The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-09-16
sEsEHiMEs.} sHM VOL X.-N@. 26.-WHon11nz n 494.


dy of seemingly fifty winters, with beautiful
grey curls standing out from beneath a moth |
erly black lace cap. which she wore with
grace that, thirty years earlier, must have
been coquetry. Her broad, unwrnkled fore
head and bright blue eyes showed her wo-
man of marked intelligence, whilst some
thing indescribable in her mouth and chin de-
noted an extraordinary amount of will and
energy for one of her sex. But there was
charming smile of goodness aud benevolence
playing over every feature, and Evelyn felt
Immediately that she could confde in her.
She seated herself beside the young visitor,
and affectionately took both of Evelyn's
hands in her own. 1t seemed to Evelyn that
they had known each other all their lives, as,
in few broken sentences, she poured her
griefs into Mrs. Helstone's bosom, and told
her how she had hoped and suffered during
four long years. The lady listened to her,
musingly, in silence; but finally she said,
kissing her:
DRY your tears, my love! You shall see
Harry after all but really 1 do not know
where he is to be found. He moves about
from place to place, and only see him when
he visits us here, which is very seldom.''
Then he does come here ?'' asked Evelyn.
"Yes, but not very often. Ny husband
has the management of his affairs, and Har
ry never visits US except on matters of busi-
ness. Poor fellow! ne is frettng away his
youth like your self; but, unlike you, he is
all alone" ........
"My poor, darling Harry! Don't you
know when he will come here again ?'' said
Evelyn.
"No, my love-" answered Mrs. Helstone;
"it may be this week, or it may be next, for
Harry is very uncertain. Perhaps he does so
to prevent his visits being anticipated"
=" And will you let me know when he comes
again ?'' Evelyn asked.
''Yes, indeed I will. My maid shall come
to your house, and you will understand when
you see her, that Harry is waiting here for
you. You must act according to your own
Judgment after that, my dear Evelyn, for L
must not say word to him about you, nor to
my husband. That would spoil all.''
She looked moment or two in Evelyn's
, face, and then added:
L do notabuse any confidence in this, for
they have neither of them thought it neces-
sary TO exact any promise from me. Perhaps
they considered there was no danger in me
but these men never know us women-do
they, my dear ?''
. "Oh, thank you, thank you !'' said Evelyn.
And you shall be my own dear niece af-
, ter ALL" added Mrs. Helstone.
! "oh, say not niece; you are my good
: sweet mother'
So they parted, both shedding tears. Tears
. of joy, but joy indescribabe for Evelyn.
: Ten days after this conversation, Evelyn
was sitting at the window. when the servant
: entered and told her that young person wa:
below and desired to see her.
She's the milliner's girl, I guess" sa
the maid, "and she's got bonnet with her.
> "Tell her to come to me-" replied Evelyn
with trembling voice. Luckily the servan
{ did not remark her agitation.
; Mr.. Helstone's mad entered the boudoir
and after closing the door, said:
"Please, Miss, Pm to say he's come"
Tell Mrs. Helstone will be there imme
= diately," answered Evelyn, "and in leavin!
this house do not speak to any one''
. "That's what my mistress told me, Miss
> replied the girl, and she codrteseyed hersel
= out of the boudor. Evelyn then rose from
: her char at the window, and with great diff
6 Guilty dressed herself Walking down stair
70 in an agitated manner, she met the servant il
II the hall who had announced Mrs. Helstone'
maid.
y @Shall say you are gone to the milliner's
: Miss,' asked the girl.
II "Tell mamma shall not be long" Eve
le lyn answered quietly.