The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1862-12-13
aHE gaEs'.. KIND lvpg "a.
BY NARY c. vausHAS,

Eva! Eva ~ shouted the children play.
ing on the lawn, and then there was tumult
tous scramble, and the echo Of kisses and
sweet voices. | laid aside my book as a
quick step crossed the marble vestible, and
then xas nlfiicd by the thick drawing
room carpets.
''I am very glad you have come, my dear,
have been wanting you all the morning"
said, But you are pale. And you are
not well ?"
Quite well, thank your dear Mrs. l."
answered tn tal graceful girl who entered
And yet believe have slight headache.
slept but little last night"
."Ah. you must take care Of the roses, my
dear. Don't let mo find them faded when
return. If | should, should be sorry
eft you behind But what is the matter y
| exclaimed as Eva sank down upon low
stool at my feet, and, burying her face in
my lap, burst into tears.
Sometimes it is well not to check the pas
sjonate overflow of woman's tears even by
attempts at soothing. saw this was the
case now, so laid my hand softly on the
brown curls of Eva's head, and waited in
silence till the storm of feeling subsidOd,
and died away in low sobs like those Of q
child whose grief has followed it into the
land Of dreams.
1t was pretty picture lovely apart
ment, that my husband had fitted for his
bride six years before, and on which he had
since layished thousand costly beauties OF
art, with its luxuriance of object, and har-
monies of light and color, with the many
hued sunshine stealing through sthe stained
glass Of the window, and one golden ray
falling upon that fair. bowed head and slen-
der form in its neat poor dress, that yet
might have become queen. Hubert stood
in the door, and saw the look .."f admira
ton glowing in his eyes, and sighed him to
20 away before Eva should discover his
presence.
We were alone when the bowed head was
raised, and the quivcring lips prepared to
tell the story Of tho girls grief.
"Dear Mrs. L., you have always been
such kind friend to me, and have told me
to com to you for advice, will you tell mo
just what ought to do ?"
"If can, certainly. But | must know
first of all, CHAT is the subject about which
you require advice? All, | think ! com.
prehend! There is lover in the case," |
added, as the rich blush that covered the
girls face flashed suspicion across my mind.
swell, consult your own heart, little one,
and when the important yes is said, let me
know, that may furnish the wedding
dress"
Again the pretty bsaS dropped, and saw
must wait for an answer till the girl mas
tered hor shyness.
Three years before, she. and her mother
had come to our village. They were very
poor-the husband and fat Ter was just dead
and had left them literally nothing. They
were even in debt for the expenses Of his
illness and funeral. Mrs. Mason soon came
TO me. She had been friend Of nv moth
er, and came TO me, think, hardly expect
ing, though hoping, that | might scknow-
ledge her claim. Perhaps she thought that,
lihe many others suddenly elevated from
poverty to wealth and high position, might
not choose to be remembered Of the past.
But had never forgotten how lowly was
my lot when Hubert foanl me, and, TAXI ,g
my hand. lifted me to place By his side.
And most gladly did | impa-t ofmy abund-