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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est fiimd d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas. en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 3;x 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 t uATn PR at«* ■ ■';'^"H,^,iv. •'t:s^^§^^j^3' -^^b THE YOUNG MEN'S CHOICE, 9J By MARY E. HERBERT. Author of " Kolian Harp," " Woman as she shouLl be/' " Flowers by the Wayside," &c , &c. ^^@^^^^ ^ HALIFAX, iV. S. miNTIOT) AT TDK "HALIFAX OITTZEN '• ^tl.KH PIU SS Jy • ^f 1869. ^185 ^"^^ ' ^"^"^^^ ~-&^^'' »^..,^;- '^•li^pia ■ -U! W< 'f*jh ' rl JOHN JAMES STEWART COLLECTION i v.. ^>j'*^ V^'a-'^J THE YOUNG MEN'S CHOICE, By MAEY B. HERBERT, ^ t> • Author of "BolUn Harp," « Woman aa she ri,ou!d be," « Plowera by th« Wayside," &c,&c. ^- ^ . (g^ ^ ^ ^ ^ HALIFAX, N. S. PBmiBD AT THK "HAHFAX CITIZBN » STEAM PKES8. 1869. -li= ^563 h" 19 '19 THE YOUNG MEN'S CHOICE. CHAPTER I. "Oh ask not a home in the maneionB of pride, Where marble shines out in the pillars and walls; Though the roof be of gold, it U brilliantly cold,*— No joy may be found in its toroh-lighted halls. But seek for a bosom all honest and true, Where love onoe awakened can never depart; Turn, turn, to that breast, like a dove to its nest. And you'll find there's no home like a home in the heart." " I shall have to come to it at last, I am pretty sure of that," mused Edward Mortimer, as he sat with his feet reclining on the fender, and his eyes fixed on the glowing coals, for it was a cold damp evening in the latter part of May. The book he had been reading, fell listlessly from his hand on to the rug at his feet; it was an interesting work on Physical Science, but it had lost its charm for him this evening, for reveries on the past and future had taken its place. " Dear rae, how I wish I were rich ! I am so hampered for want of means, that I cannot enter into any speculations; there is Boardman, with not half my education and business capacities, becom-. ing absolutely wealthy, becausa he has a good capi- tal to trade on. ' THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. « " Now if I had only had some hundreds of pounds to-day, I might have made a profitable investment that would have yielded thousands, I verily be- lieve. " I am sick and tired of doing business in this petty way — counting every shilling before spending it ; it may be sure enough, but it is intolerably hIow. "As to marrying f that is morally impossible, at least marrying one as poor as myself. Here I am twenty-five years old, and have not much more prospect of a home of my owu, than I had at twenty-one. "A home of my own;" the words seemed to have a magical effect, for the discontent visible on the countenance of the young man, gradually gave place to a look of softened sadness. " If I marry Alice Weldon, I shall have to keep her waiting for two or three years at least, — and even then, I doubt if I should do more than barely get along comfortably. " But Miss Ludgate, that is a different affair. Her wealth would be the very thing I need. Money makes money all the world over, — and I would be able to have a splendid establishment, with a hand- some, dignified woman at its head, without being tormented to death by those harrassing cares, at- tendant on straitened circumstances. " If the love would only go with the wealth, how happy I should be ; but that is idle wishing. I must get rid of my romantic ideas, and the sooner the better for my peace. The age for that has gone THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. by. Utilitarianism is the motto now, and I shall have to succumb to the popular idea." A knock at the chamber door interrupted these matter-of-fact thoughts. "Come in," was the response, and a young man ot about the same age as Mortimer, entered the room. " Why Sidney, is it you ? I am very glad to see you," was the warm greeting. " Where on earth have you been those few weeks past ?" "Out of town, on business for my employer," was the reply. " We have been very much hurried of late, and this is the first leisure evening I have secured since my return, so I determined to improve it by coming to see you. Don't you feel yourself flattered by my preference," he laughingly in- quired. " Indeed I do, though we don't agree on every subject, we agree to differ, which is more than can be said of most of the world." "But come, here is a comfortable arm-chair, draw it up to the fire, and make yourself at home, that is if a Bachelor's sanctum cp , Se called home." "I think you look pretty ^jmfortable at all events," replied his friend, Mr. Ellwood, as seating himself, he looked round on the pretty room, with its blazing fire, and snugly-drawn curtains, and its mahogany book-case, filled with interesting and in- structive works. " Well, I am tolerably comfortable I suppose, but not so much so, as to be contented with my present lot." 6 THE YOUNG MEN'S CHOICE. "I have been just wondering when I should be blessed with a homn of my own, before you came in, and have come to the conclusion that to obtain it, I must have money. " " Money answereth