New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1847-09-22

d" scarcely thought you could De here,r iorehce-
Again, how altered and how soissned IN an instant
Il leit here early pursued Edith, p1rposely
u sit up-stairs aud talk with you. But. going ~
your room, ionnd my bird was flown and have
been waiting there ever since expecting It's return
II i, had been bird indeed. she could not have
taken it endery and gently 70 her breast than
she did Florence
Come dear
Papa will not expect 70 find me suppose, when
be wakes hesitated Florence.
DO YOU think he will, Florence :" said Edith,
looking full upon her.
Florence dropped her head, and rose, and put up
her work basket Edith drew her hand through her
arm, aud they went out OF the room Ike sisters -
Herr very step was different and new 70 him. Mr.
Dombey thought as his eyes followed her 70 the
door
He sat in his shadowy corner SO long that the
church clocks struck the hour three times before be
moved that night All that while his face was still
intent upon the spot where Florence had been
seated The room rev darker as the candles
yaned and went out but darkness gathered on
his face exceeding any that the night could cast
and rested there.
Florence and Edith seated before the ire in the
remote room where little Paul had died. talked To-
gether for a long time. Diogenes. who vas OF the
party had at irstObiectcd % the admiss0nof Edith
and even in Difference 20 bis mstresss wish, had
only permitted il under growing protest But,
emerging By little and little from the ante room.
whittier he had retired In dudgeOn, he soon ap-
peared 10 comprehend, that with the most amiabe
intentions he had made one OF those mistakes which
will occasionally arise in the best regulated dogs
minds as n friendly apology for which he stuck
himself up end between the two IN very hot
place in front OF the fire. and sat painting at IT, with
his tongue out and most lmOecle expression OF
countenance, listening tn the conversation.
IL turned at first, on FlOrence's books and IA
vorite pursuits. and on the manner IN which she
-. r,rol 49, f.a
last theme opened up to her subject which lay
very near her heart, and she said, with the tears
starting TO her eyes:
ION. mammal have had a great sorow since
that day
you a great sorrow, florence
Eyes Poor Walter is drowned
Florence spread her hands before her face, and
wept with ali her heart. Many as were the Sc
cret tears which Walters fate had cost her, they
flowed yet when she thought or spoke of him
But tell me- dear said Edith, soothing her
Who was Walter What was he to you
He was my brother, mamma. After dear Paul
died we said we would be brother and sister.
had known him a long time-from a little child
He knew Paul who liked him very much Paul
said, almost at the last, Take care Of Walter.
dear papa | was fond Of him Walter had
been brought in to see him, and was there then
in this room
" And did he take care of Walter p inquired
Edith sternly
Papa lie appointed him to 60 abroad. He
was dro xned in shpwreck on his voyage said
Florence sobbing.
-" Does he know that he is dead p asked Edith.
"Icsnnottel, mamma have no means OF know
ing Dear mammal cried Florence, clinging 10 her
as for help, and hiding her face upon her bosom,
know that you have seen
STAY Stop, lorenzo" Edith turned so pale,
and spoke so earnestly, that Florence did not need
her restraining hand upon her lips. TEL me all
about Walter first let me understand this history
all through
Florence related it. and everything belonging to
it, even down to the friendship Of Mr.Toots, OF whom
she could hardly speak in her distress without
fearful smile, although she deeply grateful to
him. When she had concluded her account TO the
whole OF which Edith. holding her hand listened
with close attention, and when silence had sue
ceeded Edith said
What is il that you know have seen, F lorence'
That am not said Florence, with the same
mnte appeal, and the same quick concoalment Of
her face MS before. that ala lot iavorite child
mamma. ! never have been. have never known
hoy 10 be | have missed the way. and had no one
to show it to me. Oh, let me learn from you how
to become desrer to papa. Teach mel you, who
can well and ciineing closer 10 her, with some
broken feiyeni words OF gratitude and endearment
Florence relieved Of her sad secret vept long but
bat not as painfully Of yore within the encircins
arms OF her new mother.
Pale even to her lips and with face that strove
for composure until its proud beauty was as liked as
death Edith lOOk down upon the weeping giri and
once kissed her Then, gradually disengaging
herself and putting Florence away, she said, state
w and quiet as a marble image, and in voice that
deepened as she spoke, but had no other token OF
emotion in il.
Florence. you do not know me Heaven for
bid that you should learn from me!
Not learn from your repeated Florence IN
surprise.
That | should teach you how TO love, or be
loved Heaven forbid" said Edith, If you could
teach me that better but it is too late. You
are dear to me- Florence. i did not think that any
thing could ever be SO dear to me- as you are In
this little time.
Shesaw that Florence would have spokenh here, so
checked her with her hand. and went
Il will be your true friend always. will cher
ish YOU as much II not well any one IN this
world could. You may trust 10 me- know II aud
| say it. dear-with the whole confidence even OF
vour pure heart. There are hosts OF women whom
he might have married better aud truer in all other
respects than am. Florence but there is not one
who could come here his wife whose heart could
beat with greater truth to you than mine does
L know it, dear mamma cried Florence. -
From that first most happy day have known II.
Most happy day e. Edith seemed TO repeat
the words Involuntary, and went on Though
the merit is not mine, for thought little OF you IN
iii saw YOU let the undeserved reward be mine in
your trust and love. And in ths-in this, Florence
on the first night of my taking up my abode here
am led on as it is best | should be, TO say II for
the first and last time.
Florence without knowing why. felt almost afraid
10 hear her proceed, but kept her eyes riveted on
/ the beautiful face so fixed upon her own.
Never seek to find in me- said Edith, laying
her hand upon her breast, what is not here
Never if you can help it, Florence fall of from me
because 1t is not here Little by little You Will
/ know me better, and the time will come when you
will know me as | know myself Then, be as
enient to me as you can, and do not turn TO bitter
ness the only sweet remembrance shall have.
The tears that were visible IN her eyes as she
kent them fixed on Florence, showed that the com
/ nosed face was but as a handsome mask but she
/ preserved H. and continued
d. | hare seen what you say and know how true
tits. But believe me-you will soon, If you cannot
nowhere is no this earth less qualified TO
setit right or helpyou, Florence than l. Never ask
me why. or speak to me about Il or OF my husband,
more. There should be, so far. division, and
silence between us two, like the grave itself
She sat for some time silent Florence scarcely
venturing to breathe meanwhile, as aim and im-
perfect shadows of the truth, and al It's daily con-
sequences chased each other through her TERMED
yet increduous Imagination. Almost as soon As sne