TETcIrnr- " AN INDEPENDENT FAMILY , NEWSPAPER. f&Z VS?'
"Vol. VI. New Bloomflcld, J?n,., Tuesday, July 1G, 1872. IVo. 29.
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The Step Daughter's Triumph,
OR
Annie Rathtmrn's Trials.
CONCLUDED.
Mlt. KIRKWOOD sat down with an
increase of respect for the young
girl, and looked at Iter with a slight degree
of interest. He had a good opportunity to
contemplate her. She had immediately
resumed her previous occupation which he
had interrupted, that of reading aloud from
a child's book to the invalid boy. Her
manner was perfectly self-possessed and
lady-like neither look nor tone betraying
the least diffidence or even consciousness of
having a listener.
How pale, and cold, and Inanimate she
seomed; but as ho observed her closely, be
began to suspect that what ho had mistaken
for weak submission was rather excess of
pride. Ue saw too, with surprise, the ex
treme beauty of her form and features; he
admired tho finely shaped bead, half bent
over the book, with its dark abundant hair,
and her voice, low, rich, and sweet. He
wondered if ber eyes wore as beautiful as
the rest of her face; but she gave him no
opportunity to decide, for she neither look
ed at nor spoke to him till Edith appeared,
when to his couiteous bow, which Edith
. saw (with a disdainful curl of the lip, that
he should have wasted upon Annie,) she re
turned a slight inclination of the head.
Edith was a brilliant performer upon the
piano, and Boomed never to weary of play
ing and singing for Mrs. Lothrop, who was
enthusiastically fond of music
A few mornings after this, when Edith
bad finished playing, and Mrs. Lothrop had
-expressed in her poculiar way her thanks
and gratification, the latter suddenly turned
to Annio and said:
" Do you not play also ?"
Before Annie could reply, her step-mother
answered for her.
"Annie commenced taking lessons when
a child, but we found she had not a correct
ear; and as her father had a horror of girls
who drum on the piano without producing
.musio, her lessons were discontinued. Ed
,ith, on the contrary, early showed a perfect
passion for music."
Mr. Kirkwood eyed the young girl intent
ly and curiously while Mis. Rathburn was
speaking, but neither cheek flushed, nor
-eye flashed, nor lip curled a denial of the
.statement.
What a mystery she was becoming to him!
This young girl with br reseive, her cold
ness, her command over tongue and fea
ture 1
He had been ear and eye-witness to a cir
cumstance the day previous, which would
have enabled him to enlighten Mrs. Rath
burn upon this very subject, hod he been
.8,0 disposed,,
He had made an engagement in the morn
ing to make some visits with the ladies, but
inconsequence of the reception of some
.letters, which required Immediate answers,
be was prevented from fulfilling it. After
assisting the ladies into the carriage he re
paired to a small room opening by a glass
door from the parlor, for the purpose of an
swering his correspondence. He had been
there but a few minutes, when Annie enter
- ed the parlor, wheeling in little "Willie. She
' looked out ot the window, then carefully
closed the door into the ball. With a feel
ing of annoyance, he taw ber open the pl
.ano and sit down to it; for he was in no
.mood to be disturbed , by : the discordant
sounds he expected would succeed, and
there was no egress except through the
parlor. .
He was therefore, little prepared for the
rich strains pf harmony that broke upon his
ear. The touch, the taste, the execution
wet perfect t "There was no bungling, no
harshness nor discordall was smooth,
.8Y, harmonious, '
At first she played from memory, then
some of Edith's most difficult pieces, and
lastly ran over some now music he had him
self the day lie fore presented to Edith,
which she had declared "so difficult she
feared sho never should be able to play to
suit him," with a correctness and rapidity
which astonishedhira, knowing that she
could not have seen it previously.
During this time, she had onco or twice
rison, and looked out of the window as if
she thought she heard tho carriage return
ing ; but finding herself mistaken, resumed
her scat. .
