True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-09-23

hIS dhoWCi was PCllOON1 oouioldOtOiJ'
and, biding my new friends farewell l
returned TO the station, and took the mex
train for the nearest town, in order to
procure such things as needed, taking
care to provide myself with small trunk
to bring them home in.
CHAPTERIII.
My life of independence was now fair,
ly commenced, or, rather, | had plunged
into the waters. must strike out boldly
now, and persevere in my efforts, or sink
into hopeless depths. Retireing that
night early to my room, I pondered over
all my gifts. and attainments, striving to
know which / could render available. l
might have taught pupils, perhaps, but
whence were they to come in this sol.
tary place =! was acquainted with mu-
sic, but there was scarcely piano within
miles. But my drswing-there lay some
hope. While in the town that day, I had
entered stationer's shop, and had notic-
ed drawings in India ink and paintings in
water colors, for which the shop.keeper
told me he found ready sale at remunera.
tive prices. These specimens Of art l
was confident could equal, if not exceed,
and, although it had not occurred to me
at the time, I now decided at once to
commence an effort in that direction.-
The history Of my first successes | need
not trace. Suffice it, that before my
purse was completely emptied, it had
been replenished with money ofmy own
earning also, REJOICING in the conscious
ness that henceforth | was, by the bless.
ing of God, equal to my own necessities.
All the luxury Of my former life would
not have given me that one sweet conso-
lation.
Busy as l made myself with sewing and
drawing, I never continued my labors
after four o'clock. The cool Of the after
noon 1 gave to rest and recreation, and
rambles in the woods, whence I gathered
many o! the originals for my paintings
and 10 long and pleasant conversation
with Mrs. Colesworlh, whom | found 10
be simple hearted and affectionate, as
well as shrewd and intelligent woman.-
She had early learned that there was
something in my history which desired
to conceal, and free and cordial as was
our daily intercourse, she never annoyed
me by the most distant or indirect allu-
sions to it.
had been some weeks domesticated
al Valley Farm, when, one fine afternoon,
coming in from the woodlands with an
apron full of flowers, of which | designed
making boquets for our little sitting room,
| seated myself upon the front doorstep,
in order to puruse my work of arrange.
ment. Just in the midst of the process,
was startled by footsteps, and looking
saw Varick Colesworth, the eldest son Of
my host; he had paused and was watch
ing with some interest the progress of my
work.
"Isn't that pretty :" I Iasked, holding
up the half finished bouquet.
"Yes, beautiful but that is prettier,'
and taking up long sprig of the deli
cate white clemati, he twined it careless:
ly round my head, and stepped back to
witness the effect of the ornament.
(Which do you mean to compliment!
said l, laughing gaily "the Aonr, or TIT
head it encireles p ... ..
He only answered me by.a quiet, sig
nifcant smile, the insinuated fattery o
which pleased me no more than the sad
ness in which it closed piqued my interest
Resuming his bantering tone, however, hi
replied evasively--
II think if you could stand where
do, and paint the picture that | am look
ing upon, it would sell for better pric
than your whole portfolio besides"
He was turning away, when suddenly
as if just remembering it, he drew lei
ter from his pocket
"Is this for you," said he.
1t was directed "Paulina Atherton" 70
by that name since my mothers mar
riage had I been known.
The handwriting was familiar to me
and that together with the embarrassment
of seeming to have changed my name
caused my face 10 flush in manner ths
might justify unpleasant suspicious in an
but kindhearted observer. As l too
the letter, however, l fastened to say
Atherton is the name Of my stepfathe
, and my friends often forget the distinction
But how did this letter find you 7"
ut came into my fathers box at tll
post Office, to-day; you see it is directe
to his care"
Truly it was; my retreat was the
known to Howard Atherton ! VIII
should l do? Holding the letter in m
hand, for dared not open it, | looked U
to Varick imploringly. I could not speal
II was unreasonable that he could bel
: me yet looking upon his tall, muscul
J frame, recognising the pride and mani
, dignity which were expressed in evel
line Of his form, and meeting the kir
protecting glance Of his soft blue eye
one could not help trusting him. ).
s " "Verrick," said Il; and / hesitate