all things," was the reply; "and yet there is something more than money wanted, in my opinion, to constitute a bona-fide home. Do you remember the lines — •• 'Tie Hope, and Love, and Memory give A home in which the heart can live." ''There you are Sydney, with your romantic notions, which I have determined to eschew for ever." "And with them all thoughts of Alice Weldon, I presume ?" There was a slight tremulousness in the speaker's voice, that might not have passed un- observed by his companion, had his mind been less pre-absorbed. " How strange you should have guessed so accur- ately ; but indeed, Sydney, I am serious, and I leally would be thankful for your advice." " It shall be given to the best of my ability," was the grave response. "Well, then, listen to ray position. I am in business for myself; to be sure a pretty safe one, but the gain so slow, so small, I am out of patience. If I had only a large capital, I should be able to make my mark in the world, to marry, and have a splendid establishment. Nov/, how on earth can I procure this money ?" "A question very^difficult to answer, Edward." ,, THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. "Well, I have come to the conclusion — no other way presenting itself— of marrying for money. There is Miss Ludgate. I tell you this in confi- dence, of course, I know well how trustworthy you are. Her father, who is very wealthy, is my par- ticular friend, and it was olily the other day he said to me, that ho would far prefer a young man Of steady habits, even though comparatively poor, for his daughter, than one of those who, inheriting wealth, know so little the value of what they have so easily obtained, as to recklessly squander it; and I know well that the hint was for me, for he has several times made similar observations in my pre- sence." " But the young lady. I should think that was the most important part?" " Well, I have no rival, that is one thing; and, without vanity, I fancy she favors your humble servant a little." " And Miss Weldon ?" A flush mounted to Edward Mortimer's brow, as he turned hastily away. " I have a great respect and esteem for that young lady; she is my beau-ideal of woman. But then, you see how I am circumstanced — strong in- clination and limited means, on the one hand, and the probability of wealth, a large sphere of action, and wide-spread influence on the other." " You seem to leave the lady out of your calcu- lation entirely." "Oh, well, she is handsome and dignified looking. A little proud and haughty, perhaps, that is natural 1 ,1. 8 THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. m for one in her position. I dare say we shall agree well enough, at least as well as the mpjority of married people, for I doubt if there is much "love lost among a good many. And now what do you advise ?" " I am afraid my advice will not be palatable, but you are quite welcome to it. To advise you to sacrifice your happiness, for the sake of worldly gain, would be the last thing I would think of doing. I would rather strive to persuade you to lay aside your ambitious views; to be content with your present circumstances, until something better oifers at least, and to enjoy the peace of a r^ood conscience, and the sweets of domestic happiness, which open so invitingly before you." "But don't you see, it would be impossible for me to marry with my present income, unless I find some way ol increasing it." " Well, you might not have much for luxury, but quite sufficient for comfort. You have none depen- dent on you for support; you are quite alone in the world, and could live in my opinion, most happily, and maintain a wife with your present income." "Yes, and never get up in the world: Always drudging along, without any prospect of doing bet- ter. No, that would be unendurable.'* " Far better, I should esteem it, than to live in possession of all the luxuries that wealth can pur- chase, and yet feel the heart empty, sad and deso- late. For you would feel this. You know well that the lady of whom you have epoken, is not one cal- THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. 9 culated to make a man happy. Cold, haughty, un- amiable; living only for show, caring only for the opinions of the fashionable world, she would be a poor fire-side companion indeed, and your home, shared with her, would soon become distasteful, if not positively hateful. And if these riches so much coveted, should " take to themselves wings and fly away," as they have in numberless other cases, what then ? To what source would you look for comfort?" ^ " Without that love which beare all things, believeth all things, endureth all things, and de- prived of those outward advantages un which you have placed your affection, you would indeed be a miserable man." "One would think you a prophet, you seam to read the future so accurately," said Edward some- what testily. " Well, you know, my friend, I am representing things in a strong light, perhaps, but it is because I have your real welfare at heart." " I know that, Sydney, I know it well," was the hearty response, " and however things may turn out, I