Her little nuditor, for whose plcusure she
was evidently playing, aftor every piece re
newed his entreaties for once more. Ho
now urged for a song on Eva's harp. An
nie hesitated; but as he continued to plead,
aftor another glance from the window, she
went to the corner where the instrument
stood, uncovered it, Bat down, and aftor
running her fingers over the strings com
menced a simple German song. If her un
known auditor was astonished beforo, his
astonishment was not lessened now. The
young girl's voice naturally rich, sweet, and
full, had evidently been highly cultivated;
and she sang with taste and feeling, play
ing with artistic skill, while the pure accent
of the German words evinced an extensive
knowledge of that language. .
Willie could not prevail upon his sister
to sing again, much to Mr. Kirkwood's dis
appointment; and after she had covered the
harp, both left the room, leaving Mr. Kirk
wood filled with admiration and wonder-,
mcnt.
He did not know of tho one bright spot
in Annie's life the three years, gleaming
up like a flash of sunlight amid the dark
ness that preceded and followed, spent with
her father's sister in a distant city, where
the young gh-1 had found all the love, and
care, and appreciation denied her at home.
Her aunt surprised at her ignorance of all
accomplishments, on her own responsibili
ty afforded her every advantage for im
provement. Her talent for muslo was dis
covered, and the best masters obtained, and
in which study her improvement was re
markable. But death called away Annie's
one friend, and she returned home, sorrow
ing deeply for her whom she bad so many
reasons to mourn. '
That Annio felt no disposition to display
the accomplishments in which she could not
but be conscious she far excellod Edith,
and which, therefore, would but increase
her annoyances and unhapplncss, may be
inferred.
It was only in the quiet of her own room
that she pursued her studios, while her
practice of musio was necessarily irregular,
being confined to those periods when the
family were absent.
Mr. Kirkwood saw Annie the next even
ing under more advantageous circumstances
than he bad yet seen her. It was at a large
party. She was dressed with exquisite taste,
and her dark hair was worn in broad braids,
arranged with the most artistic grace. He
thought her, in her calm, proud beauty,
far the most elegant girl present. Ho was
not alone in his admiration. Although she
declined dancing, she recoivod marked at
tention from several of the most prominent
gentlemen present.
Mrs. Rathburn saw, with chagrin and dis
appointment, that while her brilliant Edith
numbered in her large crowd of admirers
the vain, the shallow, the trifling, the brain
loss fashionist, those who surrounded the
disliked Annie, if less in number, were men
of mark, whose'notice any girl would be
proud of obtaining.
The few attentions Mr. Kirkwood ren
dered the first of the evening were so cold
ly received by the young girl that he did
not continue them. Piqued and offended,
be did not approach ber again, but devoted
himself as much as he was able to Edith.
It might be this is what Annie wished and
intended, for she knew that jealous eyes
were watching him, and fult no willingness
for bis sake to undergo fresh annoyauces.
Meanwhile, the days of Mrs. ' Lothrop's
visit were passing. Mrs. Rathburn was
perplexed beyond measure, that she could
discoverViothing of the lady's intentions.
Nothing further had been said of either
of the young ladies accompanying her
home; therefore the chances of either to be
the future heiress could not be conjectured.
With due edlicacy and tact, she had con
doled with Mrs. Lothrop on her disappoint
ment in losing her destined beir, and hint
ed that perhaps she found Mr. Kirkwood
worthy of supplying bis place.' " Bhe had
endeavored also to sound her concerning
ber oplulon of Edith and Era, but perverse
Mrs. Lothrop would not be sounded. She
listened if not assentingly, certainly not
dissenting!? to the fond mother's asser
tions respecting the sweetness and affeo
tiouatencss of Edith's disposition to superi
ority of Eva's intellect over that of other
girls of her ago; but, whether Bhe preferred
sweetness of disposition to superiority of
intellcot, baffled all Mrs. Rathburn's inge
nuity to find out. Sho confessed to herself
that Mrs. Lothrop was truly a peculiar
woman more bo than she had expected
an enigma that could not be made out.
