, 1865-01-27
Cousin Matthew.
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When look back on my early life, and con-
at was motherless girl, and an only
iu uf fond, indulgent father, do not Won
4er-possessng quick, impulsive disposition
unchecked by any authority-that was wilful
and capticious. My father had toiled indus
triously for years to acquire sufficient means to
enable him to marry; and when that happy pc
riod at last arrived, he joyfully claimed the full
filment of my mothers promise, which she had
given him in the first blush of her girlhood.--
Two years of uninterrupted happiness hOated
by when she died, leaving baby daugher to
console her almost broken-hearted husband
| was his pet-hs darling; and as nature had
kindly bestowed upon me my mothers luxuriant
curls and comely features, rather than my faith
ers homely but expressive countenance, | was
rendered dearer to him by the remembrance.
Ny father prOspered in business; and when I
approached womanhood was an heiress, as
well as an acknowledged beauty. Then, no
wonder, repeat, that was sef-willed; but the
revulsion of feeling attendant upon such ma
ture as mine caused in most instances, the acts
of wifulness and caprice to give me much un-
happiness as they did others, particularly in the
case of Cousin Matthew. My father had always
been associated in business with his cousin,
Matthew the elder, the father of my playmate.
They had commenced life together poor young
men-they had worked together-had ecOno-
mized-had laid up money; and when good
Cousin Matthew the elder stretched on the
bed of DEATH they had so prospered in worldly
affairs that the firm of Bates and Lee was one
of the weathiest houses 10 the country. Like
my father he was widower, with child
my Cousin Matthew. was little one when he
died; but can remember we'll the scene at his
death-bed
''Be father to him John, said poor Cousin
Matthew, grasping my fathers hand and point
ing to his weeping son.
hat | will bp ~ m W
huge tear rolled down his hard cheek; and if
the children fancy each other, he shall marry
my little Ella, and be indeed my son.
The dying man pressed his hand in silent
gratefulness; and was lifted up to him to re-
ceive his parting caress; but as his lips touched
nine his spirit passed from him. Many long
DAY did the recollection of that cold kiss hover
around me; and-Heayen forgive mel-when
grew to be a silly, romantic girl, associated
the unpleasant remembrance with my Cousin
Matthew; and instead of making love him
more, as it should, it made me shrink from him;
but suffered most bitterly for my naughty
heartlessness.
Cousin Matthew displayed his devotion for me
from his earliest boyhood. He bore with my
pettishness, my whims, and caprices, like an
angel; and loved him none the better for it
his alteration, so meekly and quietly expressed,
bored me-
When began to think myself almost young
lady, my poor little head became hlled with a
thousand nonsensical sentimental ideas. l was
very rich, knew; but was not mercenary-oh,
mol that would nothaye been romantic. should
have been delighted with a lover and cottage.
/ knew not what sacrifice was, surrounded by
every luxury, fondly imagined q could live in a
desert with the man of my heart. Like Lydia
Languish thought, if did not say it, 'hOw
charming poverty would be with himP andabso-
lutely pined for pretty distress. 1t did not
agree with my sentimental ideas of love and
marriage to accept dutifully the courtship of
good Cousin Matthew Bates-go dutifully to
church, and become good Mistress Matthew
Bates, and settle down dutiful wife-all in such
a hum-drum way. Then his name was so shock
ing. If it had only been Clinton, or Courtland,
or Clarence, or anything but Matthew-with
Bates added to that. And besides he so un-
couth-looking-no at all distingue or elegant
That he had good features l could not deny and
his figure was well proportioned; but he knew
not how to show to advantage his personal gifts.
his clear brown eye shone frankly, and his
chestnut hair cnrled carelessly over his well-de-
yeloped forehead; but be paid little attention to
dress OF accomplishments.