True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-12-24
WEDNESDAY DEC. "a, 1866,


would guide me in plain path to-day
| was going out 10 see what fortune l
could meet with. When looked up and
! saw you standing on The threshold, with
that new, holy light on your countenance,
| thought an angel bad appeared to me,
to console me; 1t lifted the burden from
my heart to look upon your face. o,
Eva how thank you! ...t
But Eva's generous heart was humilia
ted that she had not striven before to
ameiorate Martha's lot; it occurred to
her suddenly that she might have enbroi-
dered, as Martha did, aud for her benefit,
while she was living ir her old home
Thus it ever happens that good resolves
reveal past errors, when they are reduced
to practice.
A long, slow year passed away to Eva;
il was swift, happy year to Martha, for
the younger sister tried to bury in her
own breast the many sore trials that gall
ed her pride often she rejoiced in a
bright spiritual glory, and she realized
that heaven grew nigh to her but more
frequently her whole delicate nature was
harrassed by the 'cares that sprang thorn
like meath her feet Every day some
small annoyance to which she was unac-
customed, beset her way her sweet lips
smiled, and hopeful words rose upon
them, while gnawing discomfort preyed
upon her ; she batlled with the tempting,
irritating spirits that assaulted her hour
by hour. When she looked into her
heart she was dismayed at the feelings
which her new experiences had called
forth but angels rejoiced in the combat,
and waited to crown her victor. Mrs.
Vale never forgave her ingrattude, and
Mr.. Vale did just as his wife did. The
year had gone the hour for GiIbret
Cochrane's return had come, but frail
girl still looked out from her garret win
dow with a wildly beating heart; the
vessel in which he was 10 cross the sea
had arrived, and the moments swelled to
an eternal length as they travelled on
The little room looked far more bright
and cheerful than Of yore, for Eva's tai
ent as teacher had met with some reward
and she strove 10 beautify it little, for
Gilbrets return. Her exquisite taste left
its impress where she dwelt. For days
her whole being had been radiant with
Joy; amid other depressing thoughts she
had often feared for the safe return of her
lover anxieties collect food from all
sources but all cares had lately been
swept away. When the expected hours
went by, dim shadows began to fall over
the sun-lighted heart Of Eva.
An uncertain step sounded in the pass
age-then an abrupt, strong rap. Eva
turned towards the door, then sunk in a
chair. Martha opened it wide, saw the
strangers look as it fell upon her young
sister, then with her quiet tact, she gil.
ded into the hall, and sought neighbor's
room to pass an hour in. i......
Eva lay weeping on her lovers breast
passionatey weeping, while Ills low,
hushed words reached her ear-hs kind
hand stroked her hair. She had found
the haven OF hope at last she could list
en- to the siren song Of love--she could
rely upon a strong arm and heart, and the
universe could dover her no more richly
now.
what change for you. my Eva
Why did you not tell me of this---thi'
poverty Where is the sister you have
told me of! My beautiful, you were 6
peerless woman in the old handsome
home; you are seraph here ! Got
bless you, that you chose poverty ant
toll, for duty's sake, rather than the pleas
ures of life for season. But you have
grown thin and pale. my darling yet
love the spiritual look that fingers abou
you now, better than the old brlliance
you have the look that angels wear
'Shall l call Martha 2 asked Eva
} smiling, ~ 's- ya
) Let me tell you something first re
piled Mr.. Cochrane, OBTAINING her. Dit
you never think il strange that l did no
tell you whatmy business to England was!
Il supposed it was some prosy Law
business returned the happy girl, eva
siyelv. W,
" No! I.learned year ago that I wa
heir to an estate in England, but fearing
} that it would prove as chimerical as oihe
fortunes have often done, did not men
ton it TO you or any one, until the matte
; was settled. | have more than compe
: tence now, Eva, / am no longer poor
: and | can work at my profession becaps
l love TO labor, not because must gal
bread '',l, .. !. .-I ..t.s.. .,,.....
'O,,I am so glad, so happy |! said Evs
: fervently, while the tears rose hastily I
1 her eyes. How blessed it will be /
igive, after having learned how povert
e chains ones hands, u -,.t.Ia. 9a
t Martha came hopefully, yet timidly
l but q joyful light shone from her eyes 9
f, Mr.. Cochrane rose and took her tw
hands, with his warm, beautiful smile.-
, Il can never repay you, sister, for whI
I you have done for my Eva--she tells nj
!. that you have always gone on before HI
!, in the shining road that leadsito heaven
3 you have kept her 'unspotied from h
= world