St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1858-08-05
NUMBER AZ.


Ashland's office, and remained until
within an hour of his departure from
the city.
What could he want of you so
lonS!' was Mrs. Ashland's inquiry
the first moment she was alone with
her husband.
" He called to ask me for the hand
of Eva was half sadly returned.
" impossible" Why, Eva is but y
child and how could he think of such
a thing. He is poor, and dependent
on his rich relative for support"
deep flush rose to the brow of
Mr.. Ashland.
We could not spare Eva YETI
Mrs. Ashland resumed, "for manv.
many years and l suppose you gave
him his answer Directly
did not, readily for was un-
certain of Eva's sentiments respecting
him, and-'
You did not give him any en-
couragement, | hope" Mrs. Ashland
looked up anxiously.
In few weeks Eva will be his
i have promised him this" was the
low reply.
why, Mr.. Ashland, was not con-
suited ~
His business was simply with me-"
| And you have promised him Eva?,
have. | believe him to be wor-
thy of her; no higher compliment
could pay him than that was half
proudly said.
And yet | cannot spare Eva-shc
is so useful. How could you think of
such thinS?" was the reproachful
answer.
And why not? victorine can
take her place, and now engage in
those duties that the younger sister
only should have assisted in perform
ing"
" | am astonished Victorine is SO
delicate, you know she would not
live a week to do what Eva does. You
have been hearing uncle John talk
he is so afraid that Nictorine will take
minutes comfort he is ready to die"
was the angry rejoindcr.
He need not fear that how, even if
it were as you say" was the calm, al
most severe reply. 1t is too late
now. \ character that has been
trained like hers can never know of q
pure and rational enjoyment" And,
without waiting to hear more, he left
the apartment
Those few weeks had passed on.
The bridal day had come and gone.
The wedding was qniet and simple.
Eva had left her own home roof forcv-
ralo ~ lip pc Of 2 ffRtst fRt IT 1bqpe WAS On the
upon his brow, a holicr, more beau
tiiul light in his dark eye as he bore
her away.
Tears were in the eyes of Mr.. Ash
land as he bade his daughter farewell;
and he sought his own room and re-
manned long alone. Were his thoughts
with the gentle dove he had given to
another? Did he fear for its future ?
Nay, not that. And yet his thoughts
were upon the future, with him to
whom his treasure were entrusted.
The morning papers were brought
in and laid upon the table. The fami-
" We're at breakfast 1t was the
morning after the wedding. Veto
rine took up the damp sheet, and half
snceringly said,
"Oh, | must see if Eva's marriage
notice is here"
Mr.. Ashland gazed upon his daugh-
t'rs face, yet leisurely continued his
breakfast, without speaking.
Nictorine turned to the inside page
of the paper. A bitter laugh rang
strangely through the room.
"Only think-what bIunder. Who
could have made it? 1t is put down
here the Honorable Henry Shcr-
wood to Eva F., the second daughter
of James Ashland, Esq, and SO on.
Really, Eva would feel quite proud if
she saw this"
"Eva's mind is too we'll balanced to
feel a weak and vain pride let her sit
uation be what it may" And Mr..
Ashland spoke with stern earnestness.
Victorinc continued her remarks
Mrs Ashland wondered who could
have made such a mistake and Mr.
Ashland continued his breakfast. 1t
seemed as if he never ate SO long be-
fore.
Victorinc showed him the marriage
notice. He took the paper deliberate
ly and slowly read it over aloud, word
by word, as if to detect wherein the
error complained of existed.
1t is right, all right, believe"
And he turned carelessly to another
part of the paper
Why, father, it is the HoaoraUe
Henry Sherwood. Did you not see?"
Mr.. Ashland was busily reading
some political intelligence. When he
had concluded he said,
l know it, my child E; l know it. Ii
is all right. Eva is the bride Of the
Honorable Henry Sherwood while
You, Victorinc, and all the rest of the
fashionable ladies in town, have been
all along flirting with the poor secre-
tary, and trying to make q conquest
of his heart, which it seems, is still his
own, despite of all the bcsicging OF.
deals it has gone through WITH
Victorine sank back half fainting in
her chair.
Mrs. Ashland said quickly, bitterly,
And you knew this all the time"
"No, did not know it until the
day l had promised him the hand of
Eva. Then, and not till then, he told
me ALL"
"And did Eva know it?
"She did not not when she left her
home. 1t was as the bride of the poor,
dependent and neglected secretary"
But did not uncle John know it
all the time 2"
lie did. lie has long been ac-
quaintcd with the senator from A.
He is very dear to him. His mother
is the sister of one who was more than
life to him"
"And this is all uncle Johns work."
was said with bitter emphasis.