Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1858-09-09

For. six months Oracle had been ten
derly cherished in her new home. Her
uncle was a man of quick and generous
sensibilities. She had always been his
fa1 orite; she was even more so, now
and her aunts delicate appreciation of
her feelings, read her wants: and sup
piled them, almost before she was con-
seious of them. Her cousins, Carrie
and Annie, were merry hearted girls,
and their cheerful spirit sometimes won
Grace to a moments gaiety. But those
woFc transient gleams of sunshine
..Short swallow flights of song, that dip,
Their wings in tears, and swim away
She spoke freely and calmly cf her
father, and Of her own orphanage: His
mind, she said, fra med to grasp the
largest and lofiest themes, was yet with
all its dignity, patient or tedious inves-
t;gation, and so readily condescendiug
to simplest Investigations for her sake
And his noble heart! her memory of
him was proud, blessed memory, and
her sorrow unrepiniDg.
- So the months were on. But when
summer came again, the hazel of Gra
cie's eye was still deepened by shad
ow, and there was plantive touch in
her voice which her watchful aunt noti
ced with frequent anxiety.
-'oOne evening in July, the family cir
cIegwas formed inthe library, talk
ing except uncle George, who was alb
sorbed IN the evening paper, and Grace
who sat more than usually silent with
her hand gently resting on her aunties.
A letter was bro't in for Annie. "From
Charfes?' enquired her mother. An
ME read line or two and announced
''Charley is coming home tomorrow,
and promises to bring his college chum,
Ned, with him. ''He is a splendid fell
low, Grace interrupted Carrie. ga
perfect Genius and perfect gentleman.
Handsome teo--dark hair, dark, fash
ing eyes, rich voice. perfectly fascina
ting in conversation- then so po
litely reserved, that it keeps one in a
delightful sta g of agitation, as to wheth-
cr"- .......-..
What is it?" asked her father, dis
turbed by Carries animated eulogium.
Annie read -"Commencement is
over Edward Grant is Coming home
with me for the vacation, in order to es
cape endless congratulations, here. He
has graduated with the highest honors,
kindly vacating the station, which your
humble servant hopes to distinguish a.
mother year. We shall be with you the
day after to morrow" ..... &C.,
Why did Grace withdraw her trem-
ling hand, lest it should betray her? The
most secret shrine of Gracie's love, had
long held hidden portrait, and now it
was suddenly drawn forth to light.
''Audacious youth said Carrie, com
menting on Charley's letter, as she han
ed it to her mother. Mrs. Bernard in
specting the date, cried, 5 .--.H ,.,.
- T''sWhy, Annie, they are to be here to-
night" .is -t.as... .s. .,I ssr
I A ring at the door bell echoed these
words. Annie ran out, and with an ex
clarnation of delight, returned with the
two travellers. A single look at one Of
tie guests satisfied Grace. She felt her
self possession fast forsaking her, and
was availing herself Of the excitement
of the family greetings to slip from the
room. But Carrie brought her back,
saying cousin Grace-my brother Char
ley-Mr Grant" The latter gentle
man bowed cordially. he did not know
herl Grace was calm again; and in few
moments trusted herself to look up, but
met scrutinizing glance from ''those
handsome eyes," Mr.. Grant relieved her
embarrassment by enquiring-
Gam to be allowed the favor of say
ing Cousin Grace?'
"No,, said Carrie. "Youwi be con-
demned to the formality of miss Ber-
nard."