THE POOR RELATION.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 188, 27 January 1877, Page 4

THE POOR RELATION.

»y MKB KM'JLY THoKXTON. In one of the third storey rooms of a small boarding-house of Locust-street, Philadelphia, sat two men iu conversation, The cooling wind played gently with the short, brown curls of the younger, while bis handsome eyes and face were lighted by a bright, animated expression that told of sudden joy at some news just communicated by his companion, “ L can scarcely credit ,sneh good fortune. Arc you sure there is no mistake ?” “Perfectly; here are the documents. Prove your identity: prove to our satisfaction that you are Ralph Hamilton, sou of John Paul Hamilton, and you are a millionaire. Can you prove it ?” “ I can, immediately. But this is indeed a welcome change; to spring from deep poverty to such wealth in a moment, by the death of an unknown relative, seems almost incredible. lam grateful to you Metcalf, for your pains in so soon seeking me; also for your interest in xny welfare. I have one favor only to ask in addition : that yon remain silent about it. The fact of my changed circumstances need not be made known as yet. I shall not alter my style of living for a while, hut shall fulfill an engagement to become the private tutor of two small boys residing, strange to say, in the same place where lies this new estate.” “ A very sensible conclusion,” said Mr Metcalf, who although his legal adviser, was also, and had been for years, a warm, personal friend, “and the wisest thing you can do under the circumstances.”

On the piazza of a beautiful residence near, though not exactly in the large village of , sat two ladies, Mrs 'Corsair and her daughter Zoe, while a third, a niece of the elder lady, Blanche Gilmore, stood with a light hat in her hand, as though just returned from a walk. They were discussing the appearance of a new tutor who had undertaken for a time on trial the education of the two sons of the family. Charley, one of those boys, bad just appeared upon the piazza, and was saying : “ Yes, indeed, I like him—so handsome and pleasant—not much like cross old Stevens !” “ Every one is handsome in Charley’s eyes if they don’t scold,” returned Zoe. “ You will say be is also when you see him. lie is coming back now, as lie went to the post-office a few minutes ago.” In a short time Charley whispered : “ Now girls, there he comes. Tell me if what I said was not true.” i( Yes, indeed !” exclaimed both young ladies as they surveyed the fine figure and handsome face approaching; and when the young man smiled pleasantly upon Charley, and was introduced by Mrs Corsair, Blanche thought she bad never seen so handsome a man, while Zoe whispered, as he passed into the house in order to answer a letter just received: “ If the young heir of the Bellmont property prove one-half as handsome I will be content!”

A splendid estate, be it known to the reader, with a residence of almost royal magnificence, lay within sight of thenpretty home, and had just, through the death of old Mr Bellmont, a childless widower, its last owner, passed into the hands of a young relative, expected soon to visit the premises. Zoe Corsair and her prudent mother had decided to appropriate both owner and estate as soon as possible after his arrival, and were making groat preparations for that event. For was not Zoe a beauty as well as the acknowledged belle of ? The now tutor, Mr Hamilton, soon became a great favorite with bis pupils, whose improvement under bis care was daily perceptible. Of Blanche he saw little. She was only the poor relation, depending upon her uncle for support, therefore compelled to bear every imposition and caprice her worldly, selfish aunt and cousin saw fit to inflict. Being industrious, ingenious, and amiable, her fingers became the hard-taxed sewing drudges of the family. From morning until night she delved, bearing the illnatured fault-findings that were heaped upon her, until her heart became very hcjvyy and life burdensome. Only one little enjoyment was hers, and that was a solitary afternoon walk that she insisted upon taking for the benefit of her health, and for selfish motives, allowed by her aunt, solely that her strength might not fail when she was so much needed; and as soon as she could put ' aside her needle for the purpose her feet fairly flew to a solitary spot, a deep ravine wildly romantic and secluded, not far from her uncle’s residence. Thither she went one beautiful afternoon about the first of October—tripping along down the small winding path that led to the depths below, while she felt her spirits rise with every step she took and rock she passed. Once or twice she paused and gazed down, down to the cool waterfall, after tracing its high descent from rock to rock, then singing a weird little song. But suddenly she paused, a groan and faint call for heln arresting her steps.

