Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1855-02-15


managed to learn that they were French folks,
although both spoke English remarkably well.
The cottage parlor was furnished plainly, but
elegantly. There were upon the wall several
pictures, and upon the mantle a number of
delicate works of art, which could not have
been purchased by the limited earnings of an
apple-girl.
Why young girl who lived in such cot
tage, with such evident taste and cultivation,
should invariably wear a pink calico dress,
and sell fruits, nuts and candies on the street,
was to me perpexing mystery. There was
web of romance weaving around the myste
rious apple-grl which became more and more
interesting, and every day my resolution TO
unravel it, became sronger. There was such
modesty in the girls bearing at the apple
stand-she seemed so much afraid of scandal.
should any one converse with her longer than
was necessary TO make purchases, that there
was no way left for me to solve the mystery
of her life but by visiting the cottage. Again
| went, without an invitation, and boldly made
known the curiosity which led me TO force my
self upon their acquaintance.
The daughter laughed heartily, and said
gaily-
We have been as much at fault to under
stand your curiosity as you have to reconcile
our circumstances with my employment
Then we should be mutual confdents,' |
observed. i have been very frank with you
and hope you will reciprocate.'
But our relations are not similar she re-
piled archly. I'VE are not responsible for
your curiosity, you are for ours.
How 50 = | cried.
1t was forced upon us
Indeed and was not mine forced upon me,
in such a manner too, as left no choice but to
seek out the mystery! A truce to this ban
diving of words you will not take advsdtage
Of my frankness for any other purpose than 10
reward it with full explanations
She looked at me for moment, as if ques-
tioning my apparent honesty, and then said
pleasantly
Well, as you have been so good patron
of my apple-stand, and have taken much pains
to know the romance of my history, if you
will promise seeresy, I'll tell your
IN accept any conditions that can fulfill
! answered, eagerly.
Walk with me into the garden, then,' said
the girl
We had pleasant seat under rustic ar
Dor. when the l5dy remarked
Mother told you that we once lived in
village near Paris =
She did. | answered, on nv first visit
We were not rich. bat We had a pretty
cottage, and an income sufficient to support
US. Father died when was little girl
had no brothers, but had playmate who
was dearer 10 me than brother. As we
grew older his parents, who were rlch, for
bade him TO visit our house. We met in the
fields. We loved each other and would not
be separated His father learned that we still
met, and he was very angry. He told his son
that if he visited me he should not stay at
home. Our fathers had been bitter enemies,
but we cuud not understand why that should
make us enemies when we loved each other
and Emile declared that he would not neglect
me, if his father did shut his doors against
him. One day he said 10 me, Il am going 10
run away, not from you-from father, and YOU
shall come TO me, and we shall never be part
ed again" 1t was hard for me TO consent,
but Emile insisted, and We took leave of each
other, and he did run away 1t was long
time before we heard from him--then we got
a letter which told US he was in America.
had changed very much since Emiles absence,
and mother was afraid would die | coaxed
her to to take US to America Emile told us
in the letter he lived in Cincinnati. When
we arrived at Boston we inquired for Cincin-
natl, and were directed to this place. Mother
bought this cottage, and here we have lived
expecting 10 meet Emile
Have you never heard from him = in
quired.
'Only once she answered.
Y DO you know where he is now =
NO. Iuueeu. IL we ulu, we Nuulu MOI slaN
here longr
Have You never written 10 himr
/ We do not know his name He has
changed it, as he told US in his last letter, but
he neglected to tell what name hs now bears. :
DO YOU think you will find him
Yes, indeed, l do. dream about him ev-
cry night l know he is not dead and shall
soon meet him.
'What makes you SO confident that you
shall find hint
made this inquiry, hoping it might lead to
some explanation of the pink dress and apple
selling mystery. She understood my look
and tone of curiosity, and answered pleasant
ly:
That will explain to you the romance of
my dress and occupation. When Emile and
played together in France, often wore a
dress very much like this one. If he should
see me anywhere in this dress he would know
me. | might see him and not know him, but
he would recognize me, and would not dress
in any other style for fear we mightmiss each
other
But why sell apples in the street, said l,
with a look of admiration for her devotion