shall always be thankful for your friendly warnings, even though I may not follow them fully. My better feelings coincide in your views, and yet, and yet," he said laughingly. '*A wilful man muBt have bis way." w ^ ;i 10 THE"yOUNO MEIf'a OHOtGE. i I i i i CHAPTER II. " Hia spirit wholly tumci To stern ambUion's drtams, to that fierce strife Which leads to life's high places, and reaked not What lovely flowers might perish in his path !" tiail, Virtue, hail ! from thee proceed The great design, the heroic deed; The heart that melts for human woea, Valor, and truth, and calm repose. Though fortune frown, though fate prepare Her shafts, and wake corroding care; In vain to shake the guiltless soul. Changed fortune frowns, and thunders roll !" Edward Mortimer was peculiarly alone in the world, without kin, with the exception of distant connexions, whom he had never seen, and whom he had never cared to see. The sweet charities of home were almost un- known to him; for, an only child, his mother had died m his infancy, and his father, while Edward was a boy at school, leaving him but a small patri- mony, which had been judiciously invested by his guardian, a prudent and kind-hearted man, and formed the nucleus of his present small, but' snug and prosperous business. ^ Naturally amiable, and of fine social feeling?, his handsome personal appoarance, combined with extremely prepossessing manners, won for him gen- eral esteem and regard, and entrance into those higher circles, from which his position might other- wise have excluded him, \ V THE YOUNG MEN*S CHOICE. 11 "Witt much to attract, and much to admire in his character, there was a vein 6f wordliness run- ning through it — an eager ambition to rise in socie- ty, if not by merit, at all events, by the force of external circumstances. He knew the advantages of wealth, and he ajjpir- ed to them, and though his heart was naturally a •genial and loving one, yet with a resolute will, he was ready to sacrifice even love itself, on the altar oi ambition. For while he would scarcely acknowledge it even to himself, he yet loved Alice Weldon with a ^ ^ deep and fervent love, though to her he had not made known his attachment, lor he was too honor- able to awaken hopes which he feared were destined never to be realized, for Alice, like himself, was the child of comparative poverty. A widowed mother, dependent in a great mea- sure on her for support, she added to their narrow income, by teaching a small, but well regulated school, for which her education and natural capaci- ty had well qualified her. And so Edward Mortimer's heart wavered be- tween Love and Ambition, until, wearied out, he sometimes resolved precipitately to end the conflict, and embracing the latter, to bid to the dreams he was wont to style "romantic and foolish," a "long, last adieu." Under very different auspices, and surrounded by a difierent social atmosphere, was passed the early youth of Sydney EUwood. 12 THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. The eldest son of a large family, his father had once been an ey,tensive ship-owner; but reverses came. What boots it to dwell on the old, old story so often realized by sorrowing hearts, of losses by speculations, by tempestuous seas, and by the failure and downfall of others ; suffice it to say, that the young man of whom we write, had scarcely at- tained his majority, ere he found himself the chief propof his household; no longer the inheritor of wealth, but called, even now in his bright youth by the voice of affection, as well as by the last dy' ing charge of a beloved father, to be the support counsellor, and protector of a sorrowing mother' and a band of youthful brothers and sisters, who coked to him ns one that should fill the place, of the departed head of that once happy household "It IS good for a man that he beaV the yoke in his youth," is imprinted on the pages of Sacred Writ, and Sydney Ellwood's experience confirmed the truth of the assertion. -Naturally sedate and high principled, sorrow had led him to think, and think deeply, of life's great end; to distinguish the true from the false; to view ia their proper light, things seen and temporal, as not worthy to be compared with things not seen and oter- nal; while the responsible situation in which, by the hand of Providence, he had been placed, the con- sciousness that others looked up to him for support protection, and example, had given him a maturity of sentim.ent, and a ripeness of judgment which often excited the astonishment and admiration of men far advanced in years. THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. 