The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1857-01-08
NO. Xxx XIV

"h'bh 10 SO SuSiiJ 10 bStuOH
priced Don't you think SO y
| certainly did think SO, though did not sc-
knowledge it. My heart told me that the cost
liest diamond, valued only for its own SAX
would not be SO precious as the simplest 81
from Edward, accompanied by that approving
smile which so well became the cast Of his no
BILE features. should have resented such pro.
posal from any one but Edward. was only a
child when Edward first came to us, and he hada a.
ways treated me much as an older brother might
have done. was no longer child, but some
thing Of the old feeling still remained. After
silence of some length, said:
81 fear, Edward, that should not get it, were
to try"
Would you not like to acquire such COM
mond of yourself y he asked.
Indeed should" was my reply. 81 wish
could always be calm, gentle, and self-possess-
ed, as you are. But we are naturally very DIFF
erent."
IL think not" he answered. "The only DIFF
ference is, that earlier learned the lesson Of
self.contrul If you will acquire it, YOU will
find that it brings its own reward. viii you
make the effort ?"
Edwards manner was gentle and persuasive.
81 will try,' said.
Every welt; rememb,r the subject is not TO
be alluded to again until next Christmas
My temper was,a times, ,hasty and imperious;
had not learned self-control tried TO rule
my own spirit but not many weeks had passed
ere felt that had forfeited the Christmas gift.
Though panied by the failure, I resolved not to
give up the great work which had undertaken.
| continued the struggle on, and with increas-
ing success.
During the long summer vacation, Edward
was with u.s. We rode, walked, and talked to-
gether, as usual, but no alluSion was made TO
that subject.
Christmas brought Edward to US once more.
Christmas morning he drew my arm within his,
and led me into the library.
al wish dear Ellen, to know about that Christ
mas gift" he said.
81 have no claim to it, Edward lreplisd.
"Will you try agan?"
heard the proposal with pleasure.
"Yes, Edward, if you wish it," said. 81
think have gained something the lost year.--
Perhaps many succeed this time
:" You have gained "a great deal,' he said.--
81 am glad you are willing to make another
trial"
An hour after, Edward placed in my hands
beautiful volume, saying, in an under tone
"A Christmas gift, Ellen, but not the gift"
Another year glded swiftly away, and anoth-
er Christmas was welcomed by some with quiet
happiness, and by others with noisy merriment.
Again Edward and were alone In the library.
In answer to his interrogation | modestly re-
piled.
81 think, Edward, claim the gift
II shall most joyfully admit the claim" be
said. "But, Ellen, dear, there is still one diff
Guilty, ,one uncertainty which greatly troubles me.
| am not sure that you will laccept the gift which
| wish to Offer Should you reject" and his voice
slightly trembled,
81 was about to assure him that should not
reject any gift which he saw ft to bestow when,
raising my eyes to his face. encountered such
glance as sealed my lips, and caused my heart
TO beat wildly
Ellen" he said, taking my hand, d" the gift
have TO offer is myself. Will you receive itT
All! what yelling up was there from long
sealed fountain in my heart. 1t was as II shaft
had been suddenly sunk into deep, exhaust
less mine. | had loved Edward for years. with
a sisterly afT.ction--so had persuaded myself.
H.. had always seemed so true, so noble so good.
} But now many heart-throb, which could
not, or would not. understand, was explained.
/ The secret was revealed. ! did love Edward az
no sister ever loved brother. How wildly my
' heart throbbed, how the waters leaped joyously
up from the long sealed fountainl What 4
=. Christmas gift was that t. be clasped to th'
+ heart, and held there in | fe long embr ce
= Edward lookel earnestly into my face. HI
n has never yet told me what he read there; bs
after short silence he said
"You do not reject my Christmas gift, dea
] Ellen. Let this be the outward seal Of it" h
e continued, placing diamond ring on my fling
e er--I Arthur's Home Magazine.
d CHARrTy-Night kissed the young rose, and