Her uncertainty was not less regarding
Mr. Kirkwood's sentiments and intentions
toward Edith. That he admired her was
evident. He rode, walked and sung with
her, and was over ready to attend to her,
yet there was not quite the empretsement of
manner she could have wished she some
times imagined evon less than there had
been at first. She feared, too, he had made
an impression on her daughter's heart.
She had noticed an anxiety to please him
in her dress and actions; that she blushed
on seeing him at any time suddenly; and,
adept as she was in art, showed ill-concealed
pique if he admired any othor lady than
herself.
The mother's highest ambition would be
gratified could she see her daughter united
to him. His fortune, position, person, man
ners, publio and private character, were far
beyond her most sanguine expectations of
what Edith's husband would possess. All
that art or taccould do should be done to
attain the desired end.
Mrs. Rathburn was gratified at the inter
est Mrs. Lothrop began to take in Willie.
She often entered the nursery quite fa
miliarly; and even Mr. Kirkwood occasion
ally went in sometimes staying long
enough to read or relate a story to the inva
lid boy; at others, just stopping to offer
some book, toy or fruit.
Poor Annie was not particularly pleased
at finding her place of refuge thus invaded,
and their coming was usually the signal for
her doparture.
One day she entered the nursery in haste,
and carrying a plate of sweetmeats for
Willie. The moment that she crossed the
threshold, the change in her aspect was
striking. All coldness vanished. Her
whole face was changed into perfect, living
beauty, by tho expression of solicitude and
tenderness it wore. Bending over Willie,
she kissodhira fondly, and said:
" How is my darling now ? Is the pain
all gone ? I did not mean to leave bim so
long; but Edith's dress could not be com
pleted for the party to-night unloss I assis
ted; and Mamma's head-dress had to bo al
tered. But, see 1 1 have brought something
nice, and after you eat it, I will toll you a
beautiful "
She paused abruptly, perceiving, for the
first time, Mrs. Lothrop, Heated near the
door through which she had entered. In
an instant Annie was her usual self again.
She saluted the lady politely, but coldly,
and then spoko again to Willie; but the
tender-hearted boy was grieved and fright
ened at the tone, so different from what it
was a moment before, and looking up tear
fully into her face, asked:
" Am I naughty, sister Annio ?"
"No, Willie," she replied, coldly, at the
same gently, but decidedly, putting away
Lilly, who was trying to climb into her lap.
It was not without somo reason that An
nio relapsed into silence and coldness in
Mrs. Lothrop's presence.
Annie was not of a jealous disposition
she expected bo little, poor child, and she
was so accustomed to see her sisters prefer
red before herself in every way at home
but the difference in the treatment of hor
solf and her gay, beautiful sisters, by Mis.
Lothrop was too marked for her not to per
ceive and fuel. She was not unused to neg
loot, but this seemed to verge upon dislike;
and from her father's frlond, it was harder
to bear.
Mrs. Lothrop could not be said to show
affection for Edith and Eva, but she distin
guished them by much notice, and sought
to draw out their ideas and opinions upon
every possible subject. But Annie she
seldom noticed in any way. It seemed like
dream to the young girl the kind tones
of Mrs. Lothrop's voice, the morning she
had first seen ber; but then she knew her
not bad never seen her more brilliant and
attractive sisters had never hoard of the
unloved and unlovely Annie.
And the young girl encased herself more
strongly in hor armor of indifference.
But her greatest misfortune was coming.
It arrived. .,;
Willie awoke oue morning apparently
better and brighter than usual; and before
night be slept in death 1 . ,
The grief of the family was great An
nie alone was calm and tearless during all
that droodful day. Onoe only her lip quiv
ered: when the dear eyes, darkening to the
light of earth, vainly sought to behold her,
and the faint voice gasped with difficulty:
" Where's Annie? I want Annie 1" ,
She bent over him saying something un
heard by others, but which brought an an
gelic smile to tho countenance of the dying
child. She wiped the death dews from his
fair forehead, and held the little hand till
the life-beat ceased; then, still calm, sho
straightened the limbs, closed the blue eyes
which had been wont to meet hers so lov
ingly, and foldod the pale hands over the
stilled heart.
