Ruby's Reward.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 148, 25 June 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

Ruby's Reward.

BY MRS GEOIiGIE SHELDON,

Author of "The Forsaken Bride,

"Brownie's Triumph," "That

Dowdy," etc.

CHAPTER VI.

A NEW REVELATION,

i Edmusd Carpenter had met Ruby Gordon ; at a brilliant reception given by a mutual friend during the previous winter. It was the young girl's first season in ; society, and she was as fresh, beautiful :• and charming as it was possible for a •-'debutante to be. . : Of course she at once attracted a great . deal of attention. She was not one of your regulation society belles, whose one ambi- .-• tion has always been to "come out," at a • certain time, and whose education has been conducted solely with reference to that object. She was natural, sweet, and • piquant,with a mind of her own, and.plenty of spirit to speak »pu* her honest opinions, i and to show her approval or disapproval of ■■■' the modes, and customs of society, and the many admirers who crowded round her. Edmund Carpenter had been fascinated from* the first moment of their meeting. ••Ho had" frequented fashionable circles for.a number of years,, and showered attentions upon many belles without ever , having been captured by one; but he thought he had never seen anyone so lovely as Ruby Gordon. She was not yet eighteen, and was like a sweet, wild rose ; i her spirits were light a* air, every movement ; . was full of unstudied grace, and she was : quick and keen as a brier in conversation and repartee. Besides all this, it was a well-known fact that she was qirito an heiress, independently of being the sister ■~ of the wealthy Robert Gordon, Esq., who occupied an enviable position in Philadelphia. Young Carpenter was what might be • called a handsome man. He possessed a tino form—tall, strong, and symmetrical-a well-shaped head, surmounted by rich dark ■ hair, regular feature--, and line, intclli--1 gent black eyes. He was well educated, polished and affable in manner, and possessing largo wealth, was deemed a "great , catch" in society. But no one, as yet, : seemed to possess power to secure more than friendly attention from • him; for notwithstanding the fact that he was ■ twenty-six years of age he had never been engaged, and no one had thought him " likely to be, until Ruby Gordon, appeared upon the scene. He was attentive to all the belles alike - rode, danced, flirted with and sent flowers to the many, but no one in ; particular. " But from the moment of Ruby Gordon's ' entrance into society, a change seemed to come over' him. He- hovered about her 1 continually; he had no eyes or ears for •anyone else, and devoted himself to her. exclusively, while he appeared to regard the •' attention of others as an infringement -' upon his rights. . \- People began to talk about it—to say that 'Edmund Carpenter, the "male ■ 'coquette and flirt," had been captured at ' last, and so it seemed. '- Robert Gordon was not displeased with this state of things; indeed, he viewed them with comp'acpney: ' ■ | ■ He had lpn^ known and respected Ralph ■ GarpSitStVj fi's Svery Qiie else Karl clone, and • . though he had not met Edmund until quite | ■ recently, he believed he must be a worthy f son to have had so noble a father. r , He was, as we have already seen, extremely fond of his young sister, who: was fifteen . year,s his junior ; indeed, she wag more like : a daughter to him,and he had humoured her \ every wish ever since his widowed mother's 1 • death, which had occurred ten ye.irsprevioug, \ when she had commended the delicate child ;to his dare, and begged him to guard her faithfully from the evils and storms of life. '■-',: He had been true, to; his trust—so true that he had almost made an idol of her ; and now he could not repress a thrill of pleasure as he became conscious. that the wealthy young millionaire seemed likely to choose his treasure from .the galaxy of 'beauties in their circle, and thus secure to her a position second to none in the city It was not Edmund Carpenter's wealth and position alone that influenced him, for ■ ;Ruby would have those if she never married ;. sit all; but he had been pleased with the j young man, and although he knew there [was considerable difference in their ages, yet he argued that he was all the better calculated to take care of her from that very fact, t': He had always- said he would never dictate to her in a matter bo important to her interests; she should be free to choose for herself—to decide regarding her,pwn happiness, and he would" liave sanctioned her of any worthy and honourable man, ! without regard to possessions or station. Once or twice he attempted to sound Ruby regarding her sentiments'toward, her suitor. ' "It seems to me that young Carpenter is f. getting quite friendly in this neighbour- : hood," he remarked, wjth significant em.phasis, one evening after the gentleman had made a protracted call. " Oh, he only dropped in to bring me a book that we were talking about the other day," Ruby responded, but with a little extra colour in her cheeks. " Isn't it a trifle strange, petite, that you should prefer Aw society, .to that of others nearer your own age? asked Mr Gordon, tending a searching glanco upon the tair face that was so dear to him. "Hike people who talk misibly to me, Robert," she returned, with an expressive shrug of her pretty shoulders. " Sensibly ?" he echoed, in surprise. ' "Yes, most of the young men j whom 1 meet in society talk such nonsense. " Sv.ch as what, for instance ?" "Oil, about my hair, my eyes, my 'pretty feet,'and 'lovely dancing,, comparing them with somebody else_s imperfections, and all manner of absurd chattel. Idespise flattery and compliments "Oh, Ruby! when you always come to ■ \ me to be told how pretty you look, beiore. § you go anywhere, and seem to hke.it, too . 1 fetortud her brother, roguishly. _ m . ".Well, of course," she answered, taugftpgand blushing, " you Iqye me, anil you |t«waysmeajj what you say." . v , "True," replied 'Mr Robert Gordon, with »' amused smile, while he was sure thac the same could not be said of many ot iiei admirers; " but how does Mr Carpentei s conversation differ ?" , T . "He talks to me as if he thought 1 posBp some brains; as if he »"aSine n d nf i »nW think of something besides; dross, ana toeing,- and gayety. He is fond of music ; so ami He can'tell you the name and something of the history of almost any m composer. He knows a.gooddeal I »bont arts and artists. Then it is.real y IWe like a review lesson to hear hm talk ?P°n history, both modern and- ; j*a«.the standard authors are like house ™ja names to him." ' ~ ~«■ You enjoy his society then . 'Y-eg; I enjoy talking with him. xcis gig after listening to the small talk of praise, Mr Gp. mMm not at all vhtftV young gB Hg bestow upon the man yhmg Miff to love. But he was not wtteted ' *^op the subject; jusfc yet.- " '■:\ < .