13 For sorrow after all, is one of God's good angels, sent in love, not in wrath, to wean the heart from a world which, in spite of its vicissitudes, presents 80 much to allure and tempt the soul, from those higher paths in which its safety and welfare are intimately connected. Sydney and Edward Mortimer had been school- boys and College mates together, and a friendship, that bid fair to outlive the usual period of youthful friendships, existed between them. Passionately fond of literature, Sydney had hop- ed to devote his life to its pursuit ; but his father's death, and the changed circumstances of the fami- ly, rendered this an impossibility; and thankful to secure a clerkship in a counting-house, he henceforth devoted his energies to forwarding the interests of his employers, and found in their ever increasing esteem, and the grateful love of his kindred, for whose sake he had made the sacrifice, abundant recompence. CHAPTEK III. "Oh that pleasant garden plot ; A Bhrubbery was beside it, — ' And an old and mosBj apple tree, With a woodbine wreathed to hide it " "The Father of all, glances down On his children who strive in the race; On all who run well He bestows His looks of ineffable grace; Go on then m faith, all that run well must win To leave the good paths, or to faint, were a sin!" The hour of noon had returned, and Alice Wel- M 'i m u THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. grouifd'"''''''^ ^'' scl^olars to their pleasant play- A large old-fashioned dwelling was the one in which she resided, situated in a stirring part of the city tne front windows looking out on a busy thoroughfare, where pedestrians seemed to emulate vehicles in the rapidity of their motions. Parallel with the opposite side of the street, ran the placia waters of a deep and capacious harbor in which many a stately vessel found safe anchor' age and welcome haven, from the fierce storms that threatened to engulph it, fathoms deep, in the At- tac billows, that lifted up their mighty voice be- The busy war of trade rendered the apartments thus situated, not so agreeable to a lover of quiet one, who — ^ ' '* By Nature was averse to noise, Hating the bustle half the world enjjys." but the school-room looked out on a very different scene. Its pleasant windows opened on a spacious sloping garden, not perhaps kept in the very best order, for this would have required time and means far more than the inmates possessed ; but a charm- ing place, nevertheless, for childhood and youth to spend in pleasant recreation. The part nearest to the dwelling was cultivated as a vegetable and flower garden, in which Alice's choicest plants bloomed gaily; but the more ele- vated slopo terminated in a grassy lawn, interspei^- ed, here and there, with apple and cherry trees THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. 15 Lsant play- he one ill ig part of >n a busy emulate treet, rai> 1 harbor, 9 anchor- •rms that 1 the At- voice be- artments 3f quiet, Hflferent spacious 5ry best I meaus charm- outh to tivated Alice's )re ele- rspera- ^ trees, whose ripened fruit was anxiously anticipated by the merry youthful band that thronged that happy school room. How the children enjoyed their hour of recrea- tion; how they bounded up that sloping hill, and ran to and fro "on the grassy lawn. With what merry shouts, with the glee of hearts untouched by sorrow, while often standing at the casement, be- holding their enjoyment, and sharing in their plea- sure, was their youthful and dearly-loved teacher, ,/ith her ever patient and winning smile, that lent an irresistible charm to her thoughtful and pensive countenance. And Alice looked very thoughtful now, as she sat at her desk, revolving in her mind the possibili- ty or probability of settling some of those trouble- soDQe little bills, which, lying in a secret drawer of her escritoire, had often of late disturbed her peace of mind. Not that she was reckless or extravagant in her expenditure; but her mother's very small income was little more than sufficient to pay the rent of the dwelling they occupied, and the thou- sand and one household items, which must be met, were all depending on the small quarterly fees she obtained from her pupils. Of late, too, an epidemic, somewhat fatal, had diminished their numbers; her mother, long an in- valid, seemed for the past few weeks to be growing much feebler, necessitating the constant attendance of a physician, and her failing appetite craved hose little delicacies which tell so hardly upon the canty purse ; so little marvel is it, if Alice's gentle ; 16 THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. face, 80 capable of lighting up with a joyous and happy expression, wore a sad and thoughtful look now; for life, viewed from lier stand-point; was very dark, and had not her faith been strong in the prj- mises of Ono who has dechired himself to be, "a' father of the fatherless," she would have sunk with dismay as she anticipated the future. ^ Yet let none dem her weak or timid, if some- times her heart fainted within her, for with no male relative near, to whom she could look up for pro- tection—her only uncle dwelling in a distant land —and the probability that would sometimes pierce like a poisoned dart through her spirit, that ere long the nearest, the dearest, the most cherished object of affection, would have to be resigned to the relent- less conqueror. Death ; it would have been strange indeed, if sometimes Hope, and Faith, and Con'r- age, had not seeemed to Ibrsakc lior. Young ladies, in your wealthy homes, surrounded by every luxury, ministered constantly to by kind friends, every wish anticipated, every desire grati- fied; ye butterflies of ftishion, •* Imagining in your hours of glee, That all the world was made for yee," Alice Weldon was as fair, as refined, as gentle, as sesthetic in her tastes as you; but she had been early trained in the school of Adversity ; she had learnd that best of lessons— to feel for others woes ; to sympathize in human sorrow, and, if possible, to relieve, ever remembering that it is "more ble.ied to give than to receive." ► 3E. )yous and ;htful look ; was very n the pro-, to be, "a" nink with , if somc- 1 no male for nro- tant land les pierco .ere long abject of e relent- stranajc d Conr- roiinded by kind e grati- gentle, -d been le had 1 woes ; ible, to bleased THE YOUN G MEN's CHOICE. 