The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1858-12-08

was welcomed with joy by all but my
self. l had never seen him, and there
fore feared him. l felt that if he were
my enemy too, l must become desperate
enough to leave them, though l had no
relatives to go to.
The evening of Edwards return was
spent in question and answer, among the
children of the same father. [ set apart
Edward had spoken kindly to me when
he first came, calling me sister Agnes;
and several limos he tried to give me a
| chance to enter into conversation, as any
polite gentleman would. But was too
uncertain of my hearers to talk, so be-
came listener only. judged from
what 1 heard and saw, that Edward was
a quick tempered, open hearted man, a
gentleman in feeling yet used to rough
ing it in new country.
The next evening my new brother as
ked me to give him some music. My
hands trembled, and grew so cold, that [
continually made mistakes, end avored
to remedy them, and So grew confused.
g, AT last / tried a lively easy waltz, in ho-
pes of recovering myself Jack began to
beat time. 1t distracted me.
''You never can keep time with Ag
nes," he said ''she always is sure to break
down."
Edward was standing by me!
could see by the mirror before me, that
he turned quickly, and gave Jack an an
CRY look. 1t only confused me the more
and bungled again.
s'There-I told you SOP cried Jack,
'Hear that"
"And how dare you beat time at all,
you uncivil little monkey?' Edward
burst out. "Let me hear any more Of
your impertinence, and l will put you out
of the ROOM"
I was too frightened to go on, and left
the parlor. My room was directly over
head. L heard Edwards voice in deer
tones, talking very earnestly. AS they
came up stairs to retire, I heard him say
to Lettie, as they passed by my daor.
"She is in a confoundedly uncomforta-
be situation, anyhow, and if those boy:
make it as intolerable for her, rs they
have done since [ have been hero, 1 shall
see what to have done with them"
He then kissed her for good night
l laid a happy head on my pillow had
friend.
The next day went to the library 70,
book. Edward was there very busy
writing. Jack was getting down some
volumes, and as the one [ wanted was
beyond my reah, l venturod to ask him
to get it for me. 1t was under his hand
the moment spoke. He came down the
steps without it, and stood directly be-
fore me, staring into my face:
spray, who was your last waiter -
he said, ats an honor deciner,
Edward strobe forward, seized him by
the collar, and shook him until his teeth
ratified.
"Now climb those steps this instant,
and down with the book! Or no-Ag-
mes may not like to take it from such un-
mannerly hands, will get it for her
myself
He gave it to mo with kind bow,
and glance of apology towards Jack
who stood before him white with rage
l escaped from the room quite afraid Of
my fierce defender.
1t was Charles turn to meet with re-
proof next. lie was asking Lettie what
had become of his coat. [ happened to
know, and she did not. I replied:
| The tailor has taken it to alter. He
wished to know if you wanted the sleeve
cuffs velvet lined. Do you know Char.
les?
He deigned me no reply. ! card much
more for him than for Jack. l felt my.
self flushed painfully, as | said:
81 only asked because he is coming a
gain, and desired word to be left about
Il" t
As usual fled to my room to conceal
my tears. But was afraid l might be
missed if | stayed too long, and thus ex
cite Edwards dangerous compassion
1 washed my eyes, and hastened down te
find my brothers in loud and high dis
pute, which hushed as | entered. saw
by the look of hate which Charles bes'@"
ed on me, that | was the subject 9 - ].
I saw too plainly tt at Edward .na'npi,
: ~