. Mr Carpenter stands well, Ruby. He W rich, handsome;, and well educated, and I suspect Dhab you are very much favoured by Ins attentions. 1 feel rather proud of his preference for you." --~._--. Ruby blushed at this, but looked grave. yes, he v well educated and rather good-looking and he is pleasant company," she-3aid, musingly ;" bub—" "Well, but what?" questioned her m-other, watching her expression closely. 1 am not quite sure that he is a very goofi man, was the rather startling reply." VV Juifc do you mean by that, petite ? 1 nave never heard a word against Mr Carpenter's character."

'"Of course nob; neither have I. But somehow, when he gets to talking upon some subjects lie oxp'ressess himself in a way that Ido not like. He is hard and cynical. He is not sympathetic and charitable, as I think every good man should be, and he is sometimes overbearing and—and and just kind toward people in humble circumstances."

|| You must not be too critical, Ruby." " 1 hope I am not, Robert," replied the young girl, lifting her earnest face to her brother, " bub I believe in high ideals. I could never really like or respect anyone who was nob noble and good at heart." I might enjoy a man's society because of his intellectual ability, but I could not admit such a one to my conn.ience and friendship, if he were nob possessed of honour, integrity and kindness of heart."

" And do you consider that Mr Carpenter is devoid of those attributes ?"

"I should not like to say just that, Robert, and yet he says and' does a good many things that jar upon me."' Robert Gordon was surprised. His sister was showing him a new phase of character today. He .had no idea that slic possessed so much penetration ; that she was in the habit of thinking and reasoning so profoundly, or of weigh:ng the character and motives of people so nicely. He knew that she was good and kind and gracious toward everyone; but he had always believed that it was natural to her, rather than she had been actuated by any special regard for principle. She was invariably bright andjiappy, so care-free that he had never imagined her pretty head could ever be seriously troubled by the more serious questions of duty and obligation. It was like a solemn revelation to him, and made him feel as if he had been guiltily neglectful not to have sought to know before more of her inner life. Ho feared that he had treated her too much as a child, a pet,a plaything, and thus starved her, when he should have fed her with strong me.t suitable for a more fully developed nature'! But it was a new bond between them, and drew them nearer than ever to each other.

