The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1854-05-04
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afternoon they had for holiday and l
examined them that afternoon, and read
them before the school the next morn
ing. l knew the signatures of some of
them; but Of others | conld not tell
who was the author One signature a
single star always had uncommonly good
compositions. | could think of no one
but my favorite Zelia, who was capable
of writing such excellent compositions
but they did not seem like her-they
were too quiet and gentle for her strong,
energetic mind But this day the starr
had a different composition than those
heretofore. 1t was an essay on " The
Discipline of the Mird," and by its force
and power and thrilling energy, knew
its writer could be no other than Ielia
1t was eloquently written, and l was
really astonished at the depth of thought
and power of mind there displayed. l
could not have written such compost
ton myself-it was not in my power.
l read it through, and laying it down
upon the table, I said to myself,
The author of that article is pos
sessed of Gods highest gift-genius !"
A light knock at the door interrupted
me, and rising and opening it, 1 saw
Zelia Lee standing before me.
"Do forgive me, dear Miss Chandler" )"
said the girl, as l smillingly bade her
enter, +" for interrupting you. Aunt
Jane and the girls are all gone away
this afternoon, and as l have got all the
work done they told me to do, l wanted
dreadfully to come over and see you"
"You are very welcome, dear Zelia, ="
said 1 kissing her tenderly, 4" l am very
glad you came" ....
Il was just looking over the compo-
sitions handed in to-day. Here il one
that very much admire it is entitled
The Discipline of the Mind" 1t is a
noble composition, the best that has yet
been handed in. Have you any idea
who is the author, Zelia :" asked I with
smile. .
The face of the girl flushed to the
very eye-lids, her lips trembled, and
tears glittered on the silken lashes that
swept her blushing cheek. For an in-
slant she sat motionless, and then raising
her eyes, she said,
I" Dear Miss Chandler, I cannot
deceive you; the composition is from
my pen. | wrote it last night, between
eleven and one. / know you think
am very presuming to take such sub
ject-one so much above my age and
knowledge but it came into my mind,
and | was writing.upon it, almost before
l thought. Do pardon my indiscretion,
my dear teacher; l will take a more
fitting subject next time"
I" You could not take a mere fitting
one, my dearest Zelia," said |, grasping
her hand quickly, and looking earnestly
into the depths Of her midnight eyes.
Z" Do you know, Zclia," I continued,
solemnly, "that you are destined for
great and noble station in life y Do you
know that in those dark eyes, and in that
strongly outlined brow, l can read an
intellect that shall never die 7"
"You are not always to be abused
and scorned and ill-treated; you are not
always to be dependent. The day
will come, when as the gifted, the
famed, the beautiful Zelia Lee with a
crown of well-earned laurels on her brow
and well-dcserved honor and praise from
every lip in this broad land, you can
look down upon those who now scorn
and look down upon you Yes, Zelia
you are to be loved and honored, admir-
ed and adored, as one of the most gifted
and talented women Of your native
land !"
90, Miss Chandler ~ she exclaimed,
" do you really mean what you say :"
L do, Zelia."
"God bless you, Miss Chandler "I
the girl, as she sprang from
her chair and throwing both her arms
around my neck. But her emotion
lasted only moment; she re-seated
herself, aud said calmly
"My dear friend, l thank you for
speaking thus to me-for no one else
ever told me that l could be what have
so long dreamed and thought Of being !