Year: 1878

ally diplomat and intriguer, and could
see nothing unkind or wrong in this un-
gallant pursuit Of the inimical young
lady ne had determined should be his
wife.


Most OF all he wished to force her
back to the home and influence Of her
brother. And to do this he affected to
be the disinterested friend and pardon
ing lover of O most misguided and indis-
Greet coquette and perverse sweetheart.


His handsome person, his chivalrous
bearing, and his seductive voice were
sufficient to gain at once the attention
and sympathy of those whom he wished
to convince that Beth was a sadly way
yard if not exactly an improper sort Of
A1ng person.


VMuch as Beth dreaded him, she was
scarcely prepared for the vexations await
ing her that morning when, resentful
and defiant, she went out to visit her
music pupils.


"Miss Hurst" said the lady of the
house where she first called, "my
daughter will not require your lessons
after to-day. I could not think OF en-
ploying you against the wishes of your
brother and the gentleman who is to be
your husband. And, my dear, if were
You would not delay my marriage. Mr..
Wells seems to be very excellent and
generous gentleman.


Poor Beth


She was blind with tears when she
went slowly up the steps Of stately
house close by.


As she was admitted, a handsome
elderly lady met her and led her into the
parlor.


Miss Hurst, she began quite gently,
noticing Beth's agitation; "please to be
seated ON LET me talk 70 you. 1 have
learned to like you much, and ] cannot
part with you without advising you"


The young music teacher felt she was
already rather surfeited with advice, but
this lady was so kind, so sincerely SYM
pathetic, that her resentful mood vanish
ed instantly.


MY dear child" resrmed the lady,
81 have known you for some time, and I
have always found your behavior admir-
able. Will you tell me what momentary
folly you committed that causes your
friend to speak so seriously and yet so
compassionately of you ?'


1.-The folly Of despising that same per-
son who calls himself my friend, when
he is my most cruel enemy and persecu-
tor, cried Beth, while her proud eyes
flashed.


81 do not quite comprehend you"
observed the lady, very kindly. "Will
You tell me the whole story, my child p


" Indeed I will" declared Beth, i'm.
pulsively; " for l know you will believe
and be Just to me also. "


The lady smiled and bowed gravely,
and pretty, aggrieved Beth briefly mar.
rated her story with an impassioned
voice that intently impressed her listener
of her truth as we'll as her trouble.


"And yet, my poor GIRL remarked
the lady, when Beth paused; perhaps
it will be best for you to yield. 1t will
be almost impossible for you TO live
down the reputation that your resolute
suitor has given you. Nor can you ever
be quite happy unless you become re-
conciled to year brother. And Mr.. Wells
may prove a good husband to you, after
all"


"He will never be my husband, "
avowed Beth, frmly-"never, though
he drives me to beggary."


"And that decision honors you," said
gentleman, who had been standing
unseen for some time near the door, and
who now quietly advanced into the
room. "My Beth, my dear love, 1 am
ashamed to confess that when Hiram
Wells, with his polished, persuasive
assertions, told me you were a natural
coauette. and were trifing with me, and
that you really loved only him, and were
very soon to be his wife, that believed
him. What have just heard makes me
angry with myself, for ought to have
gone to you for an explanation. / sup.
pose you will never pardon me, dear
Beth"


She had dropped her pretty hands
from her wet eyes with little gasp oi
dismay and gladness, when she first
heard the strong, true voice of Clarke
Elliott, whose presence then and there
had so much surprised her. But she
could not resist the passion and plead
ing she saw on his handsome face, anG
arising, she went shyly toward him.


"I have never doubted your affection
for me-" she said, simply.
True hesrt-dear, troubled heart =
he responded, stroking her bright hair
"But, Beth, really think / behaved
badly toward you"


Then he turned toward the lady whC
sat regarding them with pleased eyes.


"You shall decide about our wedding
day, my sister," he said; "this is tn,
sweet girl I have talked about to you *
often"


"I suspected so, p" returned she; "an(
that is why sent for you as soon as th,
officious Mr.. Wells had gone.
Beth's tribulations were all over. He
brother became reconeiled to her uniol
with the worthy man she had chosen
and she was much too happy to heed o
resent the petty innuendoes that tn
cowardly and discounted Hiram Well
occasionally hurled at her, bitterly bu
very covertly.


There are few words with more mean