The national whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1847, 1847-07-28

welcome company. Peeping at the rosy
children Of her neighbors, II was new and
precious sensation to think that they migh'
soon speak together and know each other
when she would not fear, as OF old, to show
herself before them, lest they should be
qrieyed TO see her in her black dress sitting
there alone
In her thoughts Of her new mother, and
ia the love and trust overlooking her pure
heart towards her, Florence loved her own
dead mother more and more. She had no
fear of setting up rival in her breast, The
new flower sprang from the deep-planted
and long-cherished root, she knew. Every
gentle word that had fallen from the lips Of
The beautiful lady sounded to Florence like
an echo of the voice long hushed and ST.
lent. How could she love that memory less
for living tenderness, when it was her me-
mory Of all parental tenderness and love!
Florence was, one day, sitting reading in
her room, and thinking Of the lady AMI her
promised visit soon--for her book turned
on kindred eubject-when, raising her
eyes, she saw her standing in the doorway.
sMamma 70 cried Florence, joyfully
meeting her, sscome again !"
uNot mamma yet" returned the lady,
with serious smile, as she enclrcled Flo
rence's neck with her arm.
ssBut very soon to be-" cried Florence.
avery soon now, Florence; very SOON
Edith bent her head little, SO as to press
the blooming cheek Of Florence against her
own, and for some few moments remained
thus, silent. There was something 30 very
tender in her manner, that Florence was
even more sensible of it than on the first
occasion of their meeting.
She led Florence to chair beside her,
and sat down: Florence looking in her
face, quite wondering at its beauty, and
willingly leaving her hand in hers.
"Have you been alone, Florence, since
was here last 20
"Oh yes !" smiled Florence, hastily.
She hesitatsd and cast down her eyes
for her new mamma was very earnest in
her look, and the look was intently and
thoughtfully fixed upon her face.
sl-I-am used 10 be alone," said Flo
renee. 81 don't mind it all. Di and
pass whole days together, sometimes. >
Florence might have said, whole weeks,
and months.
SIS Di your maid, love'"
"My dog, Mammal" said Florence
laughing. 'sSusan is my maid"
care these your rooms" said Edith, look
ing round. 81 was not shown these room.
the other day. We must have them i'm
proved, Florence. They shall be made tht
prettiest in the house."
elf might change them, mamma" re
turned Florence 9there is one up stairs
should like much better"
"Is this high enough, dear girl :" asked
Edith, smiling.
9The other was my brothers. room,
said Florence, ssand am very fond Of il
would have spoken TO papa about it whel
lcame home, and found the woEkshen here
and everything changing ; but"
Florence again dropped her eyes, lest III
came look should make her falter again.
-ssbut was afraid it might distress him
q You said you would be here again soor
mamma, and are the mistress Of everything
] determined 10 take courage and ask you.
Edith sat looking at her, with her bril-
liant eyes intent upon her face, until Flo
renee, raising her own, she, in turn, with
drew her gaze, and turned it on the groun,
Il was then that Florence thought no,
different this lady's beauty was from whs
she had supposed. She had thought il {
proud and lofty kind; yet her name
WAS 30 subdued and gentle, tina, if she ha
been Of Florence's own age and character
i scarcely could have invited confdenc
more.
Except when constrained and singula
reserve crept over her and then she seem
ed (but Florence hardly understood thi.
though she could not choose but notice i
and think about it, as if she was humble
before Florence, and ill at ease. Whe
she had said that she was not her MANN
yet, and when Florence had called her tn
mistress Of everything there, this chang
in her was quick and startling and nov
while the eyes Of Florence rested on he
face, she sat as though she would hay
shrunk and hidden from her, rather than 8
one about 10 love and cherish her, in rigt
Of such q near connexion.
She gave Florence her ready promis
about her new room, and said she woul
give directions about it herself. She the
asked some questions concerning DO,
Paul; and when they had sal in convers
ton for some time, told Florence she hs
come to take her to her own home.
eve have come to London now, N
mother and i" said Edith, land you sha
stay with us until | am married. wi.
that we should know and trust each othe
Florence
To be continued)