Hasting to the spot where she judged the sufferer to be, she saw a man lying at the foot of the ravine, motionless and now quite still. In a few moments she was beside him, and on lifting his head from the ground, she found Mr Hamil-

ton, the tutor, whose handsome face had so often visited her thoughts, unconscious before her. She paused but an instant to take in the situation, then running to the stream of water, she dipped in her handkerchief and bathed his brow. How handsome be was, she thought, as she supported In’s head upon her arm, and tried so tenderly to restore him. At last fie opened Ids ey“S and gazed long and vacantly upon her ; then, collecting his thoughts, he asked where he W'as, and what had happened ?” “ You are iu the ravine, Mr Hamilton, and are seriously hurt, 1 tear. Did you fall from the rocks, or why do I find you thus in a swoon ? ” “Ah ! yes, 1 remember. I did fall. I leaned over to pluck a rare flower and lost my balance. But I feel better again, thanks to you for your care, and I will see if I cannot rise.” He did get to ids feet, with the ready assistance of Blanche, but found from the pain occasioned by the effort that his arm was broken, and one ankle seemed to be sprained or much hurt. “ Lean on me, Mr Hamilton. Never fear, I am young and strong, and I think I can get you up the path, if it is stoop, to tbo road, and from thence, after a rest, homo.” Slowly, yet surely, leaning on the young girl for that snjjport he was so accustomed to give to others, he crept along, often stopping to rest, until at last the level road was gained, and from there his own room, to which a physician was soon summoned, and his limb set and bruises attended to, while rest and perfect quiet were deemed essential to ward off all tendencies to fever, winch otherwise was liable to ensue. Lying thus helpless upon his bed, the door partly open, to allow a circulation of air. the young man lay half dozing, when he accidentally hoard the following conversation, not, of course, intended for Ids oars : “ A pretty piece of work this,” said Mrs Corsair, who was an intensely selfish woman. “ Who is to play nurse now, I would like to know ?” “ And to a miserable tutor,” interrupted the equally selfish Zoe. “I, for one, will not; leave him to the servants ! ” “ But I cannot spare the servants. The housework must be done regularly, or all goes wrong.” “ Then let Blanche attend to him,” returned Zoo. “ 1 should be very glad lo take charge of tfie poor young man, alone among strangers, and sick,” returned Blanche, “ and, if aunt is willing, 1 will devote my time to him.” “ Yes, and neglect the sowing. There

is my wrapper, that I need so much, not finished yet.” “ Do not fear, Aunt,” returned the same sweet voice, “ 1 will finish that also. I can take my sowing to his room and attend to both; if not able to sew when he is awake, 1 will do it at night when he sleeps,” “ Very well—do us you please ; but, remember, that wrapper must be finished by Saturday.” “ Come, mother, don’t bother about him any longer. The carriage waits to take us to the concert. Come on.” So saying, the unfeeling Zoe swept down stairs, followed by her mother, and drove away, while a soft voice murmured by the invalid’s side : “You arc not sleeping, 1 sec. What shall I do for your relief ?” “ I feel quite comfortable, thank you, except a headache, caused by the sudden jar.” “ .Let mo bathe it, then ; perhaps I can charm it away by gentle friction.” Seating herself beside him, she poured some refreshing alcohol upon her hand and commenced licr labor of Jove. How soft her fingers were, how gentle her touch and what a depth of womanly pity beamed from those largo brown eyes. Did he dream it, or when ho laid upon that hard ground in that dismal place, had not those same eyes shed tears over him, and those rod lips murmured pitying words ! But wc will not linger to tell the fancies that were soon lost in deep, refreshing sleep, nor of the rapid improvement of the invalid, who soon was able to resume his duties, although ho carried for a while one arm in a sling. About two weeks after the accident, Blanche, wandered once more to her favorite resort, and seating herself at the

foot of the wild and rocky descent, she was soon lost in a deep reverie. “ This is a charming spot, Miss Blanche,” said a well-known voice behind her, “ and I see is a favorite of yours. Now that I know how to avoid its dangers, 1 also am charmed with its deep repose, and picturesque beauty.” “ I am glad you like it,” was the reply of the young girl, as she blushed slightly, when ho seated himself by her side. “ For years it has been my daily walk in suitable weather. There is something so solemn in those lofty hills, with their waving evergreens studding their sides even to the top ; then the ripple of the waters, and the songs of birds and noises of insects, all unite in making it anything but solitary. But yours is the only face 1 have ever seen when here, and 1 cannot but wonder how you discovered this spot.” '• “ One of mj little pupils told me of u> and that day when I fell was my first visit. Thankful am I that you were in the habit of coming here, else I might have died alone and uumissf-d.” 11 Alone, I grant, hut not unmissed ; for your pupils love you, and surely we

