St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1859-10-27
the feeling she had had for him since

tfc iceiing sue flau llau 1Or MN sine
childhood.
When Alice left him, Ralph stoo,
for a while upon the porch, thinking
then he turned abruptly and went int,
the house, into the Doctors Office
DR.. Holman" he said, drawing hi
chair up to the old gentleman's, q.
wish, if you are not cnga agcd, to spcal
to y3G.1 m ,
have you to say ?"
:" Alice is going into the city, sh,
tells me, to spend the winter"
Yes, yes . don't want much tc
send her, but sister Louise says she
needs polishing, and perhaps she does
You and | are but rough teachers fol
young girl
Polishing !" said Ralph, bitterly
That means to turn her frank, joyous
laugh into meaningless smirk, tc
exchange her free, graceful step for a
sliding walk, to turn her from u frank,
loving girl into an affected coquettc
| saw enough Of city bellies in the
winters during which attended the
medical lectures"
"Well, well, boy, it is only for one
winter"
DR.. Holman" said Ralph, earnest.
ly, you have known me from my
boyhOod; do you think | could make
Alice happy? Would you trust her
with me as my wife, for love her ?"
Willingly Ah, you think this
was a great secret, but saw it. If
had not been willing to give up Alice
to you, ! should have sent her away
long ago. | saw you loved her.
And may | speak to her ?" asked
the young man, joylully.
Wait awhile wait awhile ! She
is very young yet. Let her go to the
city free, and when she comes back,
perhaps
Perhaps !"
Well, well, certainly. You may
ask her when she comes back. Don't
say anything now"
Ralph left the Office only half salts
fled ; but the warm smile of welcome,
the gentle chiding for leaving her SO
long, that Alice greeted him with, re-
assured him.
A few weeks later, the three were
assembled in the porch again. Before
the door stood carriage laden with
baggage, and Alicc's travclling-drcss
showed that she was starting on q
journey Ralph was to take her to
New York. The last kiss was given.
and, with dreary aching at his heart,
Dr. Holman saw them drive off
Many times during that pleasant
journey Ralph's words of love rose to
his lips, but, respecting her fathers
wishes, died there. The tears and
warm caresses with which she badc
him farewell at her aunt's made his
heart beat high with hope. Surely,
surely, she loved him.
Why, Alice" said her aunt, as
she took of the bonnet and cloak,
:" how you have grown and bless me,
child, how pretty you are :" There
was a blush. "Did no one ever tell
you so before"
Alice shook her head.
"Wcll, YOU hare lived among sava-
gcs. N'importe, You will be told often
enough now. Open your trunks. This
dress is five years old in cut. Have
You nothing newer? White muslin !.
Sweet simplicity, what is white mus
lin for in wintcr?"
81 thought it would do if went to
any parties"
"What with high neck and long
sleeves y no we must rciit your
wardrobe. We will go shopping to-
morrow. Not a word you arc my
child, now. Hark ! there is your I'm
Gle James
Alice darted from the room to meet
her uncle, and in another hour she felt
completely at home. Uncle aud aunt
seemed to strive to see which could
make the young girl most welcome.
Now" said Mrs. Stirling, when
they were all seated at the tca-tablc,
we must give large party here
first, to introduce you to society. You
can dance ?"
40 yes" said Alice Ralph is in
the city for few weeks every winter,
purchasing books and medicines for
father, and he always teaches me the
new dances when he comes home"
Excellent All, 10y the way,
Ralph--is there any danger Of his
carrying away my rosebud? You
don't look very conscious, rather
amazed, in fact. Well, well, don't
mean anything. Now, about this par
ty.'
But, auntic, I-aint | putting you
to a great deal of trouble ?"
Trouble! No, my dear. | give
parties every winter. and this season
all my young friends are crazy to be
introduced to the niece | have prom.
ised to bring out. Oh, there is Eas.
ton :" And she rose to welcome the
new conner.
Alice, there is your Uncle James
nephew, just returned from Europe
Easton, this is my niece. Mr.. Stirling,
Miss Holman. Nay. though, as we
are all one family, Alice, Easton, drop
the Miss and Mr."
am most happy to welcome you
here" said the young man, bowing
1--WE are cousins, are we not, Aunt
Louise 2"
Yes, cousins !! Take Alice to the
drawing-room. | want to speak tc
your uncle, without two chattcring
children in the room. CO." and she
playfully opened the door and mo
toned them away.
81 am 50 glad you have come
said Easton, warmly, as he placed q
chair for her near the fireplace
Auntie has been telling me every
day since ! came home, Of this pleas
ure in store"
"She let me have the full benefit o
SURPRISE" said Alice. Il did not
even know Uncle James had such q
relative. We have lived very seclu
ded in our country home, and hop,
to find many new relatives this winter
Of whose existence | am, as yet, igno
rant Np,, h,ra hnan - E,r,,n J..