The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1859-11-12

Annie was not of a jealous disposition.
She expected so little, poor child and she
was so accustomed to see her sisters pre-
ferred before herself, in every way, at home
but the difference in the treatment of her.
self and her gay, beautiful sisters, by Mrs.
Lothrop, was too marked for her not to per-
ceive and feel. She was not unused to neg
lect, but this seemed to verge upon dislike
and from her fathers friend, it was harder
to bear.
Mr.. Lothrop could not be said to show
affection for Edith and Eva; but she .1istin-
guished them by much notice, and sought
to draw out their ideas and opinions upon
every possible subject. But Annie she sell
dom noticed in any way.
And the young girl encased herself more
strongly in her armor of Indifference.
But the greatest misfortune was coming.
1t arrived.
Willie woke one morning apparently bet
ter and brighter than usual; and before
night he slept in death.
The grief of the family was great. An
ME alone was calm and fearless during all
that dreadful day.
Even in her great sorrow-for she had
loved her boy-Mrs. Rathburn forgot not
to reproach Annie for her utter want of
feeling-that she had not one tear for the
darling child who had loved her so dearly.
And Annie heard her with an immovable
countenance.
1t was after the household had retiLed that
the young girl sought, alone, the chamber
of death and then, and there, the long
pentup agony burst forth-oh what an ag-
ony of regret.
It was her hour of utter abandon. Hot
gushing tears, such az she had forgotten
she could shed, seemed to have no power
in exhausting the force of her sorrow
She was not startled-she was too wretch
ed to be startled at anything-when hand
was laid on her head, and a voice said:
"Child Annie, where is thy umbrella Z?
Hast thou not yet found it? If not find
it now, and hide myself under it. There
is no refuge like to that it will yield thee"
The door closed gently behind the person,
but Annie was scarcely conscious of tizEs,
or the voice, or the touch; but the words
sank deep in her heart. They came home
to her with convincing power. seeming to
heart BUNDLED and softened by her great
sorrow-feeling, oh !! how deeply, the need
of an All-powerful Comforter and Helper,
and also realized her sinfulness and unwor-
thiness-prayed with earnest sincerity for
the mercy and pardon of merciful Savior.
Annie found her refuge. Thenceforth,
whatever of sorrows and trials should assail
her, she would have sure rest and pro-
lection.
Two weeks afterward, the family were
assembled in the parlor, when Mrs. Lothrop
announced her intention of returning home
the first of the ensuing week.
They all entreated for longer visit, but
finding their entreaties unavailing, expressed
their regret and then there was an embar-
RAISING pause.
Mrs Rathburne waited expectantly, too
we'll assured that her darling Edith would
be the favored one invited to accompany her
home, to feel any anxiety.
Edith was no less certain than her mother
of being the favorite of the lady, and was
composing graceful sentence of acceptance
of the anticipated invitation. Eva, also,
looked conscious, and toyed with her brace
let's.
Annie only had no hopes, no plans
Since the night of Willie's death, she had
not exchanged more than two or three SEN
fences with Mrs. Lothrop, and she alone
uttered no regrets at the announced depar
ture, or entreaties to remain longer.
Mrs. Lothrop continued:
81 believe you were so kind, Mrs. Rath
burn, as to promise that one of these young
ladies' should accompany me home? An
nie,'' turning to her, ''will you do me the
favor to accompany me? will do every
thing in my power to render your visit
pleasant. Can you be ready by Monday?"
The young girl was too much astonished
and bewildered to reply.
Mrs. Rathburn, white with rage and dis
appointment, made an excuse for leaving
the room. She was shortly followed by
Edith and Eva.
When alone with Annie, Mrs. Lothrop
leaned over her, and said, archly:
ssCome with me, my child, and will
prove to you that my umbrella is large
enough and strong enough and blue enough
to protect you both now and always, if you
will permit it; although" she continued,
earnestly, 81 trust you have found the bet
ter one % looking inquiringly into the
young girls eyes, and reading Alright the
serene and peaceful glance that told of a
heart at peace with its Maker.
They continued a conversation till it was
interrupted by the arrival of Mr.. Kirkwood,
who had been absent for few days.
Mrs Lothrop met him in the library
After informing him of her near departure,
she said :
81 fear you will be disappointed, Eustace,
when you learn that Annie instead of Edith
is to accompany me home.''
A glow of undisguised pleasure illumined
the gentleman face.
Il am very glad of. it, he replied.
heartily.
Mrs Lothrop was astonished. for she had
believed him interested in Edith, and looked
at him inquiringly.
He replied to the glance frankly.
cit is true; I cannot deny it. Annie,
with all her GOODNESS and reserve, interests
EI;th Il