Even in her great sorrow for she had
loved hor boy Mrs. Rathburn forgot not to
reproach Annio for hor utter want of feel
ing that she had not one tear for the dar
ling child who had loved her so dearly.
And Annie heard her with an immovable
countenance.
It was aftor the household had retired
that the young girl sought, alone, the cham
ber of death ; and then and there, the long
pent-up agony burst forth oh, what an
agony of regret for the lost one, as the
recollection of his loveliness, his hundred
endearing ways, his childish prattle, came
over her !
With hor present sorrow minglod the
memory of the past all bitterness, save
this one drop of sweet all darkness, save
this one ray of light, now extinguished ;
and looming up, with too well defined dis
tinctness, was tho future, with its darkness
gloom and desolation.
It was her hour of uttor abandon. Hot
gushing tears, such as she had forgotten
she could shed, soemed to have no power
in exhausting the force of her sorrow. She
was not startled she was too wretched to
be startled at anything when a band was
laid on ber head, and a voice said:
"Child Annie, where is thy umbrella?
Hast thou not yet found it ? If not, find it
now and hide thyself under it. There is no
refuge like to that it will yield thee."
The door closed gently behind the per
son, but Annie was scarcely conscious of
that, or the voice, or the touch ; but the
words sank deep in hor heart. They came
homo to her with convincing power, seem
ing to comprehend all hor need ; and Annie
her heart humbled and softened by her
great sorrow foeling, oh, how deeply, the
need of an All-powerful Comforter and
Helper, and also realizing ber sinfulness
and unworthiness prayed with earnest
sincerity for the meroy and pardon of a
merciful Savior.
Annie found her refuge. Thonceforth,
whatever of sorrows and trials should as
sail ber, she would have a sure rest and
protection.
Two weeks afterward the family were
assembled in tho parlor, when Mrs. Loth
rop announced hor intention of returning
homo the first of the ensuing week.
They all entreated for a longer visit, but
finding their entreatios unavailing, ex
pressed their regret ; and then thore was
an embarrassing pause.
Mrs. Rathburn waited expectantly, too
well assured that ber darling Edith would
be the favored one invited to accompany
hor home, to fool any anxiety.
Edith was no less certain than her moth
er of being the favorite of tho lady, and
was composing a graceful sentonce of ac
ceptance of the anticipated invitation.
Eva also looked conscious, and toyed with
her bracelets.
Annie, only, had no hopes, no plans.
Since the night of Willie's death she hod
not exchanged more than two or three sen
tences with Mrs. Lothrop, and she alono
uttered no regrets at tho announced de
parture, or entreatios to remain longor.
Mrs. Lothrop continued:
" I believe you were so kind, Mrs. Rath
burn, as to promise that one of these young
ladies should accompany me homo ? An
nie," turning to ber, " will you do me the
favor to accompany me ? I will do every,
thing in my power to render your visit pleas
ant. Can you be ready by Monday?"
The young girl was too much astonished
and bewildered to reply.
Mrs. Rathburn, white with rage and
disappointment, made an exouse for leav
ing the room. She was shortly followed by
Edith and Eva The former burst into
tears of jealousy and mortification the mo
ment sho reached ber mother's room, while
Eva gave free vent in words to bor indig
nation. When alone with Annie, Mrs. Lothrop
leaned over her and said, archly: .
" Come with me, my child, and I will
prove to you that my umbrella u large
enough, and strong enough, and , blue
enougli, to protect you, both now and al
ways, if you will permit it ; although," she
continued, earnestly, " I trust you , have
found tbe Better One?" looking enquiring-1
ly into the young girl's eyes, and reading
aright the serene glance that told of a heart
at peaco with its Maker.
