The American patriot., 1855-05-12

II will come," said Eva, ''to visit you, now
and then. It's only days drive, and you have
promised to spend, at least most of your vaca-
tons with me. Eo H
"They will be bright days in my fe's his
tory, Eva," added Etha; "and I shall prize
them highly, for happy days have been very
few to ME during the last four years."
Eva pressed the hand that lay in hers, and
tears dropped upon it.
81 have thought, Eva," said Etha, "of giving
you brief history of my past life. Would
you like 10 hear it2' ....-
"If it would not pain you, to tell it," added
Eva.
"Then," said Etha, tomorrow night; here
by the window, where you first came to COM
fort me, will tell you all. 1t will be our last
night here, and fit time to unfold a tale Of
sadness. Will you be heres"
Oh! yes" earnestly replied Eva 5.
'sTherel" suddenly exclaimed Etha, sis the
study bell. Tonight, and tomorrow night,
will be your last Have you any fears about
the prizee' il a,.a. ..-.- ..-I ...- ...la
"None whatever, my dear Miss Allen," re-
J piled Eva; "for if win, shall be very glad
J if loose, l shall try to be the first to wish
; Kate joy. Isabelle, she and myself are the
: only ones that take final leave. Oh dear,
I have been very happy here. shall dread
to go; and yet long to be at my own dear,
: sweet home. 1t will be one Of the happiest
events of my life to meet once more with the
the warm embraces of fond and loving parents
Bright anticipation fills my heart with joy. and
, the hope Of being enabled to participate in
the affairs Of the domestic circle, serves to add
charm to the very image of worldly blissfu-
. ness"
Eva's face gowed with delight at the home
picture, her very soul was enraptured, and
Etha's countenanee exhibited smiles which
seemed to flow from the very fountain: Of her
sympathetic heart, while her benevolent nature
, prompted gentle tears to start from her eyes,
as remembrance echoed back to her inmost
/, soul, saying that there was no home for her
no one to greet her with joy.
And then they went to the study room again.
Many were the gladstone faces that were be-
held within those walls on that evening Once
more they would meet there, and then, -ah!
! then.
G Once more the sun was fast receding behind
. those western hills. Once more its golden
fringe was mirrorcd on the face of Susque
S hanna's transparent waters. Once more that
:. stately mansion was crowned with departing
t. rays. And once more Etha and Eva were al
the window, encircling each other fondly.
i, "Tis four years ago, tonight, Eva, that
:, :, dearest on earth to me- My father, mother
- brother and sister were travelling to New York
. The cars were precipitated down frightfu
embankment, and many of the passengers mc
= with instant DEATH was despatched to, i'm
y medately after the accident, andI hastened te
> the scene Of destruction and death. Oil wha
:, horrible sight for human eyes to behold wa
:. then and there presented. Each body wa
= so manged and disfgured that they scarcel,
afforded the means of being recognized. A kin'
l. friend had coffins prepared for the reception
n the discovered and manged remains of m,
l.
sr mysteriously been taken away, and sent t.
h the family burying- ground for interment. Blu
lay in wild delirium, in strangers house
e. and long fingered, between life and death.
rt have often thought that it would have bee
ID better for me, if too, had died. But Go
ct knew best, and permitted me to live. re
turned to my former home-now dcsolate an
ID lonely. An aunt of mine offered me home
I'd accepted it, and went to live with her. Will
a there became acquainted with young man
ID one of Gods noblemen-and e'cr knew it m
at heart had sought resting place. Alarmed
as Three years ago tomorrow night, my aunt CAV
to little party The afternoon of the same day
Is, there came bouquet and note for me- ha
,e, a cousin, who was possessed Of great persons
i'd beauty, and also of fixed intention in ht
t's mind to captivatc, if possible, this gentl'
he mans affections; and as the bouquet and moi
, a were placed in her hands to convey to me, sf
np intercepted the note and read its contents an
to it was not placed in my hands during the cvel
.w ing. This was cruel and unknd treatment q
,er the part of my cousin, and was the mca1
adopted to further her own plans. He can
ast to the party Many of the young ladies of II
ow company wore roses about their heads. +
ne, sought for me almost Immediately. notice
l that he glanced earnestly at my head. H
,ur countenance fell, he appeared quite sad.
py last he said, DO you not wear roses, to
ne Etha?