Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-04-06

those of his class, who remained in the insti-
tuition, to accompany him home
They were all anxious to go, but Ida. She
felt some delicacy upon the subject, and pre-
ferred TO continue her studies but her teach
er thought it best that she should relax her
mind, and rather insisted upon her going
She did so and was delighted with her visit.
The parents of Orlando exerted themselves to
their utmost to make a favorable impression
on their young guests, and especially Ida.
They were in the possession of every bless
ing that wealth can give, and their son was
one that they might well be proud of. They
seemed only anxious to promote his happiness
and nothing that could contribute to that, was
thought too much.
Perceiving that he loved Ida, they endeav-
ored to make themselves as agreeable as pos
sible. They succeeded in winning her affec-
tions, and ere the week was past, she felt that
it would be hard to part with them.
AS to Orlando, she had very little to say to
him. She was more sociable with Gustave,
for he seemed lonely, and wherever Ida saw
an opportunity of relieving the mind or body,
she was always ready to improve it.
OrIando's piercing eye discovered this, but
his good sense forbade his speaking of it.
The week passed delightfully."- away, and the
young people looked sad when the time for
departure drew near.
Orlando's mother was noble woman, and
had spared no pains to render her visitors COM
Portable and happy. She extorted a promise
from the young ladies', to visit her again in
twelve months, and said TO Ida in a low voice,
{ / hope you will then remain with u.s.
| Ida comprehended her meaning, although
she said nothing. They returned TO the school
and were again absorbed in study at least,
| Ida was, and others should have been; how
ever, their advancement showed but too plain
ly that something prevented them from learn
ing, for they could not proceed, and Ida was
advanced, while the other members of the
class had to remain at the same studies.
This was deeply mortifying to them, and
they determined to apply themselves night and
day, until they were enabled to compete with
her. Gustave was in few days promoted
and again stood beside Ida, and together they
solved difficult problems. Orlando was per-
picked at this, but dare not manifest any dis
satisfaction.
He applied himself diligently, but could not
overtake them. They looked compassionate
ly upon him, and would fain have assisted
him, but their teacher would not allow it.
Perhaps he had some motive in having them
remain alone in the class. It's hard to tell
what these venerable Dr.'s are thinking of,
but they seldom look over their spectacles for
nothing.
Orlando could not overtake them, and when
the session closed, they were far in advance
of him. Ida was now TO leave school, but
Gustave and Orlando were to remain another
year. According TO promise, Ida paid visit
to Orlando's mother, and then left for home.
1t is needless to describe the parting scene,
suffice it to say that both teachers and schol-
I ars were devotedly attached to Ida, and felt
that her place could not be filled. She now
endeavored to repay the kindness of her adop-
ted parents. Her gratitude often brought
tears to their eyes. They locked upon her as
| faultless, and nothing was considered trouble
that could in any way contribute to her hap
piness. She corresponded regularly with her
teacher and schoolmates. Her parents soon
discovered that the two young men, sought to be
sultors. Their wish would have been TO keep
Ida with them, but she had now reached an
age that they could not expect her long to re-
main, and they sought her happiness in pref
erence to their own.
Ida did not appear TO have preference for
either of the young men, but felt classmate S
love for both. She was of loving spirit, and
her attachments were strong, but farther than
warm friendship, she had not experienced -
They continued to write, and less sensitive
heart than Ida's would have been touched by
their eloquent appeals. Her parents judged
from their letters that they were both worthy,
and considered it great misfortune that two
such generous fellows should be thus situated
Ida knew she could render one happy and the
other miserable, and as she was unwilling to
do that, she chose to refuse both and remain
single herself.
Gustave in a gentlemanly manner accepted
her refusal, and wrote her most affectionate
letter, and wishing her all the happiness pos
sible, and generously stating that if she had a
preference for Orlando, he hoped she would
not fail to make him happy on his account
This letter almost oYercame Ida, but she de-
termined, for the present, to abide by her for
ner decision. Orlando did not receive his re-
fusa 50 calmly. He wrote quite different
letter, and accused her of deception. He said
that ne had thought for some time she had a
preference for Gustave, and she ought to have
told HIM So Ida was aware of his precipitan-
cy of decision, and not wishing to change her
parents good opinion of him, said nothing
about it. She, however, soon received anoth-
er letter, begging a thousand pardons. and
stating that Gustave had left for his home in
Vermont.
About two years after this, Orlando, in CON-
pany with his mother, visited the place where
lda's parents lived. He was then pleading
the cause of an injured countryman, and gain
~ h.ce