Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-05-25

estate, of which so large share belongs O.
right to you. | am confident that when you
know my Laura you will forgive me this
merely nominal injustice. OF course, this con
nection can make no sort of difference in YOU
rights and expectations. You will always
have home at my house. Laura is delighted
with the idea of such a companion, and says
she would on no account dispense with tha
arrangement. And whenever you marry, as
girls do and will, | shall hold myself bound tc
satisfy any reasonable wishes on the part OF
the happy youth that wins you. Circumstan-
ces FASTENED my marriage somewhat unex-
pectedly, or l should certainly have informed
you previously, and requested your presence al
the nuptial ceremony. We have secured a
beautiful house in Brooklyn, and shall expect
you to join US as soon as your present year ex-
pires. Laura sends her kindest regards, and
| remain, as always, your sincere and affec-
tionate brother, GEORGE SoMERs."
Not long after the receipt of this letter, one
of the instructresses in the institution where
resided requested the favor of private inter-
view. She then said she knew something
generally of my position and prospects and
as she had always felt an instructive interest
in my fortune, she could not see me leave the
place without seeking my confidence, and rem
derlng me aid, if aid was in her power
Though surprised and, to say the truth, indig-
nant, simply enquired what views had oc-
Cured TO her with regard to my future life.
She said, then, very kindly, that although
was not very thorough in any branch of study,
yet she thought had a decided taste for the
lighter and more ornamental parts of female
education. That a few months earnest at
tention to these would fit me for position in
dependent of my connections, and one of which
none Of my friends would have cause 10 be
ashamed.
am deeply panied to own to you how an
swered her. Drawing myself up, l said,
coldly-
/ am obliged to you, madam, for your
quite unsolicited interest in my affairs. When
leave this place, it will be to join my brother
and sister in Brooklyn, and, as we are all rea-
sonably wealthy, must try to make gold var
nish over any defects in my neglected educa-
ton.
looked to see my kind adviser entirely an
initiated by these imposing words, but she an
c,vnrad with nerfact ca1mnacS
i know Laura Wentworth, now Mrs So
mers. She was educated at the North, and
was pupil of my own for year. She is
wealthy and beautiful, and hope you will
never have cause 10 regret assuming a posi-
tion with regard to her that might be mistaken
for dependence
With these words, my well-meaning, but
perhaps injudcous friend, took leave, and |
burst into mocking laugh, that hoped she
might linger long enough 10 hear it. "This
is too good - | repeated TO myself-but
could not feel perfectly at ease. However,
soon forgot all thoughts of the future, in the
present duties of scribbling in fifty albums, and
exchanging keepsakes, tears and kisses, with
like number Of rery intimate friends.
1t was not until had finally left school, ant
was fairly on the way to the home Of my broth.
er, that | found moments leisure to think
seriously of the life that was before me.
confess that | felt some secret misglvings, as
stood at last upon the steps of the very elegant
house that was to be my future home. The
servant who obeyed my summons, enquired i
/ was Miss Rankin, name | had never borne
since childhood
was about to reply in the negative, wher
she added, If you are the young lady that Mr.
Somers is expecting from the seminary, viii
show you to your ROOM
followed mechanically, and was left in {
very pretty chamber, with the information tina
Mrs. Somers was a little indsposed, but would
meet me at dinner. The maid added that Mr.
Somers was out of town, and would not return
till evening. After a very uncomfortable houl
during which resolutely suspended my opin
ion with regard to my position, the dinner
bell rang, and the domestic again appeared tC
show me to the dining room.
Mrs. Somers met me with extended hand
{ NV dear Miss Rankinr she exclaimed,
am most happy to see you. have heard
George speak of you so often and so warmly
that consider you quite as relative. Come
directly to the table. am sure you must be
famished after your long ride. l hope you
will make yourself one of us, at once, and lei
me call you Fanny. May l call you cousin
Fannyl' she pursued, with an air Of sweet
condescension that was meant to be irresist-
able
AS you please replied coldly.
To which she quickly responded, "Oh, that
will be delightful
She then turned to superintend the carving
of fowl, and had time to look at her undis-
turbed. She was tall and finely formed, with
small delicate features, and an exquisite grace
In every movement; naughty sweetness that
was perfectly indescribable. She had yery
| beautiful teeth, which she showed liberallv
when she smiled, and in her graver moments
her slight features wore an imperturbable Sc
renity, as if the round world contained moth.
ing that was really worth her attention. Al
animated statue, cold, polished and pitiless
was my inward thought, as | bent over my
dinner.