The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-09-14

bis neck, Deiiher speaking nor stirring. And
when the pooes creatures last breath was
drawn, she bent over him with a passionate
burst of grief, Kissed. the white spot upon his
forehead. and closed the soft. dark eyes, that
even in death were turned towards her with a
leving look. 7z7 ar ss 4
She did not come TO me for sympathy. She
watched alone, while the gardner dug a grave
and buried him beneath the study window =
She never mentioned him to me, and never
paid her daily visit to his grave till i was busy
with my papers for The evening. So the year
which had begun in love and happiness, came
TO its close.
sat in the study alone. one morning iu the
February following, looking over some deeds
that had been long neglected. when heard
Alice singing in the bllcouy outside the win
dow. 1t was the first time l had heard her
sing since Freds death. and laid down my
pen 10 listen. Bnt hearing her coming through
the hall. took iteup again, aad affected to be
very busy. n "a sssss ssgvs6 y-z ra
1t was warm, bright, beautiful dav; and
she seemed to bring burst Of sunlight and
happiness with her as she opened the door,
Her own face too. was radiant, and she look.
ed like the Alice of the of the farm house. as
she came on tiptoe and bent over my chair
well, what is itr asked looking mp to
her. gt=. s5 s4zs lsH sss- b. Fs7e.ia if
She laid pretty little bouquet of violets,
fIp0u uvit r,h l,aFo
i have been TO the conservatory and have
brought you the first flowers of the season
FrBncis And something else, which perhaps
you may not like so WE'LL
She bent over me as she spoke, and leaning
her hand lightly on my shoulder, kissed me
twice. She had been chary of her caresses,
for some time; and, u hen she did this of her
own accord, wheeled round in my chair and
looked mp at her. U{ a'izs ~
'Yon seem very happy to day. Alice.
1t is somebody's birth day. she said, sta
tionirg herself upon my knee, and looking in
TO ms eyes And L wish somebody very
many happy retuins;'-her voice faitered a
little and if there has been any wrong feel.
ing, Francis. for the last six months. we will
bury it to-day, now and forever
She clung 10 me in silence, and hid her face
upon my breast. I was moved, in spite oi
myself. and kissed the brown hair that was
scattered over my shoulder, and said was
quite willing TO forget everything (as if had
anything to forget y At which she looked
up with bright smile, aid / dare say though,
me very magnanimous.
And we will make new beginning from
this day, Francis. nj l=ai aTs a4f
If you will. my chi'd.
She caressed me again, after queer little
fashion of her own, which always made me
smile, aud which consisted of series of kiss
les bestowed S! scientifically, en- different parts
of my face-four, ! believe, being allotted tc
my forehead, two to each cheek, tw o to the
chin, four 10 my lips, and four to my eyes
She went through this ceremony with pains
taking care. and then looked me in the face
up before ne in that moment. and effdce The
past and its unhappiness held her closely
to my heart, and her arms were around my
neck.
Will any one believe it :? My wife hat
tscarceIy left me five minutes before the fame,
came TO me that hud shown too plainly tn,
power she had over me. For months ha,
been schooling myself into coldDess and in
difference and at her very first warm kiss o
I 10 b,J
ed, and thwarted. and annoyed me much d,.r
ing those months; it would not do to pardo
Der SO fally and entirely before she had eve
asked my forgiveness. took a sudden reso
inion; and, when she came back into the roor
was buried in my papers once more. Poo
child! She had had one half hours sunshin.
at least. -,,..-.t.5.,. p
One moment, she said taking the pc
out of my hand, and holding something u
over my head, I have a birth day gift ft
you. Do you want it p s.,t a4-.. --
IF you give it to me certainly. s
'Then ask me for it. gs4sFs q.
] said rothing, but took up my pen agai
Would you like it 2 she said timidly.
= i
quietly, going on with my papers, nam
/. sake of mine by the way-Saint Francis
Sales-who was accustomed to say. that OF
o should never ask or refuse anything.
: Well! But I'm not talking to Sal
J Francis; am talking to you. Will you ha
!. my litlle gift Say yes-jast to please me-
just to make my happy day still happier
Don't be child. Alice l= 81
1t is childish. know; but indulge me tt
J oLce 1t is such little thing, and it v
: make me very happy. afr 7os'1
L shall not refuse whatever you choose
give me. Only don't delay me long, for 1 wa
: to go on with these papers.
The next oment she threw the toy IA pre-
ty little brorzed iDkstand made like Cupi
! with bis qniser full of pens) at my feet, al
!, turned away grieved and angry. Istooped
y pick up the figure-it was broken in two p
ces. 27ss
o'Oh, You can condescend to lift it from Il
ground, she said sarcastically.
Upon my word Alice, your are the me
: unreasonable of beings. However, the lit
! god of love can be easily mended.' a
Yes. ..5,.- ss5
q She placed the fragments one upon the OF
y er and looked at me.
1T can be menoed. but the accident mt
y leave lis trace, like all others. oh, Franci;
. 9 she added, throwing herself down by my cha
9 and lifting my hand to her lips. q Why