Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1859-05-14

1850
pesrxnce, as ever clustered round the chair Of
age since the patriarchal days.
Mr. and Mrs. Renwick sat beside the fire,
looking cheerfully around them. dozen OF
more young cousins were dancing to the niu-
sic OF piano and flute, while the elders play
ed whist in an inner room. One or two QUIET
couples stole away into corners they were
too happy to dance and laugh with the rest.
Among these was Isabel Renwick, the DOCTORS
youngest and unmarried sister. The old pa
rents looked at har as she stood with her be-
trothed in the shade of the crimson curtains
!" We shall have another fine tall son-in-law
by this time next year, Lefty my dear, "wI,i-
pered the old man to his wife with a Gerry
smile.
"Don'ttalk nonsense borore the children"
answered Mrs. Rep~1ck, trying to frown as
she wiped her spectaoles.
"Well, always thought little Bell was the
prettiest of. all our children, and she will
marry best, though last,n said the proud
father. Little Bell was beautiful young
woman of seven and twenty, whom no argu-
ment could hitherto induce TO quit her fathers
roof, until an old playmate returned from
India, rich in money, and richer still in love,
that time could not change. So Isabel was
to be married at last
The dance ended and the various grand
children sat down to rest, or walked idly
Do you know what a grand ball Aunt
Hartford is giving tonight at the Priory9i said
Jessie Renwiek to her cousin, William Oil
plant.
:" doubt if they will be half so merry as
We, nevertheless, with all their GRANDEUR
" Who is speaking about Mrs. Hartford--of
my eldest daughterf" said the grandfather
sharply. Would that she had been no
daughter Of minel''
ToN... 4, - ~.
wife, lying her withered fingers on his arm
"Jessie only said that there was grand
party at the Priory tonight" answered young
oiphant, for his cousin had shrunk aside
alarmed at her grandfather's harsh tone, so
unusual to him.
" Let her go with all her pride and her gay
eties There is no blessing on an ungatefuI
child, said Mr.. Renwick sternly. "Wlen
she was born, her mother and reioiced and
we called her Letitia in our gladness but she
has been to us a bitter sorrow, and no Joy.
Dor speak of her my children"
The young people saw that there was deep
sadness on their grandmamma's face, and that
Mr.. Renwick's tone, though severe, was trem-
ulous SO they did not again mention Mrs.
Hartford's name. The younger ones wonder
ed; but many Of the elder cousins knew of
their aunt's great wealth. suddenly acquired
by her husbands speculations; and how with
wealth had come pride, and with pride cold
ness and disdain, so that at last Mr.. and Mrs.
Hartford were self-exiled from the family circle
and only known by hearsay to the children.
After season, the slight shadow which
poor Jessie's unlucky speech had thrown over
:. the circle passed away. William 0iiphant,
ever thoughtful in those little things which
mxke the sum of home-happiness, adroitly
brought to his granmother's chair the two
youngest Of the flock, Mrs. Walter Renwick's
bonnie little girl and boy, and the old lsdy's
attention was diverted. She took Bessie on
her knee, and told Henry a fairy tale, and
thought no more of her own lost daughter.
How much good had been done by this unno-
ticed ruse of kind William Oliphantl
Merrily passed the closing hours of the Old
1ear. The children danced again, and then
Aunt Isabel was intreated to sing, and the
plaintive music other voice changed the laugh
ter into pensive but pleasant silence. After
minute or two they all thanked her cheer
fully. They did not know-the carless child
rem THAT OF all the merry troop around her,
Isabel had sung but for one, and to one. AT
ter while the mirth grew noisyer; the light
hearted troop would chorus Aunt Isabel's1
songs and so those who could sing and those
who thought they could, all chimed in together
to the utter confusion of treble; tenor and
bass. But there was so much happiness and
harmony in their hearts, that no one cared for
a little musical discord.
supper came, for "not even love can live
upon air." Abundance of mirth was there
amidst the good things, particularly when the
splendid dish of trJie came on, and little Bes-
sic Renwick got the ring, and Aunt Isabel the
nl-omend sixpencel II actually made her look
grave for minute, though, until her lover
whispered something that made her smile and
blush. There was little fear of Isabel diving
an old maid The time passed so quickly,
that only just had the happy circle drank the
healtha OF grandpapa and grandnamma, and
grandpapa had returned thanks in a few touch
ing words, which made them grave in the.
midst OF their fun, when 10 the clock struck
twelve
And now came the grand ceremony. DR..
James Renwick rose up with great soemnity
OF visage. Nothing made them laugh SO
much as to see the mock gravity OF merry
Uncle James. Bearing a light in each hand,
the doctor went to the hal-door, followed by
the whole troop. What a noise and confusion
did they make in the narrow old-fashioned
passage yeleped the hall And now the lights
being resigned to the care of the eldest son,
DR.. Renwick unfastened the bolts, and the
door flew open, letting in, besides the New
Year, such gust OF biting January night
Z wind as nearly eStinguished the candles, and
made the whole party SILVER and hasten to
the warm drawing-room with greater celebrity.
just as DR.. Renwick was about to close the
door, and retire also, some one called him from
without.
Wait minute, doctor, pray. Iwant you
sir, if you please.''
Some patient, suppose, said the doctor
Well, come in friend it is too cold to stand
talking outside"
The man came in, and Dir. Renwck and his
nntimely visitor retired to the study.
re "What has become of Uncle James p was
soon the general cry, and some of the more
daring Of the youngsters rushed up and down
the house in search of him. He was found
In the study alone, but he looked very grave,
and il was no pretence now.
Il cannot go up stairs again. he said
have to go out immediately The children
intreated, and Mrs. James Renwick expostulan
ted, knowing that her husband had no patti
ents on his list likely to require him at that
time Of night; until at last grandpapa sent
down to know what was the matter
"Iam sure there is no need for Won to leave
US in this way, James," said the old man
rather queriously .and at least YOU might
tell US where You are going"
81 had rather not" said the plnin.snolan
James Renwick; but if you stin ask me, |
will tell you.''
Eyes; tell us now.''
Well, then il is to my sisters to Mrs.
Hartford's."
"What business haveyou with her ~ cried
tho angry old man; swhat have you to say
TO the grand party ~
There is no gayety at the Priory tonight,
but much SORROW" answered DR.. Renwick
Erayely. "Arthur Hartford met with dread