Year: 1869

it upon her finger. 1t was ring Of a
quaint devices, two hearts of pure gold,
joined ~ a turquoise forget-me-not, in
the heart Of which nestled sparkling
diamond. Something as clear and bright
as diamond cleaning for moment on
Alma's cheek, as she softly pressed her
lips upon the jewel"


Dear Leon, how much he loves me
Oh, If could be all he wishes, and keep
down this hasty temper of mind"


All ready the quarrel had become a
matter of deep regret, and the warm little
heart was ready for reconciliation, when
the dinner bellputand end to Alma's day
dreaming.


She was spoiled little beauty, the
warm hearted, quick-tempered. Alma
Crons. motherless from her infancy, the
idol Of loving father, with whom no one
could be angry spite OF her thousand ca
prices. She was the centre of attraction
in all the gatherings among her large
circle of friends. She was perfect bru-
nclte in the jetty glossy hair, great black
eyes; but her complexion rivalled that of
the iairest blondes; and her tiny, grace
ful little figure was full of life rs that Of
fairy. The object Of admiration, and
the recipient Of attention from number
of gentlemen whom she was accustomed
to meet in society, Alma most unconcious-
ly grew coquettish in manner, distribu-
ting her smiles and favors freely, and ac-
cepting many offerings which one more
sensitive about encouraging attention
would have declined. That she was vain,
giddy and coquettish all could see, but
only few read the promise of nobler
and better impulses under this worldly
surface.


Leon Harris was one of the few who
could penetrate the crust, and read some
thing of the warm, true heart beneath.
that only needed some strong motive TO
wake it to life. He with his grave, re-
served nature, seemed unfit to mate with
this butterfly but, with the Inconsistency
of love, he gave into her capricions keep
ing. hoping that an answering love would
rouse the nobler portion OF her nature.
But he was too eager for the change that
could only be wrought gradually. Ac-
customed to SO much admiration and al.
tention. Alma found it difficult to give up
the unmeaning civilities SO long given to
her. She loved Leon truly, recognizing
all the noble, high, attributes OF his ma
ture but she was worried into pettish re.
sistance by his too often attempts TO mould
her into the quiet, reserved woman he
wished to see.


Two loving hearts united by the attrac-
ton of opposites, Leon and Alma needed
only patience to become, each, what the
other must desire. Time, the great fast
ioner, would have laid his finger on each
heart. tearing away something of the cold
reserve OF the one. and the gay vanity
of the other. But they were young and
impatient and while one wished To wrench
the other suddenly and forcibly from old
associations and habits, the other hunger
ed for some word of praise or hattery
amidst the continual fault-finding and
blame. Leon did not mean to be unkind !;
bat his very love made him too eSacting,
too impatient to see the loved one per-
feet


"Dinner-time said Alma springing to
her feet, and letting the faded howers
slip uuheeded from her lap; Leon will
soon be here. and, when thank him for
his beautiful ring, will tell him that l
will try to become all that he wishes.
Dear fellow! if he only knew it-l love
him with my whole heart. | had rather
have one smile from him, than tfty'hon-
eyed speeches from another; but that
crooked twist in my heart makes me hide
away my love too often. will try TO be
more dign:fied if he will be good-natured
again :"


Fitting quickly down the stairs, AS her
thoughts took the above form, she reach
ell the diningroom Just as her father and
Aunt Mary sat down to the table. There
was constraiut over the whole party.
Alma was listening for well-known
knock; Aunt Mary was sadly wondering
if her ciddy little niece had not thrown
away her own best hopes for happiness !;
and Mr.. Crofts was unusually distracted.
As he arose from the table, he said TO Al.
ma, II want you in the library few mo-
ments,n


Wondering, half,frightened, the young
GIRL followed hin. With gentle gravity
he motioned herto a seat, and spoke GAL
ma, Leon Harris came to my office this
aite rnoon to accept situation, which six
months ago, he declined because he did
not wish to leave home"


What position." Her lips would soften
and quiver in spite of all her efforts.


1.-The agency for the business in Cana
da My agent there wishes to return
home. and is only waiting for some one
to be sent in his place to give up the stu
alton. There are very few who could
take that place, but Leon is one of the
few"


He waited for her to speak, but she sat
with her lace half averted, silent.


"Iwas panied, more panied than l can


81 IL L. 40