Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-01-12

ing, you're welcome, miss. You look tue
same as ever and she handed me a chair,
g only great deal prettier." H
/" l cannot see how you look, Miss Rose,
chimed in the old grandmother, in a mourn
fnl tone, ibut there is your same sweet voice.
Thank Heaven, can hear thht,l
Miss Rose, won't you come here, please 2'
said week, childish voice, turned 10 the
bed, where lay pale, thin little girl. A
small white hand was slipped in mine, and
fixing her large blue eyes upon me, she said,
" I'm 50 glad you have come, Miss Rose.'
learued over and kissed the little sufferer,
and tried to talk to her; but her sad face
brought tears tony eyes.
U / willlea you now and call another
time, was uttered in deep, manly voice
| turned quickly in the direction from
whence the sound came, for the dHsky twilight
had prevented my noticing that there was a
gentleman in the room and Ieaught but a
slight glimpseo of him as he left the house.
He is very kind, said Mrs. LanetOn, in
answer to my look; be is a stranger, who
came here with Mrs. Newton yesterday, and
dropped in few minutes SINCE to give my
poor girl, as he said, New Years present.
As walked home, with the empty basket
onmy arm, felt fully repaid for spending
my holidays in the country.
The next day aunt Pattie examined my
wardrobe, and was some time in choosing
what dress | should wear she made me try
on two OF three to see which was the most
becoming, and at length decided on maza-
rine blue silk, whibh she said looked well
with fair complexion.
laughingly submitted to be turned and
twisted in all directions; to have my hair
first brushed over my forehead, then off; to
see my curls arranged in all possible ways;
in short, to be treated Ike a large doll about
to be dressed for some wonderful occasion.
"Aunt Pattie, said ], as we were sitting to-
gether, waiting for our company, sold maids
are very happy, are they not2'-
II am, she replied, 'it you consider me
any rule; why my child, do you think of be-
ing one r
ayes" said ], 81 would like to be an old
maid, and have you to live with me"
Aunt Pattie smiled, but before she could
reply the door opened and group entered.
Foremost, to my surprise, was the figure l
had caught glimpse sf the evening before,
and whose image had been fitting through
my mind the past four years. was almost
lost to consciousness when Fanny Sterling
threw her arms around my neck and kissed
me, exclalming;
"Why don't you cay how glad you are to
see US all Here have been looking for
ward to meeting you to-day ever since 1 came
to the country. Let me introduce you to my
brother Fred, she continued.
~ hope, remarked that gentleman, eI-
tending his hand, ''that an introduction to
brother Fred is not necessary. You have
not forgotten me, have you, Rose"
There was the same frankness as Of old.
How envied his easy manners, for | could
feel the color come and go in my cheek. To
my relief, Mr.. and Mrs. Sterling now came
forward to shake hands with me, While the
latter remarked:
~ don't wonder at your astonishment,
Rose But we were making visit to some
friends out here, and your aunt invited US to
come and surprise you
was soon quite at my ease, and now I had
time to note the changes which four years
had made in Fred. The boyish figure had
become more manly, and his menner had ac-
quired greater finish.
That was a pleasant dinner party. Every
one looked smiling and happy.
tMiss Rosslie," said Fred, ''this evening,
when you get rid of your company, will you
favor me for sleigh ridel"
"Well; declare, broke in Fanny, "What
impudencel I suppose, Mr.. Fred, the next
thing you will ask US to please to 60"
"Probably Fred wishes to talk over old
times with Rose, said Mrs. Sterling, ''and
feels too bashful to do It in our presence"
fryU:U 49,, 80, po-,0ig bs
promised, and at dusk Fred's sleigh stop
ped at the door. was soon in, and we were
flying over snoW-banks, while the merry bells
kept time to our voices.
"Did you see my father before you left
homer l inquired.
ayes" he replied; ~ called there to see
YOU the evening you left, supposing you were
at home; for although my father told him
some time since that we'd spend our New
Years out here, he didn't mention that you
were coming.
'sDid you see Mary?" asked.
UYes,' said he, t'do you recollect Rose,
how she and used to quarrel togetherP
We went on talking about old times, and
about the childish engagement we had made
with each other, aud somehow the past at
this point becoming connected with the pres
eat, our conversation interested rs, and we
scarcely knew how times passed.
When returned 10 aunt Pattie new dia-
mond ring was glistening on my finger
She smiled as she noticed it, and inquired if
I still clung to my resolution OF being an old
maid .ts
The remainder Of my visit passed pleasant
ly away. Ny father came to take me home,
and the Sterling family accompanied us to
the city. Ny step-mother received me in her
usual style, omitting to call me "dear," as it
was no longer necessary. She also forgot to
inquire after the "kind old soul" whom had
been visiting. The conversation soon turned
upon New Years day, and received a his
tory of Mary's conquests.
q Frederick Sterling called upon Mary the
evening after you left," said her mother,
Hbut, strange to say, be has not been since;
he didn't even make New Years call"
Perhaps" observed my father, mfschievi-
ously, " he was out of town.
HYes,n replied his wife, very likely"
In the course of the evening Mr.. Frederick
Sterling made his appearance, and Mary i'm
mediately applied hepself to the task of enter
tanning him, so that had but a small chance
of saying anything. After he had gone, and
my step-mother and were alone, she said:
any dear, you know, I suppose, that Mr..
Sterling is beau of Mary's; they thought
good deal of each other as children, and the
other evening he was delighted to meet her
again after 80 long an absence; now what I
have to say to you is, that I think it would
be a good plan for US both to keep out of the
drawing room when he calls, for lovers al
ways like to be alone together"
Twas prevented from replying to this OBJ
servation by the entrance Of my father and
Mary.
aired Sterling" said the former, address
sing his wife, has requested my permission
to his marriage with certain young lady Of
our acquaintance"
"Ah, replied his wife, with a pleased look,
"I was expecting this, it will be a splendid
mach for her; he is so well educated and
gentlemanly, and his family are in the very
society. Really, Mary" she continued, "turn-
ing to her daughter, " I congratulate you"