The Shasta courier., 1858-12-11
ELOISE.
BY VIRGINIA TOWNSEND.

BY VIRGINIA TOWNSEND.
"An orphan is she? Well, she's old enough
to take care of herself She shant come here
while I'm mistress of the house. There ~ and
Mrs. Manley shu: down the lid of her work-box
with jerk.
"Why not, Amelia Why do you object to
having my niece here? She is lovely girl"
"Oh, yes, loueLyi She has been living on
charity, | believe, ever since her parents died.
She can't have much spirit"
"Charity, Amelia Why she has been living
with poor Harold since sister Mary died. He has
given her a splendid education, and been like a
father to her, but had only his salary, and that
died with him. 1t was very handsome, but Har-
rod always lived extensively"
Well, your brother Harold should have
saved something for her. If she has such fine
education, why does she not go out teaching?'
She is so young, Amelia to be cast alone Or
the world My only sisters shld, orphaned
and with only her old uncle to look to for love
l, rich, with only two children to support, and
she teaching for her daily bread 1t shall never
be. Amelia, she shall come here. For once
will be master in my own house. l have writ
ten to her to come and she will arrive to-day
1t is of no use to talk, say she shall come, 'and
dreading torrent of words, Mr.. Maney left the
room.
That same evening, Eloise Farnham, Mr.
Manly's niece, arrived at her uncle's. He step
ped to the door as the carriage drove up and
the lonely, sorrowing girl felt warm kisses upon
her cheeks and loving words of welcome were
whispered in her ear. He drew her under the
hall lamp, and took off her bonnet. As he did
so a profusion of soft curls fell around her
face.
tAye," said the old man, in a low tone, " Ma
rvs golden hair, Mary's blue eyes, Mary's pure
skin, bat not Marys rosy cheeks. We must
bring them back. Oh, Marys own dear child !"
and two tears trickled down the withered
cheeks. Eloise was weeping, too, SOFTLY and
with a heart full of gratitude, for she thought
her dead uncle's place was. already filled.
"ComeP said. Mr.. Manly, "you must see
your aunt and cousins" and be threw open the
p.sIes; desEss 8 melia. mr deA this is Mary's
daughter. Girls, come speak to your cousin
All Fred, you there, Ldid not see you"
Mrs Manly bowed coldy; Julia, the eldest
daughter, looked up from the music she was
poring over, and nodded slightly, while Minnie
did Tot seem even to hear her fathers voice.
Fred, young, handsome fellow, left Julia's side
to shake hands with Mr.. Manly
"Eloise, my dear, let me introduce Mr. Fred
erick Sternman, the son of an old admirer of
your mother Fred, this is my niece, Miss Farm
ham,"
Fred bowed low, pretending not to,heed the
quivering lip, and look of grieved amazement,
with which Eloise met her cold reception.
Mr.. Manly noted the cloud on the young, fair
face, and with quick delicacy apologized for ta-
king his niece away from the parlor, pleading
her fatigue as his excuse. He led her to his
own little sanctum, half literary, half paror.
Here, seated on low stool at his feet, the
young girl told him of his dead brothers last
days; of the sister Mary whom he had loved SO
well; of herself; her grief at her uncle's death,
and her JOY at finding his heart open to her. Of
Der aunt and cousins she said nothing. At last
he dismissed her to her room, and her last
thought, as she closed her eyes, was to thank
God for her uncles love.
Acold, clear voice aroused her in the morn
ing.
"Will you come down to breakfast, or have
it here ?"
"Come down, of courseI Is it late ~ she
asked, starting up. "Oh, cousin Julia, is it
you? Good morning." and she stretched out
her hand
1t was not taken, and with cold Good
morning her cousin left the room.
Panied and chilled, Eloise arose.
'.How lovely Julia is" she thought. "Her
eyes are so large and dark, Il admire dark eyes)
and her hair is so abundant, and such a deep,
rich brown. / must try to make her love me.
soft grey eyes. Well, they don't know me much
yet; perhaps they will love me by and by"
Poor Eloise Graded all her life in an at
mosphere of love, the want of it was like taking
away necessary of her life. At breakfast she
met only her aunt and cousins Mr.. Manly liked
early rising, aud had breakfasted alone, two
hours ago. Eloise privately resolved to be his
companion for the future. But little conversa-
ton passed at the meal, and she was glad when
it was over. Mrs. Manly, Julia, and Minnie left
her alone, making no offer to contribute in any
way towards making her new home a pleasant
one. As the servant entered to remove the
breakfast dishes, Eose asked for her uncle
He was out. She could have cried, she felt so
desolate in this splendid home. Saddened with
a slow step, and full heart, she went into the
parlor. grand piano caught her eye and
having nothing else to do, she went towards it.
She was fine musician, and no mean improvis-
atrice, and now she poured out her full heart in
music. 1t began with a low, wailing strain,
which her quvering fingers gave softly, yet
sweetly; as the music filled her heart, coldness
and neglect were forgotten, and bright genius
awoke in the young girls mind aud face. The
large, blue eyes were full of light; faint flush
came upon the pale cheek, and the graceful fig
ure was erect, and. full of dignity Eloise had
an invisible audience. Her uncle came in while
she was. playing, accompanied by two gentle
men, Mr. Sternman, and the lion of Mrs. Manly IS
circle of gentlemen, Graham Cleveland; the
most talented, wealthy, and fascinating of young
men. These glided silently in, and seated them
selves IN an inner room where Eloise could not
see them, but from whence they could see her.
There was nosoand in the parlor, save that glo-
nous music She ceased for a moment, and then
her rich, clear voice joined in the melody Or
phanhood, sorrow, coldness all were forgotten
in the inspiration of the moment Eloise was
wakened rudely by Julia, who came in, saving,
Please don't bang all the tune out of the
piano; like to practice sometimes
Eloise felt as if she had fallen suddenly from