He reached out his hand, and laid it gently on her shoulder.

"It is well to set your standard high, dear," he said, but we must not forgeb that everybody i.« human, and we have need to exercise toward others that charity which ' covereth a multitude of sins.' I will confess that I have been pleased with Mr Carpenter's preference for you, for I have considered, him ji worthy young man ; and if • mind, my pet, I would not influence you a feather's weight - if he should find favour in your eyes, it would give me great satisfaction. He is,wealthy. He owns a beautiful estate not far from the city; and it would be a great comfort to me to have you so pleasantly settled,, wliile thus, Ruby, I could always have you near me." "Robert,!'" cried the young girl, with a startled crimson face, "I have never thought of anything like that. I a;n.not yeb eighteen years old, and—and " " I know, dear, that you are very young, and under any other circumstances I would not have spoken so plainly. But I have eyes. I can see that Mr Carpenter will not be content to remain long in a state of single blessedness, if he can gain the prize that he covets, and so, Ruby, I have said this tiiafc you may riot fie taken unawares. ( , . - . . ■ There was another and stronger reason why Robert Gordon had tried to sound his sister's feelings, i From time •to time he had warnings that all was not as well with him as he could wish, or as it should be with a man of his years. . - -

Severe gains in his left side,' certain sensations as if his heart suddenly turned over and then -ceased its action entirely, made him fear that, he might nob remain long in the world to care for his beautiful, orphaned sister, and he experienced a strong desire to have her happily settled in life before any ill should overtake him and thus leave her without a protector and at the mercy of unprincipled fortune-hunters. He had been correct in his suspicions. Edmund Carpenter had resolved to win lovely Ruby Gordon for his wife, if possible. She was not only beautiful in form and feature, charming in manner, winning every heart by her sweetness, piquancy, and orace, but nobility itself in character and principle. He had been astonished, as his acquaintance with her progressed, at the depth of thought which she manifested, the intellectual ability that she displayed and the lofty sentiments which pervaded her conversation and shone forth in all her deeds and bearing. He. had never met anyone like her, and he had set his whole heart upon making her his wife and the mistress of his elegant home. ... With this object in view, it is nob sbrange that he sought to mask the baser elements ■of his own nature, carefully governing his laneuao-e. and deportment when in her presence, and exerting every art and fascination of which he was master to achieve his cherished purpose.

CHAPTER VII. A FEAST AND AN UNBIDDEN GUESTS. In October, a leading paper of the city announced that "one of our noted poets— whom, as. this incident is a true one, we shall call Mr Whitfield - was to be in town shortly, and that Mr Robert Gordon and lady would extend'to him their hospitality in the form of a grand reception to be given on the 20th." This announcement created quite a flutter among certain people, for Mr and Mrs Gordon were literary in their tastes, moving in the most select circles, and were deemed a great acquisition to society ; therefore it was considered quite an honour to be bidden to a reception given by them upon any occasion, and doubly so under the present circumstances. . . . The important evening arrived, and the Gordon mansion was all ablaze with light from attic to basement. Rare and fragrant flowers and plants were arranged with taste and profusion in every room and hall, and loaded the air with their perfume. A Stall but select orchestra had been enS£ed to discourse choice music for the SUwisure of-the guests, and everything had been done to make the.evening an enjoyable as well as a memorable one.. ■ Mrs Gordon, a beautiful woman of stately m-esence, but possessing ■ a rather cold, Soudface, was elegantly clad in lavender sX richly trimmeel with white duchesse Hce and wearing costly diamonds, stood at one end of her tasteful drawing-room, with nol husband by her side, to receive her gUßuby was lovely in Avhite silk and tulle •Tl Kmino-s of bright red berries and d"S^wa^n green leaves, and flitted gaily daik waxui of joy that she was, St" -ake PevWbodyhappy and at CaAt nine o'clock a brilliant company of them . «<Heirs ■

"Heirs • t Of truth and pure delight fey heavenly lays.

