The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-12-06

My glance swept room wide and high II
its proportions, furnished with singular tast,
and skill. Blending with its Ii shter aspec,
n certain warmth of tone, flush as ofsunset
tinging draperics, pictures, and carpet, ye,
wA no salient point Of peculiar brightness
nothing which could weary the eye forced
perpetually to observe it. And at an op
posite window deep chair drawn near the
little stand OF blossoruing geraniums, and
velyet-leaved roses, held in its caressing arms,
the figure, irail. slender. and white-robed, ]
had come to greet. The slight embarrass,
ment which this meeting caused, at least in
my own case, was quickly dispslled, as in
those calm, sweet accents Of innate refine.
ment, she welcomed her fathers friend. As
l afterwards learned, she was prepared ia
meet one OF his own mature years. and thi:
explained the look OF surprise which fel,
regarding my face as our hands met in recog.
milton.
Childish in the external development ol
growth, there was yet in her look the unmis-
taxable sign Of dawning womanhood, not a
precocious or painful development, common
to disease Of long standing, but that name
less change which under all circumstances,
marks the boundary between the two stages,
"the brook and river" which flowing 50
near together, can never, never blend
For the face itself, not one but many meet
inSs sketched it in living hues upon my men,
ory. Clearly cut, with smooth finely grained
skin, delicatcly tinted. Brown hair waving
away from the white-vcincd temples, waving
into darker shades towards the back OF the
head, where it lay cOiled in loose, shining
folds. Tho eyes, large, and heavily fringed,
We're Of the deepest yiolet,with gray shadows
fitting over them at each changing emotion.
They were eyes which had never faced the
sunlit glare OF the world but in the cloistered
serenity OF the soul, gathered up its lights
and gloOms, and a prevailing expression OF
thought and prayer.
Yet with all this spirituality of tcmpcra-
mcnt, was struck by the eager interest with
which at this time and during our subsequent
intimacy, Violet Grey regarded the life
without; the busy, tumultuous town, which
had for her scarcely more of reality than u
pictare Of story or song. Carefully guarded
by love which would have kept from her the
very thought Of suiltrings, greater than her
own, of crime whose name even, had scarce
ly been permitted in this pure atmosphere
an intuitivie sense of their existence seemed
ever present to her mind, and il unspoken
not less felt.
When at length took final leave Of my
new friend, and from the dim, yet exquisite
light of that hower-scented chamber, stepped
out into the hot glare of day, the transition
was like that from the veiled glory Of the
temple, to the broad glitter of the ycstibule,
where a thousand feet resound. The crises
of existence are rarely passed without great
or or less degree Of consciousness. The pivot
upon which they turn may BE a very small
one the current Of our being may, for a
time at least, flow on, to all appearance, as
before, whether gay or tranquil, the channel
Is the same, and on it goes, under storm or
sunshine, through rough places and smooth,
until suddenly at some unlocked for period,
the great ruling influence is seen, and the
strong waters lcapiorth into the golden glory
Of the summer, or winding darkly onward, i,
bear.with them the shadows Of a sky never
to be quite clear, till its clouds, are rolled
away and lost in the eternal morning. So
narrow had been the limitations OF my own
sphere, it had heretofore embraced but the
smallest number Of acquaintances among
men. The persons connected with the house
of Wilton Brothers, when abroad; when at
home, the elderly woman who had from
earliest remembrance acted as housekceper,
Of whom in my childhood had felt mortal
terror, whose taciturnity, in latter years, !
WIS little inclined to break. With what
ayidity had hailed the dawning Of another
and different type Of friendship the reader
may conceive. To my father gave the most
accurate and detailed account Of that morn
ing call, and its effect upon me. He smiled
at my enthusiasm, and seemed pleased that a
new avenue of pleasure was opening so fairly
before me. When spoke ofViolet, ofthe
physical weakness which had left the inner
as well as the outward form so lovely, biz
glance reverted to the portrait OF my mother
which occupied the space directly opposite the
corner where his armchair was placed
This coun,enance was Frightened by the sofi
bloom of youth, but | knew he was gazing
not ON the features depicted there, but upon
the other face, which after ycars OF patien,
moulding in the school Of suffering, the Su,
prcme Artist had touched into final beauty
and transferred to shine in another light!
After the first visits, which they welcomed
and approved most warmly. 1t seemed mat
ter of course, that should include with
thoughts of my own home the doings in an
other household, with which soon becain,
identified. The Grcys were hcspitablc
family, and many besides myself went Their
to bask in the cheerful atmosphere, and
leave it reluctantly, wondering at the spirit
which gave to all things the reflection Of it
own abiding peace.
Often found Violet surrounded by chill
drcn who, ut her earnest request, had beer
called in from the street, where their brigh
faces and merry voices had attracted her at
tcntion. At first, with q uameless awe, the,