The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1854-05-04
WHOLE NUMBER l62

! You have told me shall be just what
| wish to be a! And you made me what
/ am in thought and feeling-you have
taught me that there is sunshine and
love, and happiness in this world, which
| always doubted before. What is fame
without love You have loved me, dear
Miss Chandler ; no one else ever did J"
and trembling and sobbing convulsively,
she she bowed her head on my bosom.
l soothed her as we'll as could, and
raising her head gently, l said,
Il fear, Zelia, that this strong ex-
citement will be injurious to your BRAIN"
said L, really alarmed, as l gazed into
her wild, black eyes, and laid my hand
on her burning brow.
" Do not fear for that, my FRIEND"
she said with a smile " that is the lease
of my concern. If / can only be loved
and honored by the good, and great, and
noble, will not think of aught else"
We talked long and earnestly of her
present sitnation, and what it was her
duty to do. She felt bitterly and keenly
the insults and uDkindness heaped upon
her, and frankly told me that she would
rather die than live two years more with
her uncle's family.
"Be patient, Zelia," said gently
" time brings many changes. Some
benevolent person, seeing your talent
and genius, will take you from this dis
agreeable situation, and give you such
home as you deserve. Do not be i'm
patient or morose, it will only make your
trials greater. Bear all with fortitude,
and trust in God"
81 will" said Zelia, firmly. "But
l must 60 now, for my aunt will be home
soon, and l shall get a sound drubbing
if am found away from home !" and
she tripped lightly from the room.
The remaining six weeks of my school
few by on rapid wings, and still Zelia
Lee and myself were firm friends. 1t
was with sad heart that 1 bade her
farewell. We parted-Zelia for her
unhappy home, ten times more miserable
than ever, and for lovely spot that
was waiting for my return, far away
from Lilydale.
Six years few by on the never-weary
wings of Time into the silent land of
oblivion. These six years had wrought
in all many changes; but in none more
than my dearly-loved and never-forgot-
ten pupil of Lilydale-fair Zelia Lee.
Her splendid talents, as well as her
noble nature and peerless beauty, had
won for her fame and honor and love,
among the great and gifted. Her
praises were echoed by every tongue,
and most glorious destiny predicted
for her by every one.
1t was the sixth winter after I had
taught the Lilydalc school, and 1 was
now an assistant teacher in one of the
best seminaries Of the city of Baltimore.
|, with my sister and her husband, bad
been invited to social party, and
though / had little relish for such gath
erings, finally concluded to 60.
/" They say the far-famed young
authoress, Mrs. Frank Efingham, is to
be at the party tonight" said my
brother-in-law, as We entered the brill
lantly llShted room.
"Mrs. Frank Efingham-is lit pos
sible !" was the startled exclamation of
my sister.
1 was about to make some remark,
but at this instant form swept by me,
the flash of whose midnight eyes could
not mistake. Once more l almost de-
voured her with my earnest gaze, as she
stopped short distance from me. L
could not be mi,takeu-it was surely
my Zelia There were the same mid
night eyes, with all the brilliant radiance
OF the olden time, though with glow of
tenderness that her new life had given
them. Her broad, marble-white brow
was shaded by long rich ringlets, falling
in clustering prOiusion over the rich
white satin dress she wore. Her face
was no longer thin and pale, but bright
with the glow of health and happiness
the sallow look had gone, and had left
clear, fine complexion. Her full red
lips we're firm and decided as before,
yet brighter and roster, and more gentle