Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1858-08-13
AND, FRIDAY MORNING, AUGUST 13, 1858.

dark, earnest eyes were fixed upon her face, she
had dared for moment to hope that he loved
her, but the thought was always quickly put
away. "No, wall not indulge in a chimera
which will destroy my peace" was her Tental
reply to the suggestion, and she would occupy
herself more vigorously than ever, with the
discharge of her various duties Idleness is the
food of hopeless love, but Edith gave her love
no such sustenance, and her rev ard was per.
feet Peace with herself and others
But after this unfortunate party, all seemed
changed. Mr. EImore became constant visi.
tor at Mrs. Wallingford's, and each successive
visit charmed him more and more with Edith,
and she always welcomed him with the warmth
Of an open, frank heart. She was not one Of
those young ladies who see u lover in every
mere friend, and not suspeesing the nature OF
his interest in herself, gave free expression tu
the pleasure she felt at seeing him. To her he
was q remnant Of the past, the friend as well as
pupil of her father, the fayorite Of her mother
and who could symPathize in her love and re.
I gret for the departed, but nothing more Had
she not loved Wallingford, she probably would
nave loved Elmore, but her heart was pre-
occupied.
Mrs John Wallingford watched this game Of
hearts with keen eye. She alone read Edith
| feelings Alright, but she determined no one else
should. Frederick EImore might marry Edith
Give and welcome; he was no grandson OF
hers. Edmund Wallingford never should il
she could prevent it, aud accordingly, she took
good care to point out to the latter every proof
I Of Edith's supposed attachment 10 Elmore, and
her desire TO please him. Constance forgot
her usual amiability in her sorrow for the
sufferings of him who was TO her as
an own son, and grew cold and even petu-
liant to Edith, while Wslhngford though still
polite, maintained a formal reserve and dis
taRee, which, eOntrasted with his former atien-
ton and even tenderness of manner, wounded
her deeply, while to Elmore, who had once been
favorite college friend and elassmate, be found
it difficult to behave with decent civility Poor
Edith 0nly the children remained the same
to her.
Miss Give" said Mrs. John Wallingford,
as Edith sat alone in the school room, (the chill.
dren being out with their mother,) Il will take
an old lady's privilege Of saying few words to
you, for your own sake"
Edith bowed and looked surprised at the sud-
den interest taken in her welfare by Mrs. John
Wallingford, and the old lady went on:
"YOu must have observed the change in Mr..
WalGnaford's manner to YOU of late He has
discovered your feelings, with regard to himself,
and wisely adopted course of conduct ealeu-
lated to put an end to any ambitious hopes you
may have formed. l know that my daughter
in-law has fOOlishly encouraged you in the idea
that your sentiments we're reciprOeated; but she
was mistaken, for MIR. Wallingford's whole mind
on the subject is known to me and now also to
her, as you see she has changed her mode OF
proceedings. 1t remains for you to decide
whether it is consistent with the delicacy of a
modest young lady 10 remain under such cir
cumstances, as you cannot but see your presence
is restraint upon US all"
She ceased speaking, and fixed her eyes on
Edith, to mark the effect of what she had said.
The poor girl made a violent effort to control
herself; Indignation dried up the tears which,
at first, had been ready to flow, but she sat
quietly to thee Of the speech. and then thank
ing the old lady for her advice, begged to be left
alone.
When alone she gave way to bnrst of grief
What had she donel How had she exposed
herself to Mr. Wallinsford were questions she
asked herself again and again. But it made no
matter hO1; she loas exposed Mrs John Wal
lingfOrd was right, and she must seek another
home. But where was she 10 gol Her uncle
would be enraged beyond measure at her losing
so desirable situation, and Elmore, her only
friend, had been called suddenly away on busi-
ness the day before, and even had he been at
hand, how could she satisfactorily explain her
sudden departure from so pleasant home =
80, my father. my mother - she exclaimed,
"would that the same grave had closed over
your child J" But the feeling of despair was
checked as her eye fell on her fathers last gift
"a pocket Bible. She took it up and read with
new interest the oft perused sentence written
by that lamented father, on the blank leaf, For
my ehild's use in after life" And then follow
ed selection fpasssges to which he wished
her to refer in times of sorrow and times of joy.
She turned to the passages thus noted, and read
till she became composed and even happy
II have still youth and health and strength un.
impaired" she thought. and though l will
love him, and pray for the blessing Of Heaven
upon him all the days of my life, the fulfIment
of new duties in some other home will bring me
peace, and will again be happy in making 9TH
ers son