Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-04-06
Gge Storp Telltr
POOR IDAs
Oh
THE ORPHANS CHOICE.
CHAPTER /.

The events related in the following tale, are
known to the writer and although they bear the
marks of fiction, they may be relied on as
truth, to which many now living could testify
and should this meet the eye of any such, we
hope they will pardon us for laying it before
our readers, as the only object is to do good.
Not many years ago, there lived in enc Of
the southern states family who though poor in
things of this world, were rich in anticipation
of the next, and in the possession Of an only
and beloved child, for whom alone they SEEM
ed anxious TO live. Her name was Ida, and
she was indeed most interesting child. Ad-
ded to her beauty of form and features, was a
disposition calm as a summers evening, and
gentle as the gliding stream. Innocent as a
dove, she knew nothing but happiness, which
with her consisted in rendering others happy
Before she had reached her twelfth year, her
parents were suddenly removed by death and
Ida was left without any relation in whom she
could confde
She was taken into family who had known
her parents, and who were aware of the deep
anxiety they felt in regard TO the proper train
ing of their child.
Having no children, and being in good cir
cumstances, they felt it a duty and privilege
TO adopt Ida as their own and well did they
perform the part of parents, nor did Ida fail
in her duty to them. Although at so tender
an age, she was perfectly aware Of her depen-
dence, and like dutiful child embraced every
opportunity 10 be useful TO them
As soon as suitable preparations could be
made, she was placed in the seminary of S.,
under the care Of Mrs. B-,a lady Of
profound erudition, and possessed of most
pleasing manner of imparting instruction.
BY her uniform good conduct and appica-
tiOn to study, she soon gained the affections
of her teacher; and so rapid was her advance
ment, that in the course of few weeks she
reached the head of her class, where she re-
mained for three years.
Her foster parents visited her often and
watched with growing interest," her rapidly
advancing intellect. Although they longed to
have her with them, they determined to fore
60 that pleasure, and place her in another in
stitution where higher studies were taught.
Accordingly, preparations were made for
her departure. When about leaving, she
went to take her favorite walk in the garden
Every shrub and plant seemed 10 have a new
charm, and the arbor, where she had spent so
many hours in study, was more beautiful than
ever.
But now she must bid farewell TO school
mates whom she tenderly loved, and deeply
painful as ii was, there was still harder task
to perform, that of bidding goodbye to her
teacher They stood, locked in each Others
arms, until the crack of the drivers whip as
sured tlrem that they must separate.
Neither spoke. Ida was handed into the
stage, and as Mrs. B looked anxiousy
in the direction they went, she murmured,
Poor Ida, she is too good for this world,
and with heavy heart, she returned to the
room Ida had just vacated, and found relief in
tears.
Ida's mind was little less at ease, but the
change of place and scenery, forbade her long
remaining solitary.
After few days journey she was again en-
circled in the arms of her parents, who now
thought her more beautiful than ever She
remained at home but few days, and again
left for the institution in which she was to
complete her studies.
In this school the more advanced pupils of
both sexes were taught. Here the orphan
again made friends and soon became a favorite
with teachers and scholars. She pursued her
studies with diligence, and was soon advanced
TO the first class.
This class was composed Of males and fe-
males, and was under the immediate charge
of the President; the Rev. DIR. c., for
merly Of Vermont University. In the class
DIR. c., and Orlando, son of an eminent
aawyer,) who seemed to be rivals, though they
were warm friends
They were both generous, warm-hearted,
noble fellows, but each emulous to excel the
other in every undertaking. 1t was difficult
to tell who made the most rapid advancement
Orlando learned the most readily, but was of
the most impulsive nature, and sometimes
came to hasty conclusions in regard to his les
sons, as well as other matters. Gustave was
hard student, possessed Of retentiye memo
ry, and was of tame and gentle spirit
The two rival students, soon became Tor
would have become) rival suitors Of the or
phan Ida. She, however, refused to listen,
even for a moment, to their solicitations, her
only purpose being to pursue her studies, in
which, she was wholly absorbed.
Thus matters went on for one year. The
three students had made rapid advancement,
but it was noticed that the eyes of Gustave
and Orlando, were frequently more riveted up
on Ida, than their books however, she did
not appear to notice them; and when quizzed
by her schoolmates, would only reply, that ii
their minds were firmly fixed upon the sub
iects they were studying, they would have
-ouite as much to think of as their intellects
could comprehend
Vacation week arrived, and as it was too far
for Ida to visit her home and return in time
for-tE1e opening OF the session, she concluded
To nemain and continue her studies Gus