Under A Mask.

upon as a noble , brave-hearted gentleman , who would be willing to acknowledge his love for her before the world , was a villian ; for had he not , again and again , sought her presence upon the slightest pretext ? And had he uot shown preference for her society by leaving all the hih-born

g beauties who assembled in the magnificent drawing-rooms of the nobilit y , to wander alone with the young governess amid the green woods , or to spend the evening beneath her mother ' s humble roof ? while every lookevery action showed his feelings

, towards her ; and yet six months had passed , and still his love was unspoken ; so no wonder hope had nearly departed from Hester ' s bosom .

At length Lord Stanhope was killed by a fall from his horse while hunting with the Prince of Wales and a party of noblemen ; so the lover of Hester became Lord Stanhope . Then the lowly girl seemed at a greater distance titan ever from the

highborn gentleman ; and one day , in a fit of desperation , the new-made lord , finding Hester alone in the children ' s school-room , confessed his passion for her , asked her to share his wealth ; told her he should over love and remain true to her ; but ho could

not make her his wife on account of the difference in station . With 63 'es flashing scorn and defiance from their dark depths , red lips curling proudly , and golden head erect , Hester rejilied to her lover ' s insulting proposals .

" How dare you , Sir Hugh , address me in such a manner ? Because I am poor and lowly , with no protector but my dear mother , do you thus insult me 1 You are an honourable gentleman , truly . I hate , loathe , scorn you ; and know , sir , I had

rather wed a beggar in the street , if he had a heart that was filled with respect for woman , than he the mistress of such as you , though I could wear velvets , silks , and gloaming jewels . 1 " had rather have true , pure love , than all your worthless splendour . Shame upon you to take advantage of an unprotected girl . "

And Hester hurst into an agony ol weeping , for she could not help her grief , as she thought of the dreary future uulighted by a single ray of affection . " Hester , darling , forgive me . On my knees I sue for pardon . I let pride and the opinion of the world upon my conduct for the moment get the master of my

bettor nature . I am ashamed of the insult I offered to you , my spotless lily , my woodland violet . Will you become my dear , my honoured wife 1 And although all the world may sneer , I can defy it , for I shall have my darling Hester by my side . " For a moment the governess hesitated ,

for she was very proud , and could not forget the insult offered to her by the man she loved , but her gentle heart soon forgave her idol , and placing her hands in her lover ' s she consented to he Ids . So Hester Graham became Lady

Stanhope , and although for a time she was unrecognized by the nobility , yet when the Queen , hearing of the sweet and endearing qualities of the young Lady Stanhope , sent for her at the palace , and giving her a place among her ladies-in-waiting , she lavished every attention upon her ; then the humble governess became one of the brightest ¦ ornaments at court , while all who

had slighted now followed and feted the royal favourite . Three happy years flitted by ; then Hester became a widow , and a few months after the death of her husband , while riding out in company with her mother , the horses became unmanageableran

, violently along the country road , and overturning the carriage , Hester was thrown down a steep bank , and while Mrs . Graham escaped with but a slight injury , her daughter was disfigured for life ; so said the evening papers , and the conduct of

Lady Stanhope sanctioned the rumours , for , from the time of the accident , she lived in strict seclusion , while in her drives and walks she always had her face concealed by a mask . The two young daughters of Mrs . Graham being dead , . 1-1 ester persuaded her mother to give up her little cottage , and for the future make her home with her . '

So , at twenty-four , Lady Hester Stanhope , in spite of her youth , amiable qualities , and immense wealth , was looked upon as an object of pity by her late friends , for her deformity must be frightful , her face repulsive , to bo always covered by that thick mask of silk and lace .

But although Hester ' s misfortune was such that she lived in seclusion , yet man )'" sought her hand for the wealth she possessed , and knowing well the motive , the lady refused all offers with the scorn they merited .