17 Go ye and do likewise. Forgot not tha^^I^e accountable at Heaven's high tribunal for ^ wealth that you regard a. your own ; and rous n^ yourselves from fancy's bewitching dreams, go fonh pen h ; so shall you taste that sweetest luxurv-! the uxury of doing good ; the favor of heaven will lighten your path, and. combined with the smile o an approvmg conscience, impart a richer .est to every blessing you possess. But we must return to Alice, who, glancing at her watch, was surprised to see, so q'ckly 'ab sorbmg thought had sped the time, that the chHd ren s play-hour had passed, and ringing tl^e b fl" each_ httle class was again busily employed a it^ appointed tasks, and Alice, in the delight of imnl especia tact; in winning the attention of the houghtless, and in arousing the lethargic mind lost sight of the cares by which she had ten h' rassed, and found in well discharged dutie. n ? and satisfaction that none but tLseS^^^^^^ perienced, can appreciate. CHAPTER IV. •• Here oomee one whose cheekB would flush Bat to have her garmenti brueh 'Gainst the girl who pale and thin, Worked the broidery stitches in ; ' Weavine from her h;**«» ♦!, — u! Heart's ease and forget-me-not; Satirising her despair, With the emblems woven there ! " r 18 THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. There were flags flying, music playing, proces- sions marching, for it was a gahi day in the city, and crowds of well-dressed people thronged the streets, intent, in some way of amusement or other, on passing the hours set apart by public authority, for celebration and festivity. In an elegant drawing-room of a commodious mansion, situated in one of the fashionable streets of the city, were gathered part of Mr. Ludgate's family. Some of the younger members, released from school, were standing at the windows, amusing themselves by observing the passers-by ; another was at the Piano, rattling off now and then some merry tune ; while the eldest daughter was more agreeably engaged, in lively converse with a young gentleman, our old friend, Edward Mortimer, who, since we had the pleasure of introducing him to the reader, had, in pursuance of his resolution, become a frequent visitor at tMr. Ludgate's, and judging from the unusually animated smile that lights up the countenance of the handsome, though haughty- looking girl, we should imagine his attentions are not unacceptable. "Look, look, Louisa," ejaculated Cecilia, a little sister of eleven years old, " see, there is Miss Wel- don, my teacher. How pretty she is. Do look a moment, she is on the opposite side of the street." " Really, Cecilia," was the petulant reply," you must come away from that window. Mamma will be extremely angry, if she comes in, and finds you THK YOUNU men's CHOICE. 19 ig, proces- the citv, )nged tho t or other, authority, ramodious ble streets Ludgate's used from amusing another hen some (vas more 1 a young aaer, who, im to the 1, become ■ judging lights up haughty- tions are \; a little liss Wel- )o look a ! street." ply," you 3ima will finds you there, looking out ond making remarks on the passers-by; it is very rude and unladylike." "I am ,suro [ arn doing no harm," said the spi- rited but allbctionate child. " I only want you to look at my teacher ; she will be gone if you don't make lia.sLe." "Cecilia, you talk ridiculously. I have no .c quaintancc with Min.s Weldon, nor the slightest de- sire to see her. " I only wish she would teach you to act a little better, and not so rudely to interrupt others;" and a frown gathered on the brow of tho speaker. "And so she does : sjie teaches me every thing that is good, and I love her ten thousand times bet- ter than I love you." The latter part of the sentence having been ut- tered in rather a lower tone, was unheard, save by Edwai-d Mort.im3r, who, at C^cilia'.s ejaculations, had almost unconsciously risen from the sofa, and stood by her at the window. A lady friend meeting Alice, had detained her for a few minutes on the opposite side, as she made inquiries respecting her mother. At length, bidding her adieu, Alice was about hurrying on, when happening to cast a glance at Mr. Ludgate's dwelling, she saw her little scholar at the window, bowing a smiling recognition while, standing beside her, though somewhat sha- ded from observation by tho rich lace curtains that adorned the cnseraont, she beheld the tall form of ■/ Edward Mortimer. ^" 20 »HE YOUNG MKV's CHOICE. m A crimsui, ^ush mounted to lii.