The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1859-12-01


she had a kind look and a gentle word for all
whom she met; she was here, there, every
where, comforting and sympathising with
those in distress. The aged had learned to
bless and the young to praise her name; and
with all her noble qualities she was very
beautiful combination rare indeed. Her
soft brown hair hung in graceful ringlets
around her fair neck, giving more express
sive loveliness to her large hazle eyes. No
wonder she felt an interest in Adela's welfare.
"Oh! brother" said Ella one day, "Miss
Weston is so fond Of music. She sings and
plays SO delightfully."- am sure you would be
much pleased to hear her, and so I have in
vited her to call on us tomorrow. We will
put the piano in order, and get her to play
your favorite tune, Charley"
Charles now left the room for his studio
not to think of his books, but rather to think
of the fair form of Adela Weston, whom he
had seen through the half open door of the
Doctors parlor on the morning after her ar.
rival. For her deep grief gave to her already
handsome face striking loveliness.
The next day Mrs. Gordon was much sur.
prised, on inviting Adela to accompany her
to sewing circle, to hear her decline, saying
at the same time that she was under obliga.
tons to visit Miss Summers that day.
Accordingly Miss Weston called on Ella,
and after conversing short time on the va
rious topics of the day, they took stroll into
Elias flower garden, which was beautiful Ger.
tainly. just as Ella was presenting Adela
with beautiful bouquet of her choicest flow.
ers, Charles suddenly appeared before them
MY brother, Mr.. Summers, Miss Weston,
said Ella. They were somewhat surprised
to see him there at that time, for they though,
he had rode out with Dr. Gordon, and would
not return until late. Adela blushed and
seemed at loss for something to say. How.
ever, in few minutes they were engaged in
agreeable conversation, all seeming deeply
interested.
Thus the time passed unheeded by them
until tea was announced. Tea over, Charles
proposed stroll in the country, to which
the girls readily assented. After long ant
pleasant walk, they returned to their respec
tive homes, to think and talk of the happy
day they had spent in the society of each
other.
ELLA" said Charles, after they were com
fortly seated in the parlor of their pleasan,
home, show would love to know Adela's
whole history fom her childhood to this
time; she tells me she was born and partially
raised in Italy"
"Oh! yes, Charley, I too would be pleased
to learn more of her life's history, and think
we can obtain it by simply asking her te
give it."
Thus the time passed until the following
spring, when on beautiful May day as Ella
and Adela were returning from church, said
Adela:
II think of visiting my mothers only
brother in Italy this summer. He writes tc
me that his only daughter is Just married
and they are so lonesome they know not wha,
to do. shall start in few days if CO."
"You astonish me, Adela; can hardly
realize what you say. Oh! I will miss you
so-you whom have learned to love as a
sister, to think of being separated from you
so soon. Oh! you must not go SO soon,
said Ella.
That same evening Charles called on Ad.
ella. He found her seated near a writing table;
an unfolded letter lay upon it before her.
He saw at glance she had been weeping.
"Adela," said he, 81 learn by Ella that
you think of visiting your native country in
a short timer"
ai"Yes," said she, 81 have just written to my
uncle that / shall start in few days."
If Charles ever thought her beautiful he
did at that moment. Her soft blue eyes YET
glistening with tears, gave to her whole face
an expression of exquisite beauty; and il
man ever loved woman Charles did Adela at
that time. He would fain have told her all,
but he recollected that Adela had often heard
him speak lightly oflove affairs as he termed
them. But at length his feelings overcome
his pride.
"Adela," said he, 81 think you had better
delay your visit until autumn; it will be more
pleasant travelling, and then perhaps you may
have company if you desire it," advancing
toward the lounge on which she was then
sitting. "But," continued he in deep agita-
ton, "Adela you surely win not go without
telling me that which most wish to know.
You know, Adela, that esteem you above
all others. Oh! then win you not say that
you love me? From the time that first
saw you, you have been tho constant theme
Of my thoughts. Oh, then, will you tear your
self so suddenly away and blast all my fond
anticipations ~ G,a .,g.
Charles" said Adela, "your manly CON.
fession of your regard for me, places me un.
der obligation to speak plainly in return.
have for some time felt deep-seated and fast
growing affection for you, but did not dream
that you felt more than common friendship
for me. But now as have had full his
tory of your life, from your infancy, it Is no
more than justice TO you that I give you
mine, although it brings To mind MANY devs