True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-12-24

revolted at the thought of betraying her
changed position to Mr.. Cochrane she
knew that he was poor, and not in circum.
stances to marry; therefore she wished
to wait until his foot pressed English
ground. ere she confded to him her al
tered circumstances. He was not aware
that she had sister: during hiV absence
he would not know that she wasnot still
surrounded by every comfort.
When Eva approached the house where
her sister lived, its miserable aspect did
not strike her so painfully as of old, for
she was to share it now. and was not to
leave Martha in it, while she went back
to life of luxurious ease. My heart,
my soul shall bend to this fate en-
brace it all = she murmured, as she as
cended the narrow stairway she softly
raised the latch of Martha's door, and
stood looking into the room unperceived.
Over little coal stove an Indian cake
was baking: lowly table was set for
one, but that one sat in a detected attitude
by the single low window : her two hands
were clasped above her eyes, concealing
the upper part of her face but the sad
dropping mouth had in its expression a
panied resignation. l.l. ......
Martha = .......
The hands were unclasped, and the
gentle face turned with a sudden, loving
smile to the sweet.voiced girl who spoke.
In moment, the sisters sat together, Eva
on cricket at Martha's feet she looked
up so affecionately into the unbeautful
face: yet it was not face that lacked
either character or refinement.
20, Martha, have so much to tell you
| am so happy, so very happy and yet
part of my story is sad. You have heard
me speak of Mr.. Cochrane, do you re-
member! 2
Eyes, yes !
} He loves me, Martha!
What does your mother say 7 yor
said he was poor !! anxiously enquiret
the elder sister.
He Is poor; but he is going to En-,
gland on business, and that makes mt
think he is getting into practice /: he is a
lawyer, you know, and he has talent an(
energy enough 10 succeed at length.
am poor. too
Not very said Martha, with smile
you will never want as the child Of Mr.
and Mrs. Vale ., .-..a.... al.
Il am not their child now +! l have lef
them | shall work with you =
Martha looked bcwildered, paled ant
reddening by turns. you can't endure
it: it will kill you. 1t is too selfish ir
me to let you: you are delicate: it will
destroy your eyes to embroider as | have
done
Where is The work ? asked Eva
cheerfully l shall try to get scholars ii
music and other branches, and perhaps
oh think of it, Martha! how delightful i
would be, if could support both of us,
and make dear lady Of you. But where
is the work =! | must work and talk both.
Eva's countenance lighted up. Their
is kind of grand delight in my heart al
ready, al the thought Of 'toiing, rejoicing
sorrowing.' with you who have mad,
sacrifices for me all my life. Since
have known Mr.. Coehrane, and since
have wondered whether he loved me, =
the fair girl lowered her eyes, and spok
with subdued cAdence,- it'has seeme'
so much more easy to resign the world
the splendor and style Of the world,
mean there is an added pleasure in my
coming 10 you, Martha, because thinl
that he will approve it when he knows it.
Eva strove with sweet earneslness Il
conceal from Martha the great trial whicl
i. was to her to give up all the enjoyment
: which had become habitual TO her: no
the least Of these was the adulation wbicl
, had followed her since her entrance int
: society: she was beloved by very man,
gifted and accomplished friends, for who's
companionship she would have no tim
nov, even should they c!eave to her i
her poverty. As Eva talked, she locke
over Martha's work-basket.
POS There is nothing to do there sal
her sister. Eva, my darling, / beliey
God sent you 70 me in my last extremely
} have not worked for weeks / canno
see to sew: every day have hoped
3 could do little, but few stitches Civ
me such distracting pain through m
, eyes, that / am obliged TO sit with foldeo
hands. .I l have had such dreary, hopeless
thoughts. ! could see no way open be
fore me, except TO hire out as a servant
that I dreaded, not for the hard work, bu
, 1 am afraid of people--afraid Of unkin
, words-and then my pride revolled,
: will own it, for think our Lord neve
gave me the spirit of a servant, with a
my timidity." ,'' -F ,' f''
"And I never knew that you had CON
, to this pitiful pass said Eva. My hea
: reproaches me thai / did not come togo
, before. | don't deserFe your forgiveness
: Martha, DEAR hIe, .sssa .ges5 s..s,'
r y My forgiveness ! what an expression
A when you know thatI have always mo.
, slrenuously opposed your leaving Mr.
: Vale ! I,consent now, my poor chilt
Q for feel as il there is clear Providenc
t in it, When rose this morning, pra,