-i very temples, ag he returned, v/ith liis us-ial graco, the lady's some- what stately bow — a fli. H not unobserved by the atcute Cecilia, or by the sharper eyes of her sister Louisa, whose glance was bent in that direction. " Why, Mr, Mortimer," said Cecilia doli.t^htodly, you never told mo you knew my teacher ?" " You never asked mo," was the smiling, though somewhat evasive reply. "No, but I have talked about her enough, and you never joined me the least bit. Nov/ udl me don't you like her very much ?" Edward was spared a reply to this rather danger- ous question, by Miss Ludgate, now thoroughly displeased, interposing. " Really, Cecilia, we had hotter spend the re- mainder of the day in discussing that important personage, your Teacher. ^Mr. Mortimer, will you have the goodnesss to come to tho Piano; I want to shew you the new muscic we were speaking about the other evening ? I procured it yesterday." The request was immediately complied with, and in listening to the sweet and exquisitely executed music, it is to be hoped that Edward Mortimer lost all remembrance of the gentle form, and soft dark eyes, that for a moment had dazzled his vision. L •V TIN': YOUNG MEN's^ THOICE. 21 I'Onglily CHAPTER V. "Are words then only fal«e? Aro there no lookB- Mut« but most el()(iuent ;— no gentle cares That win ho much upon the fair young things They seem to guard;" •• IIo might not bo nil I deemed him— Noble, generous, gifted, true; Not the less I fondly deemed him, All those flattering visions drew." Alice returned slowly home. Many a happy family group she met intent on the pleasures of the passing hour; but she herself was sad and ' ^nely— all the more so, perhaps, as she felt disposed to draw a contrast between their situation and her own. " To weep with them that weep," is comparative- ly an easy task to the sympathetic heart ; but to " rejoice with them that do rejoice," though a com- mand equally binding, is far more difficult;— to ex- perience a delight when we see others, and those it maybe strangers to us, possess many sources of enjoy- ment which we sadly lack ; to see them merry and joyous, while our own hearts are prostrated beneath a weight of grief; and yet to feel not only unenvi- oup Ll their condition, but a positive pleasure in beholding their happiness, requires no small amount of christian principle a:.d grace. And to-day Alice seemed partially to have yield- ed to the voice uf temptt have lost sight of the hand that had thus far gently led her on, "even from her chiidhood*s days;" and as a natur- ' ''^^'7^ 'I ■^'i f 22 THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. U" ( ■Mi al consequence, dejected and almost despairing, she pursued her homeward path. Perhaps tlio glance at Mr. Ludgate's casement, had something to do with her present feelings. It is true, Mr. Mortimer's attentions had not been of a pointed character; they had been paid under the name and disguise of friendship; but they were quite sufficient to awaken emotions of interest in a young, warm, and impulsive heart, such as Alice's. He had been a Jivquent visitor at thei. dwelling; ostensibly calling to see her invalid mother, for whom he appeared to entertain a high regard ; but Alice had been obtuse indeed, could she have failed to mark his kindling glance, as he engaged her in animated conversation ; or the warm interest he manifested in her welfare, and the delight and satisfaction her society appeared to afford him. Of late his visits had been few and lar between ; her mother had remarked it, and wondered at the cause, and though outwardly, seeming indiffer- ent, Alice had wondered too ; but now, in one mo. ment, all seemed revealed to her. There was one subject on which Mr. Mortimer and herself had always differed; though very defer- entially his opinion had been expressed, neverthe- less it had given many a pang to her sensitive heart. ^ When wealth, as it sometimes did, became the topic of conversation, he would enlarge so much on its advantages and influence— seem so much to desire it, not for its own sake, but for the benefits it would confer— and to ignore comparative poverty, not exactly as a crime, but as an evil greatly to be 11 THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. 23 ' deplored, that, as we have said before, she would sometimes feel deeply pained at the worldliness of his views, detracting as they did from his many high and amiable qualities. But — " To make idols and to find them clay, And to bewail their worship;" such, sang one tuneful and truthful writer, is woman's lot, and Alice was not excepted from the too common fate. In her own heart, wliile she could not help ac- knowledging that this acquisitive spirit cast a shadow over what she would fain have had — the unsullied brightness of her friend's character, yet, woman-like, she had many excuses to offer. " No doubt his business annoys him, not having sufl&cient means to enlarge it ; it must be galling to a young man of his high talent and business capa- cities, to find himself straitened in every effort, by the want of larger means; and to one of such energy and ambition, it must be hard to see others, less fitted, occupy a rank in life, from which, noth- ing but the absence of wealth excludes him. These were slight excuses to be sure, yet they satisfied her for a time; but now the veil had been rudely drawn away, and she saw that an error in theory, if long cherished, will too surely become an error in practice, and thus be productive of incal- culable evil, to him who has given it a lodgement and resting place. Alice had heard Mr. Mortimer once allude to MissLudgate. Some little incident had come un- der his observation, which placed that young lady in 11. 