Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-10-07

elasic that they spring back 60 their former po-
sition as soon the pressure of misfortune is
removed, Il was thus with Athenais. When
the first violence of her anguish had passed
away, she could reflect calmly upon her bereave-
ment and turn TO the memory Of her lost parent
as something holy and dear. She would sit for
hours alone, recalling his very look and tones,
and dwelling foDdly upon his words Of love-
AT such times she would remember all his pre-
cepts and breathe prayer that they might guide
her safely through the pcrilous path Of life.
With a spirit chastened by sorrow, she sought
the home OF her brothers. They had lived apart
from her since the days of childhood, and they
had none Of those gentle and pleasant memories
which lnger so sweetly around the hearts Of
those who hive been reared in the genial atmos-
phere of home. They received their sister as a
stranger, and greeted her with the chilling
words Of unkindness. They feared she would
become dependant ou their bounty, and con-
sumo portion OF the patrimony which they had
so recently inherited. How strange passion
is ayariee-how it contracts every lofty princi-
pie of the mind, and chills every warm emotion
Of the heart. Lcontius had withleld his world
ily riches from his daughter, in order TO bestow
all upon his sons, thinking no doubt, that they
would gladly share the dowry with their only
sister. But the spirit Of avarice had entered
into their hearts, and they grudged the gentle
Athenais a home. They frowned upon her
when she asked their protection, and unwilling
ly granted the shelter they were ashamed TO re-
fuse. She would have turned away from such
unnatural kindred, 10 seek home among strang-
ers, but she had been reared in retirement, and
knew nothing Of life save what she had learned
from study, and she dared not go forth into the
world friendless and alone. Thus, compelled
to accept the boon so ungracionsly granted, she
became an Hnwecome dweller with her inhos-
pitabe brothers But though with them, she
was not one Of their family, for their fresides
never shed q cheering radiance for her, and
their household gods never smiled upon her spiT-
it. She was desolate and unhappy-the mem
ory of her fathers love and kindness was ever
lingering around her heart, making her altered
situation more sad and more difficult TO endure.
Still in the treasures Of her mind, those which
her fOthcrhad deemed so rich alegacy, she found
a resource and shield from despair. There were
moments when she could steal from the troublous
cares that oppressed her, and forget, in study,
and the intellectual pursuits she loved, the ma
ny ills TO which she was subjected. But even
these brief Intervals OF consolation dsAiet.,
and the last flower that bloomed in her darken-
ed pathway seemed about 10 perish. m
hoiDan oil Ihgh Olrth named haruiies, VINO
saw Athenais at the house OF her brother, be-
UuIe vI.-. ssl --;.i = - i---4-- II --.-I 4
more than twice her years, and was man n. oi
beautiful enough to please his satiated fancy.
Surfeited with pernicious sweets, and almost
weary of the life that could afford him no new
Nenioyment, he continually sighed for some new
novelty 10 awaken the sluggish emotions OF m'
heart. That novelty he seemed now TO have
found in Athenais.
ITO be coniinued.) a