The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-08-24


going forward ct homs, or of the violets hat
planted on little Harry's grave: in short. to di
vert my thoughts, by every possible means
from the channel in which found them NOV
ing. would not listen to the carriage wheel
as they ratified along the turnpike, to tel
whether any OF them turned up the lane, or not
SAID didn't care-why should Ia-wonderet
how long should have to emain--n make
believe earnest said to myself, should like {,
ges back to trim the bushes and plaAt tn,
flowers. AT length was dressed, yet hesta
ted to descend and have the tea brought to tht
tablet was ike shutting cut some hope
though, even to my thought | had not admit
ted that felt sny hope.
l heard Mike and Rose laughing, as they
put away the milk heard our Watch bar king
and the noises of the evening work at home
but | hoard no indications of the coming O
Mr.. Richards
Come, Miss Hslstead, ve won't wait an,
longer" called Rose from TIE foot of the stairs
and, oarelessly showing back the hair which
had been so long 10 arranging, | descended
with heavy step, and, opening the parlol
door, to my surprise beheld Mr.. Richards, seat
ed comfortably before the fire.
And where is the housekeeper?" | in
CURED.
added, in complimentary way, that he should
get along better without housekeeper thar
with, he thought-the house had not looked 81
comfortable and home-like within his remem
brance
was more than compensated for the davis
labor. We sat down to tea together. Rose
had arranged the table but for two; and, az
praises were bestowed upon everything, and al
the credit given to me, was in spite of M ~
self, happier th"u | had ever been in my life
and Mr.. Richards, believe, was quite as happy
as |. All was quiet, orderly, neat, and none
but emiling faces were to be seen. No ser.
wants busting and quarreling-no querulous
housekeeper exacting and demanding nc
torn1alities, but all simple and natural. How
long we fingered over the tea, repeating the
little incidents of the day, as it passed with me-
and he recapitulating all he had seen, and
heard, and thought Meantime Mike and
Rose were taking their supper in the kitchen
monarchs of all they surveyed and much bet
ter satisfied, apparently, than the rulers Of
wider dOminions.
When we left the tea-tsble, Mr.. Richards
returned to the parlor; and, scarcely knowing
what disposition to make Of myself, | brought
book from the library, and remained in the
tea-room, reading or affecting to read-~for |
own | could not rivet my attention Oh the
page, try as would. Once or twice | closed
the volume resolved to 90 to the kitchen;
where the light shone cheerful, and the voices
OF Rose and Mike wore merry as the larks,
yet hesitated. | had no disposition to intrude
on Mr.. Richards, and there were no further
cares requirisY my attention. | would go to
bed, and sleep But not at the solicitation of
the drowsy god had never been more wake
ful. | replaced the volumo, closed the door Of
the library softly, and was ascending the stairs
TO my own room, when | heard myself called
by name. | listened, for at first | thought
fancy had deceived me but no, was not mis-
taken; and, descending, entered the parlor,
and inquired Of Mr.. Richards, who sat indo-
lently in his easy chair, whether he had sum-
moned me. He wanted my opinion Of some
handkerchief he had bscn purchasing that
day, he said. | examined Them without ait
SiIg said the wee p.ct.T last the Sis aaG
pattern | admired; AID, having said so, was
leaving the parlor, when ho continued, ''but
they require to be hemned, do they not q? 3"
Certainly, aud it would give me pleasure to
finish them for him. would find scissors and
needle--they would employ me pleasantly till
bedtime
MIR. Richards said hs would be eeoatly
Obliged and seeing that | was going, oontn-
ued, doubly So if you VIII give lac the pleas
ure of your company meantime"
| smiled, AID bowed my thanks, aud Rose
was callei to bring the sewing chair and
work basket task which she very gra2iously
performed.
When was seated ct the table, Mr.. Rich
ards turned over tho volumes, inqairing. if he
should read for my amusement.
said, of ell things was good listener
though | read badly.
He lifted his eyes from the volume he was
carelessly turning over, and said, with very
serious tone and manner, A" should not fancy
you did anything badly"
A simple compliment, but it disconnected ne
30 much that could think of no reply; and
TO my relief, he asked after a moment what
he should read.
tried to rally, and replied
"Lend to the rhyme of the poet,
The music of your voice -
"Reai from Coleridge"
He did not Immediately comply, however,
but. assuming tone and manner Of more ear
nestness than was hsbitual to him, repeated :
" The music of my voice. would that it were
music to anybody. Il is very sad, Miss Hal
stead, to be alone in the world" | replied,
that although be had not left him all the
blessings he had known, it was yet better to
had them. And, | continued 'I who have
never had anything to lose, can but imperfect
~ estimate your feelings perhaps"
Ho looked at me long and earnestly 60 long
and SO earnestly that the silence became en-
barrassing. Al length he pronounced my
name" Mary Halstead"
"And wha. do yoI think CT my name :"
He did not reply directly, but asked, instead,
if had always lived st homa.
said yes-I had never before gone out to
service.
He pronounced my name again but with
sorrowf1l and reproachful meaning, which,
however, seemed not to recognise, as | said:
" Why do you ask"
al was thinking where you could have been
he replied.
in the sharp school Of want" ! answered,
" an institution with which you are too little
acquainted to appreciate its endowmenta."
q can, ct least" he said, appreciate the
qualifications of its pupils"
" | wish could" said.
"And can't ycu!"
"No."
Chow so!n
al am o strange compound-I don't know
what am tilted for wish | could estimate
myself correctly; have tried to do so IN vain"
"Haye you ever been in loves" he asked, ab-
ruptly.
"Nc, nor ever been loved" | said, I'd lssita-
tingly.
81 should think not" he. answered, decided
al never fl altered myself" replied, "that
was capable of inspiring affection neverthe-
less, thank you for the confirmation"
"You misinterpkeg my dear Miss HalsteaJ,"
he replied, warmly; and taking my hand as
though | were a child, he continued CON the
contrary, think you perilously endowed"
withdrew my hand Indignantly, and saying
his handsome emendation was quite superhu-
Gus, tried to calmly resume my work. We sat