The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-06-10

thorI,tree, rambles merrily over the little in
cidents of the day, and l worked while my
uncle arranged his flies. Horace would stretch |
himself silently upon the grass and perhaps
1t was the evening calm or the pleasant sound
of the hay makers cherry song in the field
beyond that brought such softened light in |
to his eyes ; but I observed that he always
chose to have full in view that fair young face
opposite, and did not much wonder. There
was healthier tinge now Oh Enily's cheek,
and her eyes, though still. as bright as ever,
had caught of late sweet gravity, half |
subdued gentleness that was strange, but win
ming too She had laid aside her widest
jokes iii her manner to Horace Il gradual
reverence was stealing in, the same, proper
ton, it seemed that his relaxed from its old
proprety and reserve.
But / must not dwell upon that happy
country life in which we perhaps learned to
understand what duty and principle really
were. If we were beginning to discover some
thing of the grave reality of life, it is just
possible that Horace, at the same time, might
perceive in 1t a Sunshine and brightness hidden
from his eyes hitherto But Uncle Thorpe
soon cut short our mutual lessons by the an
nouncement of letter of business requiring
our Immediate return. 1t was in vain to re-
monstiate believe that thetruth was I'M
dullness of Nj no longer. A cloud
came over the face of Horace as he listened
to our arrangements, and he walked out quite
abruptly, omitting his usual farewell. d" He
ought not to have gone out to-day" said |,
half angry. Emily made no answer. |
hought her very quiet all that morning
When we had finished our packing up she
proposed last walk through Bothal Wood.
As we passed our favorite spots and stopped
o drink from the cold chalybeate spring 1
Fapcied l saw tears drop into the water. When
we reached the gray stones of the ruined
chapel Emily fairly gave way; she sat down,
and hiding har face on her clasped hands
wept outright. A step was approaching !; L
looked up and saw Horace just entering the
wood at its further extremity. Whether En-
'ly had any idea of meeting him I know not,
nut she jumped up quickly and shook away
ner tears He came hastily up and greeted
is. II did not expect this PLEASURE he be-
5an, and was silent. Emily turned back to-
wards home with her face averted Horace
began again after a while. "Will You think
Of Nj occasonaltyin the midst of your
London pleasures, Miss Seville ? or will you
be too much occupied with the next step i'll
your prescribed course ?'
Emily looked up, Such. a speech is.
strange after all your kidncss,'' - she said );
: is it after all from Mr. Klrke that I am to
part ?'' Horace was pale, his lips moved, but
he did not speak. -s.-..s..- --a-.s -
Before | came here" resumen Emily,
r! had repented of my first foolish step; was
! sick of gaety II was sick of myself; aud
! now do you think, after all l have learned
lere Of goodness and beauty-yes, the true
/; beauty of lfe,-that that can 60 back to be
!: the same silly butterfly that I was before p
She held out her hard with much sweetness.
; Il love NJ cousin; don't fear my for
/ getting it; l thank it and you her voice
ALTERED Il little.
i Horace cIaspcd her hand. emily, don't
speak to me so sweetly. How shall I do to
part with you you make it too hard; why
! did you show me life's sunshine, whose bright
ness is to be so short ?'' He was not like
! himself he flung away her hand and walked
to a little distance. Some might have hesi-
-ated, but Emily was too single hearted. She
! went up to Horace and laid her hand on his
| arm @'.'r @
+ Horace, speak frankly to me. Do you
love me, Horace Pr
] He took her hard tDon't tempt me. EN-
+ lily. How dare ask you to shut yourself out
of the world here ?'' .
g. ''lt is the world love-" she said fervent-
. ly; "only that is too pure
/ - For you ?'' asEed Horace "Ah my sun
beam;;' and he folded her in his arms.
1 walked prudently behind, and did not
listened to any more. 1 only saw that Ho-
race drew Emily's arm close to his heart, and
u that he looked up to that dusky arch of green
overhead with a radiance of devotion in his
eyes.
ga My story is told. pass over uncle's oppo.
sition, even grief. His resistance gave way
beneath reasoning and persuasion {; and he
took :" his enemy home only to prepare hel
for speedy departure. Maria hardly con
cealed her displeasure, while 1 and the boy:
found no other consolation for the loss o
Cousin Emily than the promise Of long Wis
it to Nj Parsonage. -.