The poet stood at the right of his host and hdstess,-- and was, of course, the cynosure of all eyes. He was a venerable-looking man, having an intellectual head, which was surmounted by hair of snowy whiteness : ; keen yet kindly grey eyes, and somewhat sharpened features, which, however, wore a pleasant and genial expression, while his manner was most affable and courteous toward all. A little later there came a violent noisy ring of the door-bell. The polite usher of sable face, who was clad in shinin^•broadcloth, with a vast; expanse of polished shirtiron t, and who rejoiced in the distinguished cognomen of Thomas Jefferson Coffee, shrugged his broad shoulders disapprovingly at this very unaristocratic ring, but hastened to admit the impatient guest, whoever he might be. ° He swung the door wide open, with his best bow, only to find, standing without, a small, rural-looking man, clad in a rough though respectable suit of mixed good's, leather boots whose soles were at least half an inch hi thickness, cotton gloves, a lowcrowned hat, and a bright scarf or muffler wound about his throat, while he carried a huge cotton umbrella in one hand.

His face was ruddy with health, and remarkable for its benevolent, good-natured expression, and he smiled affably as the shining African suavely appeared to invite him to enter.

_" Is Mister Whitfield, the poet, here tonight?" questioned the stranger, nimbly stepping into the vestibule before the astonished usher could take breath.

" i'es, sah ; Mr Gorden receives for him to-night, .sah,'1 responded Mr Coffee, drawing ■himself-up with imposing dignity, and dexterously .planting himself in the doorway leading into the hall, as if to bar the intruder from trespassing further. "I know ib— I saw it in the paper more'n a week ago —that lie was going to give him a big time, and I've come fco have a look ab him," and without more ado the man stepped boldly through the inner door, pushing resolutely past the astonished usher deposited his umbrella in a beautifully painted receiver,removed his hat and gloves, unwound his gay-coloured scarf from his throat, and began to look about him with curious interest.

"Excuse me, sah" said the perplexed darkey, approaching him, "but did you have cards for dis reception, sah ?"

" Card*! you don't mean to tell me that they sell tickets for the show, do you ?"' demanded the new-comer, looking nonplussed at this unexpected question. "Y\ ell," he added, "I am beat; but if that's the game, I guess I can settle," and plunging his hand into one of his capacious pockets he drew forth a handful of silver and held it out to the man.

"There; help yourself," ho said; "I sha'n'b be particular aboiit the amounts, for, you see, I've come three hundred miles to geb a squint at the chap that makes the best, verses that ever was writ, and I can't be disappointed, no how."

Thomas Jefferson Cofl'ce eyed that handful of gleaming silver wistfully, but shook his head with an air of grave rejection.

"I'm afraid it won't do," he replied, dubiously: " you see, dis am a private reception, and nobody can be admitted unless he lias a particular invitation."

" Jell','1 called a sweet voice just at that instant, "come here a moment," and, looking up, the two men saw Ruby standing not far from them. She had been passing through the hall just as the stranger entered, and she had caught something of what he had said. Jeff obeyed her call, and in a low tone explained what had occurred, while the young girl's face dimpled with amusement, and her eyes gleamed with merriment over his account.

" Of course we must manage someyr&y to let him see Mr Whitfield, if he has come Such a long distance," she said, after thinking a moment. 'Til go and speak with him, then you can show hifn to the library, while I ask Mr Gordon to arrange an interview for him."

Miss. Ruby's word was law in the house, and the man bowed assent to her command, though with a broad grin on his face, which disclosed two rows of huge white teeth, as he began to scent the fun of the affair. Ruby, her kind heart all aglow with sympathy for this rough but appreciative stianger, who had come three hundred miles to see the poet whom he loved, approached and addressed him.

"Good-evening, sir," she said. "Jeff tells me that you are anxious to see Mr Whitfield, -who is our guest to-night."

The man looked her over, an expression of admiration and delight, mingled with something of roverence for her exceeding loveliness, sweeping over his goodnatured countenance.