24 THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. a not very amiable light ; and he had strongly ex- presse.l his disapprobation of her conduct ; this had been all the more remembered by Alice, because Edward Mortimer did not belong to that class of young men who seem to take an especial delight m marki-ig and commenting on woman's faults and foibles. He did not esteem it a mark of manliness, as some appear to do, to ridicule and de- preciate the weaker sex; for a high esteem and re- gard lor woman as woman, had always characterized him ; so that if he censured them in any particular one might be quite sure that his reproof and dis- pleasure were too well merited. Alas, thought Alice, that with all his estimable qualities, pride and worldly ambition should so warp his better judgment, that to secure their gratifica- tion, he will not hesitate to sacrifice, if needs be, the best and truest emotions of his heart. Nor could she help teeling a little bitterly, that had she possessed the coveted wealth, there would have been no demur on Edward Mortimer's part- she knew full well, with woman's keen instinct, that she possessed his high esteem and regard, and re- bellious thoughts of what " might have been," had she been differently situated, drowned for a time the "still small voice" of an upbraiding conscience, and she entered her quiet home, disturbed, restless! and unhappy. . I ■.■I I i': ongly ex- this had ), because to that I especial woman's mark of e and de- n and re- acterized irticular, and dis- stimable '■ so warp ^ratifica- leeds be, rly, that ^e would r's part; ict, that and re- m," had ' a time iscience, restless, THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. 35 CHAPTER VI. •' There is not a grand inspiring thought ; There is not a truth by wisdom taught ; There is not a feeling, pure and high, That may not be read in a mother's eye," "And said I, * I shall dance no more,' For though but young in years, I know what makes men wise and sad, Affection's ceaseless fears ; And that dull aching of the heart. Which is not eased by tears." A pretty chamber was that occupied by Mrs- Weldon. It was on a lower story than the school- room, and commanded a similar view ol the spa- cious and old-fashioned garden. The balmy breath of flowers came wafted in through the open window, from a large white rose- bush that grew directly beneath the casement, and a honey-suckle that clambered over the wall, a few of whose rich blossoms, escaped from their support, peeped curiously in, gazing, perhaps, at their sister flowers, that tastefully arranged, adorn- ed the little work-stand that stood near. Mrs. Weldon, whose health had somewhat im- proved, is seated on a comfortable cushioned arm- chair, propped up by pillows; the small slippered feet resting on an Ottoman, her daughter's pretty workmanship; she had been knitting, a favorite pccupation with her, serving rather to amuse^ than weary her ; but the knitting now lay idly on her lap, and with an invalid's restlessness, she bewail 'Si IM •r ^ 'I' 26 THE YOUxXG men's CHOICE. wishing for Alice, and wonaering \v\v>t ^oukl keep her so long. Not that she stood in need of any little service she might render, for a servant in an adjoining apart- ment was within sound of the hand-bell placed be- side her; but her daughter was the delight of her eyes, the one object of solicitude a.id affection, and her absence, to her idolizing mother, was as the sud- den withdrawal of sunshine ; her presence, the chief earthly blessing to one whose days were evidently drawing to a close. There were painful thoughts connected with the future, that now somewhat disturbed her mind, for well the lady knew, that soon she must sleep the sleep of death ; slowly but surely, her system was succumbing to the effects of an inward disease, which physicians might alleviate, but could never cure, and the one pang connected with her depar- ture, was the remembrance that she must leave her orphan daughter co.7i{)aratively alone, to tread the thorny path of life, to encounter its tempests of care and sorrow, uncheered it might bo, by humaa sympathy, and unassisted by human affection. "But this is wrong," she murmured; "the Helper of him that hath no help, will watch over and guide her; and it may be permitted to me, though unseen, to hover around her, to whisper words of counsel and encouragement, thus per- forming the hallowed mission of one of those bright intclligcncies, sent forth to minister to the heira of salvation." THE YOUNG MEN S CHOICE. 