Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1859-01-27

many nlgnts Vnen sne was last asleep, mes
ter was under her window, praying for her.
With the happy forgetfulness Of childhood
she was soon perfectly contented in her new
home. Mrs. Larkins lavished upon her all
the love she had felt for her own little one,
and ne indulgence was spared to make her
happy. For little time she grieved for
her sister, but her new mother soon
filled her place, and, as time rolled on, she
almost for her.
Two years passed; and, if we look into
the florists little-room, we shall see Hester
and Mr.. Holmes. Miss Crawford said he,
taking from his pocket newspaper. Il
want to read to you little gem discov-
cred here to-day; il is called Neglected
Flowers
With beautiful meditation and expression,
he read piece OF poetry, Que Of the heart
waiiings which genius sometimes pours
forth. As he ceased, he looked up for ap-
proval. Her cheek was flushed, and her
eyes lit with deep joy.
'Are they rot beautifull
81 think know the author
What. Lolal She writes most beauti-
fslly. There is, in her prose articles, a
depth Of feeling and pure. holy spirit rare
ly met with; have preserved them ALL
'You!'-and the flush deepened
yes; do you know herl | wish | could
say as much. should be proud to claim
her for friend
You have been the kindest friend to her
for two years. said Hester, in low tone.
She is here beside you'
you the author of Neglected Flowersr
You! And yet might have guessed it! Let
me congratulate you. You are making a
sensation ih all the fashionable world, and
people are very curiousabout the hidden
genius
Come. Mr.. Holmes. you are too kind;
your fattery makes me blush
mo fafterv. ought to thank you, too.
for being SO kind as to continue to copy nv
stupid pape's. when you are, of course,
much better paid for these gems
Paid! ! never received a cent for them.
They would come into my mind while my
hand travelled over your papers, and wrote
them down. One day veniured to send
one to the editor of the paper you hold in
your hand. | told him neither my name nor
address. TIE next day saw myself in
print. Since then have sent many more
but, as he never saw me nor heard my name
of course he never paid me for them. They
cost ne nothing but few hours of time.
and never fancied or fattered myss If that
they were worthy anything
This explains why G-was so mys-
terious when | inquired who Lola was.
Have you any more!'
'Oh, yes! many
May see thsml, A ortfelio svas taken
from table drawer, and Mr.. Holmes coolly
placed it under his arm. May | do what
please with them!' he asked.
.Ce-taiulv.'
Good evening, then; I am going
to spend the evening with Lola
Weeks passed away, and Hester heard
nothing from Mr.. Holmes. The boy still
brought the law papers, and she continued
writing and studies.
One evening, she was seated at the piano,
singing to MIR. Hopkins, who, half asleep,
to the pure, fresh voice pouring
forth his iavorite ballads, when Mr.. Holmes
came in. She started up with delight, then
stood still, blushing at her own e.gerness.
Miss Crawford he said. gravely, Il have
called upon business. VIII you sign some
papers for ME, without knowing what they
are'
Certainly. Am signing away all my
she asked, laughingly, as she
complied with his request.
'Yes, :or fair equivalent
No more was said about the papers. The
evening passed pleasantly, with music and
and then there came another
long lapse of time before Hester saw Dir.
Holmes. At last, be came again. She
had missed him surely, grieving over his
silence, and wondering whether he could
be offended with her. 1t was in the MORN
ing that he called. Hester was at a little
table in the green -house, arranging bouquets
for large party to be given at Mrs. Green's,
when book was laid before her. The title,
in large gilt letters, Neglected Flowers, by
Lula made her open it, to find all her fugi-
tive stories, sketches. and poetry collected
together, and tastefully embelli>hed with
'You are surprised said we'l-known
hlf frnE Ii
Offended! Oh, Mr.. Holmes, this is your
work! How kind, how very kind you are"
Not at all. am, to day, the bearer of
many commissions-;he book, the contract
you signed last month, and five hundred
dollars from the publisher
Five hundred dollars!
Yes, here i, is, in gold, as you see. You
must give up law, Miss Crawford, and prac-
tice literature, but'-and his voice was low
ered-'when you forsske the law, may
hope you will not forget the lawyer!'
She stood silent, neryously lingering the
bag OF money on the table, while the hot
blood mantled over cheek and brow. A look
o! proud JOY came into Llwrence Holiness
eyes.
Hester he said, gently, YOU cannot be
surprised when ! say love you, you mus,
have seen lit before this. will YOU not
speak to me! may call you miner
Il am so unworthy she stamnered, Il
poor and obscure
Poor!' he said, 'gayly, pointing 10 the
money. Obscure! here are FIVE papers that
came to-day, with notices Of Neglected
Flowers Poor and obscure. No. Yet
were you both I'd love you. Will you be
my wife!' And he opened his arms to fold
her to his bosom. She did not speak, and