born was sold and
they had come to the city. Her mother,
one of the finest amateur pianists OF her
time, had begun to teach music and they
had lived upon her earnings, until Jane
was old enough to take the French class in
large seminary, and Gertie to have sing
ing scholars at home but even with these
additions, their income was very limited.
Close economy, selfdenial humble fare,
and quiet dress, Gertie could recall much
more distinctly than the wealth her father
had squandered and lost Where did Harry
Clarke come upon the scene? Gerte scarce
ly knew. He was stepson of her mothers
brother, and had come to the city to make
his fortune. Far away in the central part
of Pennsylvania nestled small farm where
Harry was born, where father aud mother
had died, and which was the boys sole
patrimony. The rent of this domain
scarcely suf1iced to clothe the young clerk,
but he had been winning his way in the
house of Ingraham x Co, and now, il he
could make three thousand dollars, might
be a partner. The farm might sell for part
of that sum, but where was the rest to
come from? queried Gertie Yet, over
Harry's memory picture the little maiden
fingered lovingly. There was no part of
her life 50 pleasant to dwell upon as that
where he figured. Long walks and talks,
duets over the old piano, chats by fire
light, moonlight, and gas.light. He was
50 tender and loving, so honorable and
true so respectful to her mother, so tender
to Jane, and so ready to advise or assist
James betrOthed, fellow clerk, who was
waiting the turn in fortunes wheel that
would enable him to marry. Was not such
love as he offered worth any sacrifice? Leon
| Payne came in only six months before this
musing fit fell upon Gertie. She had met
him at II musical party. She had bewitched
him by her pretty, piquant beauty, her
grace and her voice he had puzzled her by
his handsame face-Harry was not hand
some, poor fellow, Gertie sighed-and
wealth. But the young girl knew with
woman's intuition, that under the courtly
manner, flattering attentions, and devoted
air, there was hard, selfish nature, cruel
jealousy, and suspicious and hot temper.
Yet, he was so rich. and Gertie knew all
the torture and nj isery of genteel poverty.
BE true to my own heart ~ She said
the word aloud as she rose and walked
across the room. 'Do love Leon Payne?
If he should lose his wealth, would he
true, loving wife to him still ? Could
wear old bonnets and turned dresses for his
sake?' She took up the diamonds, and
put them on while she spoke. They flashed
brilliantly against the deep crimson of her
neat dress, and heightened the effect Of her
young, fresh beauty. 'lf he were poor and
i'll, could I work for him as-as | could do
for Harry" 1t burst from her lips in
sort Of cry, and she tore off the jewels and
replaced them on their velvet bed. 81
could bear all this for Harry, but not for
Leon Payne. | will be true to my own
heart"
The winter was gliding into spring,
when Mrs. Jameson sat in luxurious
house on - Street, waiting the home
coming of two brides The paror in which
she waited was richly furnished. Velvet
carpets covered the floors, velvet curtains
draped the windows, long mirrors threw
back the light OF large chandeliers, costly
pictures in heavily gilt frames hung upon
the walls. Above, large bedrooms were
filled with handsomely appointed furniture.
In one room laces, velvets, flowers, and
silks fit for royal trousseau, filled draw
spread for rich and varied repast, and the
widows own dress, though only black