Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1865-10-07

it was hard work caring. for him when he
was i'll, how far harder in his convalescence,
when his natural irritable temper was rem
dered doubly so by weakness. He would
ask for things twenty times before 1t was
possible to get them, and then not care for
them when brought; the things that were
the worst for him, he would insist upon
having or doing, and nearly fretted himself
into fever again when they were refused
all this, and much more, any one knows
who has nursed an irritable invalid. Wal
ter, however, bore it most patiently, and
his forbearance began to have good effect,
for my father was less querulous when he
was present, and sometimes restrained his
fits of irritation. Ef. .f.a...
.H CHAPTER v. .'
One day as l was sitting by the window,
working by the fast falling light, my father,
who had believed slept, called me.
"Bessie," said he, "come herew and l
drew near. "You look older and thinner,
child" he continued. /" What is the matter
with you?"
"Nothing," replied; "I am only little
tired, and l have lately had great anxiety"
"Yes, you have" said he. "By-the-by,
where is that young man ~
"Gone for walk" replied.
Hum p said my father; "what has he
been staying here for?" -
"All the servants went away" replied I;
sand he would not leave us when we were
in such trouble"
"Very good Of him." said my father.
"By- -the-by, girl, is that the young fellow
you meet at your aunt's?" ...TI.. erG
Yes" | replied. mott .-,. .-
My father spoke no more and | went
and sat by the fire, and watched the red
embers until my cheeks were wet with
tears, and heavy sob burst from me.
bessie" J" said my father.
Yes, father" Immediately answered.
"What are You crying for?" he asked.
"Nothing," | replied. ..t .. G
"Don't tell me that" said he. "People
do not cry for nothing, aud you a-e not of
the pulling sort. What is it?
How could tell him how my thoughts
had flown back to the happy time of last
Christmas. could not. ...t
AT this moment knock at the door was
most opportunely heard, and Walter en-
tered; so much relieved, / made hasty
exit, and ran down to the dining room.
sat there long time, and then Walter came.
Bessie" said he.
/ started-he had never called me by that
name since he came. He approached the
| Fireplace, and stood with his elbow on the
mantel shelf, looking down on me. Atlast
he spoke.
"Do you still care for me enough to keep
the promise you made when you were stay
ing at H--y?' -.g..
'.Do not speak SO, Mr.. Ashton" l said
'its'no use."
~ know what l am about" said he; San
swer me; do you?" u -.r.. =. n... ~.
Il have never ceased loving you," re-
piled.
"Thank Heaven!" said Walter, and / felt
myself drawn closerto him, while his warm
lips pressed mine. NOW go to your faith
er," he said, ''and thank him; it was his
doing"
went to my father, and heard from him
that he considered Walter so noble and
good as to be the best person to whom |
could be trusted-''for you are very pre-
cious, Bessie, can tell you" said my father,
in conclusion. J t'. ."i 'e'
Ikissed him gently, and then went to my
own room to thank the Almighty for the
great happiness he had sent me.
Tn few weeks both my parents were re-
stored to health; my fathers affairs were
satisfactorily arranged bylWalter, and we
were married; aud thus terminated my ro-
nance. . i.............. ~. !.....-....