all would have sought yon, but we might not have thought of finding yon hero.” A long pause ensued, broken limilly by the following w r ords spoken in 10w,., agitated tones : “ I would life to tell yon, dear Miss Blanche, how strongly attached I have become to my tender nurse, and bow mneb I long for her to return my devoted affection. Dearest, can yon love a person occupying so humble a position as tutor to your uncle’s children? If yon can, and if you will allow me to present my deep love, and consent to become my wife it will be the delight of my life to strive to make you happy ” “ 1 do love yon, Mr Hamilton, and have done from our first meeting. To be your wife will gratify my proudest desires, but remember, while yon are, as yon say, only a tutor, I am of all things most pitiful, a poor relation, living upon the cold charities of my unde’s family.” “ Yet w'oll earning a handsome living and far better lot by her usefulness and amiability. No longer a poor relation, dearest, but my loved and honored future wife.” Then as lie drvw her towards him, and their lips met, both felt that they had chosen wisely and well. No opposition was offered when Mr Hamilton asked the hand of Blanche Gilmore from her unde, ail thinking that their poor relative did well, even in marrying a tutor.

Mr Hamilton wished to he. married during tlio Christmas holidays, so early in December the plain wardrobe Mr Corsair thought prudent to give his niece was duly prepared, and rapid preparations were being made for a strictly private wedding. Mr Hamilton beingobliged to superintend some arrangements previous to bis marriage, resigned bis position in Mr Corsair’s family, much to the surprise of all, and left for a few weeks to return the day of the wedding. In the meantime, news came that the Bellmont owner was soon to take possession of his property, ami the handsome house was undergoing groat preparations for In's reception. One of his oddities was that on the evening of his return a largo party of friends from abroad, and the select neighbors, were to assemble, to bid him welcome. This party, as it happened, was to lake place the evening before the marriage of Blanche. Cards of invitation bad been left at Mr Corsair's, and, much to the surprise and chagrin of Miss Zoe, Blanche was also remembered. “ Just ns if wo wanted to introduce our poor relationsslie said, scornfully. I wonder that the tutor also was not in eluded !” Blanche, however, decided not to go, but her uncle insisted upon her accepting, as it would look so strange for one so soon to be a bride from their house to refuse.” The evening came, and Zoo certainly looked her best in the rich white silk with lace overskirt ami rare flowers, that bad been procured purposely for the long looked-for occasion of her boro's arrival. She gazed with a proud triumph upon her cousin, who, in a simple white tarletan, with a few natural buds in her rich curls waited by her side in the dressingroom of the Bellmont mansion.

A young Dr Zomuel, the village physician, was their escort. The rooms wore thronged, but singular to remark, the young owner had not as yet made his appearance. ■ The guests wore received by his most intimate friends, Mr and Mrs Metcalf; and the latter, as soon as Blanche was introduced, managed to draw her one side, and in another moment Zoe wondered, as she saw them leave the rooms together. About half an hour later, after all the guests had assembled, Mr Metcalf announced that lie had a few words to say. He wished, in the first place, to apologise for the non-appearance of his friend, Mr Bellmont; but his absence would he understood and forgiven, when he told them that they had assembled to witness Ids marriage, which would be instantly celebrated. As those words were spoken, a movement at the door claimed attention. An Episcapal clergyman, in flowing robes, entered, followed by—hold—could it ho? Mrs Corsair looked at Zoe ; Zoe looked at Mrs Corsair; every vestige of colour forsaking her face as she did so; while Mr Corsair stared in stupid wonder upon the advancing bridegroom and bride—Mr

Hamilton, the tutor, ami Blanche Gilmore, his own poor relative. The bridal party looked splendidly ; the bride, in the few moments that had elapsed since her disappearance, had been told the astounding news that she was to marry the wealthy Mr Hamilton Bcllmont; and, although overwhelmed with surprise, she suffered herself to be arrayed by good Mrs Metcalf in the stiff white silk, with the richest of lace overskirts, wliilc a superb bridal veil and fragrant orange flowers completed the toilet that had been thoughtfully prepared for her use. A moment she was hold in the arms of tier excited lover-, and then the bridal party descended and the ceremony was performed, and the Corsairs were obliged to smother their rage and offer polite congratulations. The evening passed rapidly, ail laughing merrily over the glad surprise, and all proclaiming themselves delighted with Mrs Belhnont’s good fortune We say all, and all it was that went through the outward forms of etiquette, but Avho shall describe the inward workings of two hearts present on that eventful evening? Not we! Vain were the attempt;

imagination alone can portray Use picture, and to imagination wo commit the task. Tim last we heard of the happy pair was that they were con rein plating a trip to Fmrope, while Zoo,who had striven bv hints and caresses to obtain an invitation to accompany them, was obliged to confess that the halts she had put forth had not succeeded, ami she was therefore free to remain still under her father's roof, Xo eligible rich millionaire now being in view, she smiles rather more upon young Hr Zemnel than formerly, and we should not he surprised if, instead of marrying a person of unbounded weallii, she became at last the wife of a poor and obscure village physician.