Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-03-22
THE WEEKLY STAG.

one nOur OF tnat uninterrupted communion OF
weeks before
said that at times my guardian made me
happy But at others, the thought Of Miss
Hsrland made me restless and uneasy L.
used to imagine her as bis wife, in all my
favorite places-sitting upon my guardians
knee, kneeling upon the low ottoman beside
the organ and listening, az L had so often
done, to his wonderful playing, or leaning
back carelessly in my arm chair, and looking
out at the evening star, with n smile Of tri-
umph on her thin lips, because she had driven
me away.
L felt, instinctively, that she di.liksd me,
for the very reason that could never love,
or even like her. And / was too proud a
queen to be driven from my throne L would
abdicate, but never lose il. And pined for
larger and freer life. had strange visions
Of the world beyond my happy home L
would ask my guardian to let me 90 out into
that world and make myself friends of its
people; and in case he should indeed take
her for the presiding genius Of his home and
heart, why, Clyde would be still left to me,
and with him and his unchanging love
could forget-it may be-the lost Eden left
behind
1t was my hour for meditation, and L was
revolving this plan in my mind, when saw
ny guardian walking, with folded arms and
bent head, to and fro on the snowy lawn be-
meath. looked out and said to him,
Aleck, will you please come up here ?"
" In the star window hour" he asked,
with astonishment.
"Yes, nOw-as soon as you can"
He was in the room in a few moments and
l drew an easy chair near mine and motioned
him to his seat. L closed the window and
stirred the fire; then leaning back in nv
chair studied his thoughtful and beautiful
face. How strange it seemed to have him
there at that hour! Never beford had any
shared it with me.
he looked excited, restless, but strangely
happy. Was he thinking Of Miss Harland,
II ad be won her consent TO be his BRIDE
"Aeck," said, do you remember once
asked you the question, what is life 2'p'
"I dc" and he fixed his searching eyes
upon my face.
Z" You gave me no answer then. Now L
would not ask one, but would End cut the
mystery myself -
" And how :" he asked, calmy.
Let me leave this place send me to school,
Alsck. L must learn to talk the language Of
men and women. cannot spend all my days
In this lonely place"
Cannot cannOtn' he said, with bitter
emphasis THAI made me start. " 1 might have
known that. Oh, you daughter of Eve >"
He rose and paced the Aoor hurriedly. He
looked pale and disturbed. L wondering at
the sudden storm my words had raised, sat
silent, waiting for it to subside.
lie came back, at last, calm and composed,
as usual, and sat down beside me- | thought
L could detect latent bitterness in his tone
as he spoke Every word seemed well weighed
and carefully considered before il fell from his
lips. He had never talked So guardedly with
me before, and it panied me.
" Tell me your plans for the future, if you
choose, " he said
:" To see the wOrld-tO win fame. Wealth
l have already -
Fame, Humph! you will find her
tickle goddess-not easily caught, and still less
easy to keep. But will not discourage you I"
He leaned on the arm of my chair and
looked down into my face and said, tearfully
and sadly:
SO my little girl is going to brave the bat
tie from which so many long to fy, but can
not. She must see life-and I-must be left
slone.''
Tears were in my eyes and checking sen.
sstiOn in my throat. But the thought of Miss
Harland steeled in my heart, and 1 only an
swered:
mot long, Aleck. You will marry, some
time, you know "
He flushed up suddenly, srowned and bit
his lips L did not care to press the matter
further. He probably thought me sudscious
ana presuming, and had already seen enough
to convince and satisfy me. So only asked
Viii you let me 60. Aleck?"
Certainly, if you wish it. Clyds. | never
shall refuse you any reasonable request You
have cnly to fix the date Of your departure.
How bright the evening star is tonight g"
And that was all he cared for my going. L
wronged him even when thought Of it for
when he left me that night he held me closely
TO his heart, and the tears were in his eyes as
he whispered:
Whatever that life may be that you 20 to
seek remember that my heart and home are
always open for your return. Gene back to
me when the world grows cold, and you are
weary and sad, my little darling +"
The next week took my departure for a
distant boarding school, and Aleck had only
Miss Harland to console him for the loss of
both his wards
To az CoNTINUFn