Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-06-11

rajah's splendid mode Of living was the
envy of half of Bengal. The scene we
have just described occurred in the gar
dens of the rajah's palace, and the chill
dren were the daughter of Hafz Roy
and the son of Sir De Lacy Howard.
Was it to be wondered at that those
children afterwards felt bound to each
other by the strongest ties From ear
liest infancy they had been playmates,
had been like brother and sister to each
other, but now Famine seemed to lean
upon little Alfred Howard with as much
confidence in bis power TO protect her as
though he were full grown man, in
place of a tiny though resolute boy. Ia
mines deep dark eyes were never tired
of beaming tenderness upon him, and he
was ever content so that she were but
his companion.
1t is no secret to say that the parents
Of each saw this with delight, for from the
first years of their birth, those parents
had designed them for each other, should
Heaven bless them with life and health.
"What did papa mean about your 60
ing away, dear Alfred ?" asked Famine
as the two walked together with arms
about each others waists.
The boy shook his head seriously, but
made no reply.
"Why do you not tell me, Alfred?'' per-
sisted Famine, looking tenderly up into
his face, and folding her two hands over
his shoulder.
NAY, dear Famine" he answered,
touched by her afectionate appeal, sit is
a matter l do not like to talk nor think
about
"What, dear Alfred ?"
"Why, this going away" he answered;
"tbis leaving home and you."
"But you'll be back again directly p
asked his companion, eagerly.
Nay, if l so, it will be for not few
days, but years, Famine"
The child looked at him inquiringly
for moment, while her lips trembled
and her eyes filed with tears. The boy
stopped tenderly and kissed them away,
but could not trust his own voice to speak
lest it should betray the tender emotion
that was struggling at his heart.
you know, Famine" he said, after
a moments delay, "that I am going to
England, to be educated after the man
ner of our country, and to improve the
superior advantages afforded them for
seif-cultivation. You know we have
heard our father speak often of this
plan.
''Yes, dear Alfred, but I have thought
the time so far off that have not heed
ed it much, and now you say it has near
" come, l tremble to think of it. O.
Alfred, what should l do without yon p
As Famine said this, she laid her head
upon his young breast and wept in 81
lence, while the tears also fell fast from
her companions eyes upon her dark
glossy hair. II was their first sorrow
and to both it was very earnest.
But Alfred was right; he was to be
sent at once to England, and to adopt {
thorough course of classical study, to fl
himself for Oxford; nor could he expect
to see India, or the loved ones he mus
leave behind him there, for many a lonE
! and weary year. Perhaps he woul(
never see them all again.
1t was sad day among the family ant
friends when young Alfred was got read.
to take ship from Calcutta. Sir De La
ey Howard placed great hopes and mucl
parental affection in bis promising son
: and his leave-taking for the long absenc
was made quite formal affair. His faith
er, mother and Famine all accompanie'
him across the country to the post of de
: parture. In the vehicle the two childrel
{ sat side by side. Silently Alfred held tn
hand of his little playmate, but they ez
changed hardly word with each othel
: Both realized their long separation
: come.
= At last the hour came for him to 2
u on shipboard. His young heart bes
rapidly; there were some pleasurabl
sensations in his feelings, a curious e7
pectancy of adventure, a desire to Sc
: 3 the world, interest in the huge ship tina
- now foated in full sight with her sal
> already to wait him far away to the Ian
- of his fathers. Famine stood with tea
" ful eyes upon the shore, her tiny han
: still in his, when he kissed her tenderl
y and said "May I have one of thos
q q curls, dear Famine p
y Child as she was, Famine blushed, ,ju
= = the faintest little blush, as she ran h
~ hand through her dark, clustering rim,
ie i lets, and selected one, held it up for hi
le H to cut. 'If you want it, dear Alfred! !"
u u The boy hastily secured the glost
"i treasure, pressed his lips to her ow
was once more embraced by his parent
~ and fastening into the boat that await'
~ him, threw himself into the stern shee
u and covering his face with his hands, ga
&c way to the food of childish and innoce
= feeling that he had struggled until IL
u - moment to suppress.
50 The topsails were loosed and sheet
u home, the broad canvass, sail after s.
he was spread upon the English ship, t
he hoarse words of command came over t
I'd water, and she shaped her course far Q
h. into the Bay of Bengal. Alfred mai
at tanned his stand near the taffrail until
,e- shore faded entirely from view, and tn
nd he sought his berth to cry himself
as sleep, to dream of the home he left behi
him, with father, mother, and his deal
rv loved playmate.