Volcano weekly ledger. (Volcano, Amador County, Cal.) 1855-1857, 1856-07-26

little Nellie and it had never lifted; and so
when little wondering one came to beg a
crust of bread at their door, they kindly bade
him welcome, and when he told them that
father and mother were both dead, and his
only sister lost to him, that he was even then
seeking her. Mrs. Wilton had said, "Heaven
sent him to US, let us not despise the gift"
Yes, James, | think you are quite right,
in allowing him to follow the bent of his
genius. have no faith in making lawyers
Of natural farmers, or uioe rrsa, and Harry
is so good scholar, he deserves college
education"
"Well, we will speak to him about it to-
night He has been good boy, and / shall
give him the means to pursue his education
right willingly"
"Nellie will be so pleased, too, James,
She was saying the other day that she hoped
you did not want to tie him to farm-yard."
Do you, know, Olive, it is just five years
tonight since Harry came hereI l think it
is rather strange we never have heard any
thing of his sister, or"--and his voice grew
strangely husky" or of our poor George"
al shall never give up the hope of seeing
him while live, and if he is alive, am sure
he will come back to u.s."
poor felow!" said Mr. Wilton. Heaven
only knows what trials he has passed through
since he left us'
"God will watch over him" responded the
wife, in a low tone.
The sunset arrows were cleaning in every
tree-top, and the hush Of coming night fell
softly over the earth. 1t was the sweet
month of blossoms bright June From a
long ramble in search of flowers with their
young schoolmates, Nellie and Harry now
entered the house, and Mr.. Wilton broached
the subject under consideration as they sat
down to tea.
81 am going to send you away, Harry"
"Me, sir" queried Harry; while NelPs
blue eyes opened wide.
"Yes. I've been talking of it little
How would you like to go to college, and in
eight or ten years come out a first rate law
yer, or a physician, and wear gold-bowed
spectacles, and carry big cane; with fair
chance of going into partnership with old
Dr. Humphries over in Crab HollowYP
"Mr. Wilton? Z"
What! Does the prospect of such glory
overpower you? Don't be bashful, Harry!
You'll do very well yet; though | suppose
you WtH have to study hard"
"Never mind the labor Of it, but do not
feel that / have any claim on yonr bounty;
and | have even been thinking of some
means to earn my own living" replied Harry.
"All nonsense, Hal! have quite settled
the matter; that is to say, my wife and |
have-for you see women are dreadful con-
trary; and likely enough if I'd told her you
were going to college, she would have insist
ed on your driving oxen all your life
knew better than to go to work in that way
So you see, just asked her what she thought
of the plan, and she liked it at once. Make
a note ont, Harry, as Cap'n Cutie used to,
that you can coax a woman, but they wont
be Scolded into anything"
A hearty laugh, in which Mrs. Wilton
Joined, applauded the serio-comic speech of
her husband.
"When will he have to go ?" asked Nellie
"Week after next / believe"
$50 soon?" And then there was silence.
Much was to be said and done before
Harry went away. Never flew the days so
swiftly. 1t was the first time he had been
parted from the family since he became an
inmate of that home He was sixteen years
On the evening before his departure, a
short walk gave opportunity for confden-
tial chat with the fair girl who had grown up
in beauty by his side, and had freely offered
him sisters generous and con6ding love-
Henry Lee had never questioned the nature
of the affection he bore her, until now when
he was going away. Then he resolved to
speak to her on the subject, and know if she
could offer him any practical sympathy. And
SO he told her all-hs hopes, bis bright plans
for the future he pictured in glowing words
the course he had marked out, asking only
promise to one day bless his life with love
deeper than that of mother or sister, Per
haps Nellie began at that identical moment
to wake up to the fact that Harry Lee was
very dear to her; at all events, she listened
very quietly-and with appreciation But
with wonderful forethought, considering the
circumstances, she very resolutely refused to
bind herself by any promises, until Harry
should be settled in life. And so they par
ted. with mutual assurance Of frequent let
ters
1t was very lonely to Nellie Wilton after
the departure of Harry. Their secret, if such
il could be called she decided to keep, think
ing il would save her many merry sally from
her fun-loving father. The letters they ex-
changed were sources of much pleasure and
profit All through the term, vacation was
looked forward to with pleasure known only
to those who have anticipated similar meet
ings; and when it did come, the time sped on
golden wings Each had long story to tell,
and many questions to ask and answer
There were delightful reunions with old school