Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-11-19

for his wife and children and he knew Lucy
too well to have any doubt as to the fulfill
ment of such promise. The whole OF Mrs
Harley's income, when all was paid, was not
more than sixty pounds per annum, and with
her habits it was not sufficient to support her
self Lucy soon gained that power over her
which superior nature must have over weak
one : it was not, however, a chain, but pro-
lection. Ellen reposed as it were on Lucy,
looked up to her as child looks to its mother
for guidance. With the children Lucy had
more diffculty-their passions were unbrdled
Frank was very headstrong if attempts were
made to rule him !; but the mild, firm manner
of Lucy won his respect, and her kindness Sc
cured his strong affection. Eleanor was sad
ly neglected and Lucy found her more difficult
to subdue than Frank.
They were soon settled comfortably in their
new home, and Lucy found that she had her
hands full of work Economy must be prac-
ticed and everything freshly arranged Mrs
Harley absolutely looked on iu amazement to
see how much was done, and how many com
forts were procured with their small means
for Lucv's income was but small
One day Mrs, Harley said smilingly, Il
cannot think, dear Lucy, how it was you were
never married. You would have made such an
admirable wife and mother How was it
that you preferred to live in single blessed
ness ~
Lucy turned away, and sharp pang darted
through her at such question from Ellen ::
but she replied lightly, ''Oh, was cut out for
an old maid | have all the characteristics of
the class
Who said auut Lucy was an old maid ?"
asked Eleanor, who entered with her brother
just time enough to hear the speech. "I'm
sure she's not bit like one. hate old maids
-prim, fdgety old things"
They are not all prim and fidsety, Flea
nor" replied Lnry. Il hope am not"
No" said Frank. Aunt Lucy is just
the dearest aunt that ever was. If she is an
old maid, | only hope Eleanor will be one
too"
Eleanor's rosy lips curled at this hope of her
brothers. but she said nothing.
x
We must now pass over period of eight
years ere We again look in upon the little fam
lily. Death has again swept away one of the
number. Mrs Harley who was predsposed
! to consumption is no more. We will look in
at the little parlor where so large portion Of
Lucy Rays life bad been spent. There she
| is, III her old seat by the window, still calm
and cheerful. Her fine brow and expressive
eyes are as beautiful as ever in the estimation
Of those who look beyond mere outward show,
for the light of peace and cOntentmemt beams
there, and intellect and feeling play over her
/ placid features On low stool at her feet
reclines Frank, with one hand pushing back
| the rich curS from his massive forehead and
| the other holding book but he is not read,
ing, his eyes are gazing lovingly on the sweet
| face of Aunt Lucy. On the opposite side
| Eleanor, now beautiful young woman, and a
| great change is visible in the expression of her
| features. Aunt Lucy skiIfuI hand has sue
ceeded in roofing ont the weeds which early
! msmanagcnent suffered to grow in her dis
! position, and something of her own sclf-denving
temper now reigns in EIcanor's heart, and the
sweet smile on her lips is born of contentment
aud love.
| When Lncy gazcd, as now, on her protegees
she could not feel too thankful for the strength
that was given hert resist her own plans,
and take to fresh duties Living for Others,
and abnegating self-what rich mine of affec-
ton had she opened for herself How lone
ly wonld have been her latter years had she
only considered her own comfort. and not sue
c)red these orphans Ah, she was richly
.
! pertuming her downward path
! Frank had given up his wish to enter one
/ of the learned professions, on learning that
Aunt Lucy would not be able to accomplish
! the means of bis doing SO without straiteninr
| her own comforts, and had readily entered
! merchants office as junior clerk. He had
steadily advanced, and was now looking for
ward to being able some day to become a
junior partner
Eleanor was intended for governess. but
her bright eyes had conquered the heart of a
certain young gentleman, the son of ship
builder, i'll affuent crcums tances, and ere long
she was to become his wife
Aunt Lucy" remarked Frank. one dav,
&" do you recolect how scornful Ely looked
when she was but little girl when said |
hoped she would be an old maid She has
done her best to prevent such an awful catas-
trophe-has she not ~
| hope dear Ely will find more happiness
than is possible for an old maid to securen
said Aunt Lucy, " or rather, than is probable
for few old maids have such blessings as my
self"
That is because few Old maids are like
Aunt Lucy y exclaimed Eleanor II don't
think there is such another do yOW, Frank ?"
Franks reply was a kiss OH Aunt Lucy's
cheek, and another on Eeanors.
hope," said Frank, after time, d" that
if eyer marry shall find just such girl as
aunt must have. been"
" Did you never love, Aunt Lucy ?" asked
Eleanor, very softly. The question had often
risen to her lips before, but she had never
given it utterance
Yes, Eleanor" replied Lucy gravely, /" /
loved as deeply, as truly as you do now, but
more unfortunately"
Did he die, aunt?" asked Eleanor
No, it was not death which separated u.s."
replied Lucy, it was my own resolve. |