27 )uld keep Tvice she g apart- laced be- lt of her tion, and the 8ud- the chief ividently with the >r mind, 1st sleep '' system disease, d never r depar- iave her 'ead the pests of humaa )n. ; "the 3h over to me, vhisper is per- bright leirs of But her reveries were interrupted by the en- trance of Alice, who had tarried in the parlor until she became more composed ; for no consideration would have induced her to disclose to her mother, the painful and bitter ilioughts which had been swelling within her heart, lest she should add one additional pang to that already wounded and failing spirit. So well had she succeeded in subduing all traces of emotion, that it was with quite a cheerful air she entered the room, and affectionately addressed Mrs. Weldon. '' I hope you feel none the worse for sitting up, dear Mamma. I am afraid you thought me very long gone, but I have been detained a little by meeting with friends, who made many kind in- quiries after you. I dare s.iy, though, Jane has been so attentive, that I need not flatter myself you missed me much." "Missed you, dear child, you are always missed though Jane is a good girl, and I have needed nothing. But come, take off your bonnet and shawl, and sit down by me. I want to have a good look at you, and to hear all about your walk, whom you have seen, and what you have heard." " Indeed you shall be speedily gratified ; but you have not told me how you felt, yet ?" " Well, dear, no worse, and I think a little better than when you went out. This delicious summer air has quite revived me." "Ah, Mamma, I do think you are growing stronger of late, and, perhaps, you will be spared to me for many, many years." 28 THE YOUNG MExN's CHOICE. Mrs Weldon's lips quivered with emotion-emo- ion which she sedulously strove to repress. She knew how Ahce, with all the hopefulneL of youth ung to the belief that she would yet recove'r, „d ]t seemed hard, U seemed cruel, to crush that trust- t!fn 'r'° ^'Y^' ^^ '""'^'"''''S fully the flxtal know edge, which faithful physicians had long since halXT ' r^^i^ ,0 she only placed her^wasted hm.ds 1 vmgly on her daughter's head, and, smooth- ng with a mother's tenderness, the glossy dark W for Alice had taken her favorite Lt'atW mother s knee, contented herself with sayin^- "My times are in the hands of a tender Father ^e bntt e thread of life, all things are possible with ^im If not, let us pray that He will enable us both to say, "Thy will be done." Neither spoke for a few minutes, but at length tlie mo her said in a tone of assumed playfulness s not unobservant of her daughter's dejection ' "But come, Alice, you must not cheat me out of the promised particulars of your walk." Thus appealed to, Alice checked the flood of sor- row that seemed ready to overwhelm her, and be^aa giving a detailed account of the morning's en^a^^e- ment. o o" "And I too," said Mrs. Weldon at its conclusion, ^have had company in your absence; one visitor eame; see if you can guess who?" m telling the right one. THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. 29 on — emo- ess. She of youth, over, and lat trust- the fatal 3ng since !r wasted , smooth- 53y dark it at her ag— Father, then out ible with nable us ' length ■fulness, i out of of sor- 3 began ingage- ilusion, visitor : failed "There, Mamma," she said at length, " I think I h?.vo exhausted the list of our acquaintances ; you will have to tell mc, for I shall never be able to guess." " I wonder you had not thought of Mrs. Ell- wood ?" " Why, you know pIio was quite ill a week or two ago, and though I heard she was better, I did not think she had recovered sufHciently to venture out." " Yes, she is looking quite well now, and the very sight of her face did me good. I think she remain- ed here an hour, for the time passed quickly, talk- ing of by-gone days. She wishes you very much to spend to-morrow afternoon with her. Now that you have given your holidays, you must take ad- vantage of them," she says, " to go out as much as possible." " But, Mamma, I hopo you told her I could not go, for you know it would be impossible for me to leave you so Icng." " Indeed, Alice, you must go. Jane can take excellent care of me, and I shall feel far happier, knowing you are enjoying yourself, than to i;ee you sitting here day afcer day ; your bright youth pass- ing away amid such harrassing cares, and constant attendance on your poor sick mother." " Enjoy myself," and the deep sigh which she could not repress, told how little that sad heart recked of earth's enjoyment. *•' HoVi' could I enjoy myself, knowing you were ill and suffering at home ?" 30 THE YOUNG MEN's CHOICE. "But, indeed, dear child, you must not i,nve way to such feelings. You must rouse yourself, or your health will fail ; and thon what would I,ecome of me, without the faithful care of my dear little daughter. Your dejected tone, Alice, seemed to imply that enjoyment was something you never expected to realize again ; but in the moral, as well as in the natural world, the storm is always suc- ceeded by sunshine; day follows night in re