St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1860-02-16

The two, resolved to dislike each 9th
err, parted mutually pleased.
ugh ! horrible !. what frightful
object ~ said Eva to herself, as she
stood before her glass preparing for
bed. IL can't sleep with my face
stifened with this horrible dye" and,
throwing aside her dress, she began
to battle her face, till her own fair skin
was again visible. Then shaking
down her hair. she let it resume its
own soft, full curls the beauty of the
night tempted her To the window, and
putting on white wrapper, she sat
down to view the prospect by moon
light Pleasant thoughts stole over
her mind, but they gradually became
misty, and Eva, her head resting on
the window-sill, fell asleep. 1t was
very late when she awokc, and, start
ing to her feet, she was beginning
hastily to undrcss, when low moan
fell upon her ear. 1t came from the
next room, occupied by her aunt. Eva
opened the door and went in. The
moonlight pouring in showed her the
bed, and another low moan made her
quickly cross the room to it.
care you i'll, aunt Laura ?" she
asked, in frightened voice.
ooh Eva, are You here 7" said
Mrs. Morton, in low, weak voice.
Il was afraid no one would come to
me. Don't be alarmed it is an at
tack Of pain in the side ! am subject
to. IL cannot move, you see
Here the pain becoming very violent
she stopped speaking, while groans 0
anguish burst from her.
All the womanly energy in Eva's
character was aroused.
"If she is subject to them, Edward
can tell me what | must do" she
thought.
Aunt Laura, l will come back in a
moment" she said, quietly, and then
ran lightly from the room to her cous
ms door, on the other side of the en-
try.
Edward Morton was asleep whcl
her distinct rap aroused him.
"Who's there ?"
cit is Eva. Open the door, your
mother is very ILL.,"
Mother?"
ayes pain in her side. Tell me
what must do whilst you are dress.
ing"
Edward gave her some directions,
and she returned to her aunts room.
When he joined her, she was standing
by the bed bending over bis mother,
the soft, dark curls falling in careless
profusion around her face, and her
tiny white hands pushing back the
hair from her aunt's face, while she
bathed her forehead.
care you better, mother ?" he in
quired, anxionsly.
"Much better? You know these
attacks only require prompt treatment,
and Eva is the gentlcst and best of
nurses"
al only obcycd ORDERS" said Eva,
hlushing at the earnest gaze Edward
gave her.
But you were prompt, and did not
lose your presence of mind"
You need not sit up, consin," said
Eva. al will lie down here by auntic.
and if she wants anything will call
you"
Two weeks passed away. One day,
the one during which Mrs. Morton
kept her room, served to make Eva
and Edward good friends, and this
mutual love did not lessen on longer
acquaintance. They were walking
together one afternoon, when Edward
made his cousin formal proposal 0
marriage.
Eva looked into his face, with ono
long, wistful gaze, then she said,
Are you merely fulfilling your
fathers desire, cousin, or do you speak
from your heart? If, not loving me,
You will marry me from duty, | refuse
you, for can lose fortune better than
bear the life of an unlovcd wife. If
you love me-"
She stopped, while her eyes fell,
and her cheeks flushed with bright
bushes.
Il am answered." said Edward,
taking her little hand in his. al love
you, Eva, tendcrly and truly. Is this
my wife 2"
And Eva crcpt close into his arms,
let her bright head drop on his breast,
and Edward Morton had his answer.