" Yes, miss," he answered. " I read in the paper—we take the " Weekly Press," you see—that Mister Gordon was going to give him a big reception, and I thought 'twould be tho best chance I'd ever have to see him, so I've come. The coloured gentleman," with a wave of his hand toward Jeff, which, together with the considerate title bestowed upon him, won that individual's heart for all time, "asked me if I'd got cards. I didn't know 'twas a regular ticketed show. I went to Washington once to see the President, and nothing was said about tickets, but I'm willing to pay what's right if I can only see the man that's walked right into my old heart with his sweet way of saying things." Ruby had hard work to restrain her smiles at the man's simplicity, and the idea of her brother having a "ticketed show" under any circumstances; while she wondered what her aristocratic sister-in-law would say to this novel name bestowed upon her o-orgeous reception for her noted guest. a But she was deeply touched by the strano-er's evident reverence for the poet, and she resolved that he should not be disappointed, if she could help it. " I think my brother will be very glad to manage it for you," she replied, kindly; " and 1 am sure that Mr Whittield will appreciate the trouble that you have taken to see him. Jeff .will show you to the library while I go to find him." But the bell rang again just then for some late-comer, and Jeff had to attend the door, so Ruby, anxious to get the unpolished visitor away from his conspicuous position in the hall, added: tl Come this way, please, and I will show

you." "Are you Mr Robert Gordon's sister?" he asked, as he turned-to accompany-her. " Yes ; my name is Ruby Gordon." " They'd better have called you a pearl; you look more like one," he returned, his round, grey eyes expressing his delight in her beauty. "We used to think our Anna was'wonderful good-looking," he added, with a sorrowful curve of his lips and a quaver in his voice, as he spoke the name, " but she couldn't hold a candle to you."

Ruby smiled and flushed; but she knew the compliment was sincere, if it was roughly expressed, and she could not resent

'" Then you have a daughter ?" she remarked, as she quickened her steps toward the library. '■•,.', , " No, not now. Anna died more n a year ago; but she was a sweet, good girl, and we pub one of Ida verses on her tombstone," replied her companion, with a significant o-esture toward the drawing-room, whence came the sound of many voices. " Was she your only one ?" Ruby asked, gently, while her fair face was full of sympathy for his loss. "Yes; we haven't a chick nor a child left, and mother and I are considerably put about to know what we shall do with the property when we get through with it," he replied, with a sigh. " There," said Ruby, wheeling forward a comfortable chair, but feeling a trifle embarassed ab the confidential turn the conversation was taking ; " sit here, please, for a'few minutes. And now, if you will

kindly give me your name, I will bring my brother and introduce Him to you.'- ;

"Ruggles, miss — Owen ' Ruggles, of Redville ; and I'm sure you're very kind." Ruby glided from the room, closing the door after her, for she knew that her proud sister would be greatly mortified and disturbed if it should become general^ known thab bins uncouth stranger had intruded himself ab her reception ; while she also knew that if a reporter should get hold of it, the incident would be a dainty morsel to be served up, for the delectation of the hungry multitude, in the morning papers. She found her brother engaged in a quiet conversation with the poet himself. With her face all aglow, and her eyes gleaming, she glided to1 his side, slipped her hand within his arm, and whispered :

" Robert, I have something rich to bell you and Mr Whitfield."

"Ah! is that so? Then let us have it at once, by all means," he. returned, glancing fondly down into her face. She told her story then, in such a charm-

ing, animated way, and with such keen appreciation of both its drollery and pathos, that both gentlemen were greatly delighted. " Bless the man !" exclaimed Mr Whiti field, heartily, when she had concluded, while there was a suspicious moisture in his eyes ; "of course I Avill see him ! I do not know when I have felt so honoured ! And he has come three hundred miles to see a brother man, simply because he happened to touch a poefcic chord in his own nature and make it vibrate !"

He turned as if to leave the room immediately, bub somebody claimed his attention and he was detained, though, in a whispered aside, he told Ruby to ask- Mr Ruggles to wait, and he would come to him just as soon as he could find an opportunity todoso.

(To be Continued.)