Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1858-02-04


that should win from him, in time, an al
lection as deep and steadfast as my own.
| knew he di1 not marry me tor love. His
house was lonely, his children were poorly
protected. and he needed wife. | had
been recommended TO him as one who
would keep his honse in order, and be
suitable companion for his children; after
brief acquaintance he proposed IN due
form, and soon it was all settled.
"Almost home!" exclaimed Capt. Flem-
ing, rousing himself to look out of the car
rage window The words sent thrill
through me, and | looked eagerly ou.,
through .he twilight shadows, to the house
we were approaching. 1t was large, and
stood at distance from the village street,
and it seemed to me in rather { desoAte
situation. Great trees swung their branches
over the gateway, and as we rode between
them the wind made signing sound among
the leaves. But the lighted lower windows
shone cheerfuly IN the darkness, see!7ing
by their brightness to welcome me home.
Jane Fleming, Lly husbands sister. who
had been his honsekeeper since his wite's
death, came to the door to meet US. The
moment her cold fingers touched mine, |
felt that there would be no sympathy be-
tween US; and when we had entered the
lighted parlor, and | had scrutanized her
face, was sure of it. Without word she
stood beside me while took off my bon
net end gl1ves-she carried them away;
then as silently walked into the room again,
| leading the three children. feel now the
chill! of her presence upon me.
The three ran into their fathers arms
and embraced him affectionately, and as
he caressed them in return, | perceived
hat there was fountain OF warmth in his
heart, which, could | reach it. would be
enough to shield me from cold and dark
ness forever. This show OF passionate
fondness made me glad. and, going to his
side, tried to win the notice OF the chill
dren 10 myself.
SIT is your new mother said their faith
er. .She has come to take care of y0u
when am gone to sea again. Julia and
Mary, go to your mother"
aIary, pretty oiue-eyed child Of ten,
came shylv towards ME. and kissed my
check; but Julia, the eldest, merely gave
me her hand. Julia seemed to have i'm
bibed something of her auEt's icy manner,
Tor she s1t aloof and watched me cold!y.-I
The little boy now lifted his head from his
fathers shoulder, aRd seeing that Mary
stood by me unharmed, ventured to ap-
proach me.
"Come to me, EIward!" said Miss FIem-
ing, with frOwn.
Was his ime Edward! I caught him
TO my arms aud held MIN closely, SO that
b. could not escape to his 'alous aunt, and
thought in nv secret heart that | would
make him like the brother Edward | mad
ioss.7s q an fusrsI.f me feef:sg that was
d stranger had vanished-my heart had
warmed So towards the little one whose
auburn head nestled in my arms. NY hus-
band looked pleased, and smiled, giving his
sister a gratified look, and | observed the
shadow of smile on her lips, but it faded
again as she glanced at Julia. When the
clock struck nine, Miss Jane rose and ed
the children to their chambers. | bade
them good night as they went out, but
MOI iced that Julia made no answer.
The next morning made it my business
to 90 ovsl the house ard examine its con-
veniences. The first step upon the broad.
gloomy staircase, chilled me; but when,
after visiting every room, | sa: down in the
parlnr again i was almost discouraged. Such
a dreary, disordered house, ] never saw
| In every chamber the curtains hung over
the windows like shrouds, and the air was
cold and damp as 4 dungeon. There was
dust on the walls, on the windows, and on
the furniture; there was gloom in every
corner. The parlor, which might have
l been a delightful room, seemed like a sep
ulchre. The furniture, as well as the pic
lures, were covered with brown holland; a
locked bookcase stocd in L recess, and a
locked piano was by the opposite wall.
asked little Mary, who had kept close by
me all the morning, why this was SO.
i aAunt Jane does not ike music,' she re-
piled; "and she keeps the bookcase locked,
because she says we must not read books
until we are older.'
"And why is the furniture all covered?"
| asked
s.The parlor is scarcely ever opened"
said Mary. "Aunt Jane ints to keep it
nice"
"Well, Merry" said, ego now and ask
your aunt Jane Tor the key OF the bookcase.
| want to see the books"
, She ran quickly, and returned followed
! by her aunt, who delivered up the key to
me with dubions kind of grace.
81 hope you will lock the bookcase when
D you have examined the books. ma am said
r Miss Fleming. 81 don't allow the children
S to spend their time in light reading"
: "What are they now readingl" asked.
e "They learn their lessons" she replied.
h shortly.
e She disappeared, and opened the book
q case, which | found TO contain a most ex-
o ceIient selection of books. The best poets,
L the best historians. the best novelists and
a biographers we're there, making library,
t small. but of rare value. 1t was the first
really pleasant thing | had found in my
v new home, and sat an hour or two, glanc.
:. ing over one volume after another, and re-
;, arranging them on the shelves.
rs Suddenly Miss Jane looked in, and in a
ID moment her face was pale with Indignation
e or there sat little Mary on the carpet,
.e buried in a charming old annual Miss
II Jane took two steps forward, and snatch
ing the buok out of the child's hand, threw
i, it cn the table then led her by the shoulder
ID out OF the room. was at first mute with
s. amszement at this rough government; ther
d, | sprung up, and wond have followed her
rs had not the fear of an outbreak restrained
! me.
h. "Selfsh creature!" | exclaimed, "you are
I'd trying TO make these children like your
self; running them for all good and happi
/ ness in lie. In Julia's sulenness ar,
Ut coldness see the fruit of your labor. Wa
k Arthur Fleming blind when he left hi
W children in your keeping"