St. Charles Republican intelligencer. (St. Charles [Charles City], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1856-12-25
Romantic skettb.
COUSIN EDWARDS
CHRISTMAS GIFT.
BY CArHARINE NJ. TROWBRIDGE.

l was left an orphan at an early
age, but was kindly and tenderly
cared for by an aflcctionate uncle and
aunt. My uncle, my guardian, was
Just the man to whom dying parent
would desire to commit a child. So
thought my father, and so, too, thought
the parents of Edward Lee, when they
were called toprepare for that journey
from whence no traveller returns.
/ had been only year or two with
my uncle and aunt, when their house
became the home of Cousin Edward,
as l always called him. We were, in
fact, only distinctly related, but as we
were, fer years, domesticated beneath
the same protecting roof, the tic of
relationship, which, under other cir
cumstances. would have been very
slender, was greatly strengthened.
Edward Lee was some years older
than myself. He was pursuing his
studies, preparatory to entering col
lege, when he became an orphan. He
was, therefore, only an occasional in
mate of my uncle's house, though he
ever considered it as his home.
Edward possessed noble, manly
nature. He despised flattery and de.
ceit, though he was ever gentle and
considerate in his manners and con-
versation. Our mutual relation, as in
mates of the same family, and wards
of the same kind guardian, was al
ways pleasant and agreeable Ed
ward S vacations were seasons ever
hailed with great delight
l was beauty and an heiress. My
mirror furnished evidence Of the first
named fact but, SO often was | 9TH
erwise informed of it, in one way or
another, that l would not have re-
mained in ignorance of my personal
charms, had every mirror been shat
tered. No heiress possessed OF beau
ty, ever failed to draw around her a
crowd of admirers and flatterers. As
for myself, received no stinted meas
ure Of tlattery and admiration. My
uncle and aunt were too indulgent ano
too blind to my faults though | was
somewhat imperious and self-willed
Edward was the only one who eve
called my attention to these faults
Though his reproofs were very kim
and gentle, yet they sometimes irrita
ted me. 1t seemed to me that he onl.
saw faults in my character, and on
day l told him so. He gave lool
that startled me, though | failed, a
that time, to read it's meaning. 1t wa
the sudden, involuntary exhibition o
deep, hidden feeling.
"No, Ellen," he said, you greatl
mistake. l see SO much to love an
admire, | cannot endure that any dar
spot should mar the fair image. If
5 troubles you, Ellen, l will never agai
e annoy you in this way"
My better feelings were aroused.
II know you are my true frient
Edward" | said. "You alone hav
the courage to tell me Of my faults
need such mentor. l am the fla
: tered, l fear, the spoiled child of TO
!. tune"
l. "Not spoiled, but no ono was cvt
q improved by tiattery," he said, klndl
C Edward was at home at this time, t,
the Christmas holidays. On Chris
: mas day we were alone in the librar
"Ellen. my dear, have a propos
to make" he said.
;. "What is it, Cousin Edward 7"
asked.
a wish to offer you gift ne.
Christmas, on one condition"
"What is the condition 2"
"Perhaps you will be offended if
q tell you? | have some fears that y,
will"
= "You neednot fear. You know tn
you say whatever you please, and
or never get offended"
+ :. "Never keep offended" said Edwal
with an arch look.