She resumed ; " I cannot now fully ex
plain to you tho reasons for my strange
conduct during the time I have known you;
but when you shall understand them, I
think you will forgive me for all the nn
happinoss I have directly or indirectly
causod you. Suffice it to say, that I knew
you Instantly the first morning I saw you,
from your strong resemblance to your fa
ther. I followed you a few steps, to intro
duce myself, when I accidentally overheard.,
your words ; and both the tone and the
words revealed much to me more than
you thought and my plan was instantly
determined upon." '
They continued a conversation, till it
was interrupted by the arrival of Mr. Kirk
wood, who had been absent for a few days.
Mrs. Lothrop met him in the library.
After informing him of her near departure
she said :
" I fear you will be disappointed, Eustace,
when you learn that Annie, Instead of E
dith, is to accompany me home."
A glow of undisguised pleasure illumined
the gentleman's face.
"Iam glad of it," he replied, heartily.
Mrs. Lothrop was astonishod, for she had
believed bim interested in Edith ; and she
looked at him inquiringly.
He replied to the glance frankly.
" It is true ; I cannot deny it. Annie,
with all her coldness and reserve, interests
me far more deeply than Edith, with her
beauty and brilliancy."
Mrs. Lothrop's face expressed her plea
sure at this avowal.
Ho continued: "I must confess to you,
however, my dear aunt, humilatlng as is
the fact, that this young girl is ice so far as
regards myself. It is evident she dislikes
me."
"Ice will thaw," replied Mrs. Lothrop,
with a smile. "You will have an oppor
tunity at Oakwood to endeavor to conquer
this dislike."
Monday morning came, and the three
doparted. Tho carriage was watched from
the windows till it disappeared from view
by Mrs. Rathburn and her daughters, with
feelings of inexpressible jealousy and bitter
ness. They said to themselves and each
other, that they had been deceived and
injured. They felt no gratitudo for, or
pleasure in, tho elegant aud valuable gifts
Mrs. Lothrop had bestowed upon each of
thorn.
In tho new atmosphere of love and kind
ness in which she now lived, Annie grad
ually became a different being although
never the gay, laughter-loving girl she
would have boon, had sorrow never touched
her.
She never returned home. Sho became
as a daughtor to Mrs. Lothrop, and only
loft her to become a near neighbor the
mistress of tho boautiful mansion adjoining,
and tho hapy, honored bride of Eustace
Kirkwood.
. The King and the Soldier.
Fredorick tho Groat of Prussia had a
great mania for enlisting gigantic soldiors
into the Royal Guards, and paid an enor
mous bounty to his recruiting officers for
getting thorn. One day the recruiting
sergeant cliancod to espy a Hibernian who
was at least seven feet high; he accosted
him in English, i aud proposed that he
should enlist. The idea of Military and
largo bounty so delighted Patrick, that ho
Immediately consented. "But, unless you
can speak German, the king will not give
you so much."
"Oh, said the Irishman, "sure it's I
that don't know a word of German."
" But," said tho sergeant, "three words
will be enough, and those you can learn in a
short time. The King knows every man
in the Guards. As soon as he sees you, he
will lide up aud ask you how old you are ?
you will say, ' Iwtnly-uvtn;' next how long
have you been in the service ? you must re
ply, ' three vieeki;' finally, If you are provi
ded with clothes and rations? you answer,
'Both.'
Pat soon loarnod to pronouueo his an
swers, but nover dreamt of learning ques
tions. In three weeks bo appeared before
the King in review. His majosty rode up
to him. Paddy stepped forward with
"present arms," ,
" now old are you ?" said the king.
" Three weeks," said the Irishman.
"How long have you been In the service?"
asked bis Majesty.
" Twenty-seven years." . , j ,
"Am I or you a fool ?" roared the king.
"Both," replied Patrick, who was in
stantly taken to the guard room, but par
doned by the king after he understood the
facts of the case.