The Portland daily press., 1865-05-11
For the Daily Press.
Ida 0ariston-A Leaf from q Diary.


May, LIST, At Sea.
Out upon world Of waters, and the shores
of my native land fast rsceding from sight. Mrs.
Kingsley whispers, "courage, Helen !" and
making great effort, crush back the binding
tears that vil come to my eyes. Was it kind
of Percy Howard to urge me SO to change nv
purpose, knowing as he did now much it
cost me to resist his pleading eloquence2 But
year will soon pass away; and then; = well,
have promised nevermore to leave him while we
both do live. | can no longer discern the little
group in which he stands, and with swelling
heart turn my gaze from the land contain
ing all that is dearest to me on earth. IL is
beautiful night. The moon is up, and her beams
sparkle in silyery light on the foam-crested
waves that play around our brave ship. How
proudly she moves How firmly she cuts her
way through the trackless waste Of waters
And now,-mingling with the heavy roll of the
ngine, sweet low voice breaks forth into
strain of melody thatangels might listen to while
it Sings 3&
Rocked in a cradle of the Deep
turned to look at the fair musician, and never
before did my eyes rest upon face and form of
such ethereal loneliness. She was sitting by the
side of an aged man whose ever watchful care
told that she was very dear to him. When her
song was finished, she arose from her seat and
accompanied woman who seemed to be an at
tendant, to her state room.
''Who are they do you know them, Mrs.
Kingsley y asked eagerly, for she bowed as
theparty passed US. "Oh, yes very well. Mr..
0erlotov 10 an FnoI;ehron. aud 4Io vo,,r, Ia a.,
his only child. They are returning to England
at her own earnest request; for she says she
must lay beside her mother. Poor girl L
sometimes fear that she will not live to see her
nativeland. l will introduce you to them to-
morrow"
May M.-The breakfast bell was dimly sound
ing In my ears when aWoke from troubled
sleep this morning. Hastily dressing myself, /
found Mrs. Kingsley, and we proceeded at once
to the dining room with sharpened appetites for
toast and coffee. From thence, we went on deck,
where was presented to Mr.. and Miss Carleton.
1t is hard to believe that one SO young and fair,
is fast fastening to the tomb. Still harder must
it be to the aged man who would gladly give his
fortune could purchase lease of life for his
child; his only one
"You are looking better than you did last
night, dear Ida;'' said Mrs. Kingsley
Il feel better; always do in the morning.
But it is SO pleasantto be on the ocean again
and, perhaps shall grow stronger again.
"Oh, yon will you needed change See,
Mrs. Kingsley! do you think we ought to call
her an invalid with such bright eyes; and 80
much color as she has, toof'
= Ipitied the poor old gentleman. He would
not believe what his fsars-nay, his reason, must
have warned him to prepare for; nor could
wonder that it should be SO; for who is willing
to despair, while Hope, intent on her mission,
directs the gaze Of the wretehed and weary
always to the bright side
We spent the morning on deck, and / saw that
Ida Carleton tried to conceal every symptom Of
pain or uneasiness from her father, till she sue
ceeded In diverting his attention from herself
But she cannot silence the cough that is daily
wearing her life out. was standing apart from
the rest, when the sun was setting tonight won
dering if
They missed me at home p Some one came
ito me SO quietly that was unaware Of his
presence till he spoke. 1t was Mr.. Lee, the first
--~~Ns
gallant Captain. ssIf the weather continues to
be as favorable as it is now, we shall have de-
lghtful voyage to Liverpool Ipresume this is
your first one to England, is it not 2"
"You are right Ireplied ri do not dread
it so much as did yesterday
Il have often heard others make the same re-
mark. One soon becomes accustomed to the
motion of the ship; as well as to the wide ex-
panse of water that everywhere greets our WIS.,
ion."
Just then Mr. Carleton passed by with Ida
leaning upon his arm. She bowed to Mr.. Lee,
and as she did so her face was instantly suffused
with crimson. lssaw at once that they had met
before; and it did not take me long to discern
that the handsome mate regarded her with
love nearly amounting to idolatry.
"She is very Beautifully said q
YES" he replied; ''and her beauty is but
type of her mind"
Il do not doubt it, Mr.. Lee; but it is evident
that she is passing away from earth"
"Oh, no do not say that p he exclaimed
with deprecatory movement. sYou cannot
mean that she will die, surely l have not seen
her look so well, for long time'
And thus it was. He too, essayed to keep his
hearts treasure from the cruel grave, by cher
ishing hope that promises life and happiness
withthe maiden of his choice. did not try to
undeceive him, and soon after retired to my
room.
May 10th.-It is as we feared. The strong.
bracing air that daily sweeps our decks, has
proved too much for Ida Carleton. She has
faded day by day; and yesterday violent hem
orrhage Of the lungs Frustrated her at once.
she does not appear to suffer much, but there is
ever wistful expression in her eyes as if she
wished to say something that her strength or
courage would not allow. Mrs. Kingsley and i
have been with her much Of the time for several
Gays; and nothing is left undone that affection
or friendship can devise. William Lee attends
to hisduties, but moves about like one in dream.
viii She die I" he asked in husky voice, when
met him on DECK this morning. l could not
answer him, but inquired if be had been in to
see her. He shook his head, and with half
smothered groan, turned away. / returned to
Ida, and as she seemed better, resolved to speak
to her father about Mr.. Lee. He was sitting
near her door in the next room, with his head
bowed upon his hands, went to him, and in a
few words informed him Of the little episode be-
tween young Lee and his daughter, = of their
acquaintance-of the love that sprang from it
50 naturally, which they had thought best not
to mention for the present, because the young
man was comparatively poor, and wished 10
gain position in the world before he asked
Inc wealthy merchant to give him his only
child.
AM! said he, starting quickly from his seat.
lsls indeed SOP They idnot know the old man.
But ne shall see her at once. Ida, my child,
would you like to see Mr.. Lee this morning ?"
one made an affirmative sign, while look of
pleasure illumined her face Mr.. Carleton went |
out, and when heard HE ro.,,rr;,... 49,