The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1866-11-24
ELEANOR WESTBURN.
~ V. A. lOTEJ0Y.

"No good will come of her visit: feel it
through my whole heart. Fran
'Hush. mother: she will hear you"
''No danger, spoke in low tone ali.
swered Mrs Page, slight flush rising to
her forehead, and moving toward the parlor
door to catch another glimpse OF the naughty
face which had called forth the above re-
mark. At the same nioment there was
light, sprinsug step in the hall, and glad,
musical voice cried OUT
Dear Eleanor Weatburn, how glad, how
very glad am to sec you; VT are to have
glorious summer Of it, and AIN SO happy
you have come at last!'
This was followed by the exchange Of in
Vulnerable kisses, and Helen Russell caught
her friend by the arm and hurried upstairs
to her room, calling u servant to follow after
with her baggage. From the parlor-door
Mrs. Page watched the handsome face and
figure OF Eleanor Westburn as she disap.
pcarcd, and then went back to her sons side
with sigh, saying. as she rested her hand
'Im sorry that We came here, Francois
Indeed, I'm quite sorry
''But the pleasant summer, mother, and
the change you need 80 much,' was the
quiet answer.
~ know it, aud Helen is very kind, aud
her house is beautiful and pleasant, yet ]
don't feel quite right. But you are sitting
where the breeze is too strong Move back
a little, so the curtain will shield you"
lie did as she requested, and smiled pleas
antly, thanking her in silent way for her
thonghttulness and care. At the same time
slight expression of pain fitted across her
face. lie rested his head for a moment upon
his white, slender hands, and when he raised
ever.
The face Of Francis Page was almos,
womanly in its tender beauty. About his
broad forehead, which had track Of blue
veins swelling across it, his bright brown
hair hung in silkeu waves. His eyes, as
blue as the sky of a June morning, had
look of sadness shining up from their liquid
depths, which was repeated and repeated by
the expression that was caught in the curves
of the fine delicate mouth.
When he stood up erect, the girlish beauty
of his face seemed accounted for by a slight
detormity which marred the symmetry of his
otherwise perfect figure. Because of his
misfortune his mother cared for him as though
he were child, showing by her devotion
that there was no sacrifice she would not
make in his behalf, or no suffering she would
be willing to undergo for him.
For long time after the arrival of Miss
Westburn. Mrs. Page sat watching her sons
thoughtful face. As they sat there, mother
and son, and as the afternoon died away,
and the twilight purpled, the whole summer
party guests and friends of Miss Russell,
gathered in the handsome parlors, all with
the exception of Miss Westburn.
But confess yourself delighted that she
has come at last, Mr.. Woodbury." said
Helen, "and confess, too, for truths sake,
and my pleasure, that you arc as impatient
as you well can be, to see her.
Not for your pleasure, Miss Russell, can
| make such q confession, and | forbcar, be-
lieve me, for truths sake" he answered,
smiling.
Now I have had a purpose ia bringing
YOU together, and no mean one either |
thought it would be the happiest thing in the
world. If you two, hitherto unconquered,
could conquer each other. ] do not care,
mind YOU. if you break Eleanor's heart, or
il she breaks yours. or it both be broken to.
gr,hrr 1t is no more than Just: you boil!
deserve it, for the pain YOU have caused other
,""plc.
N If. Woodbury. smiled.
The next moment Mr.. Woodbury. bad
Joined the sronp Of girls at tho window and
not once did he look towards the door, or
raise his eyes, until the quick whisper ran
around the room,
, Miss Westburn how handsome che is.
how beautiful. -
Then he saw the naughty face that had
a'Beautiiul inderd,' he said To hiulset,
turhins indtferenty round.
Her full Ggurc-lttle above the n,sdium
hccht-was grace itself, and her step, as
She moved forward With Helen, waa quick
,ad s.rsusng, yet fru,. He could not keep
bis eve. from her face, rs she made the cir.
chit of the room, aud was presented, iu
turn, to every one present.
Mr. Woodbury. was rot the only inau ahn
kent his ewes 6pon the face of Miss West
burn. FROM bis scat by the window, Francis
Page observed her every slancn aud motion,
much to the distress Of his good mother, who
had, when she was presented to hin, tried
to shield her son from her gaze, ~ though
she were some terrible wild creature bout
upon his destruction.
"Hadn you better go to your room, Fran ::
aren't you t,rcd?' asked Mrs. Page.
NO, thank you, mother. | will stay
here, II you please. I'm very comfortable
The question was repeated before halt All
hour had elapsed, as, with Helen, Miss West.
burn made her way to that part Of the room
again. She was seated ucar them the next
moment, and the jealous u,othcr saw her
proud eyes wonder to tho face OF her gon,
AS il strangely attracted there But she did
not speak but once, although she might bavs
done so, had there not bsep call for the
music, and Mr.. Woodbury. came forward aud
led her to the piano. Helen smiled.
They look well together, don, they
Cousin Fran -
''Charminsy," was the answer.
''What u pity that Mr.. Woodbury. doesu'
sing. But you must sing. tran-oins with
her. It will be SO splendid. Few have d
voice like Eleanor
'lhs mother listened.
Don't ask him to sing tonight, please,
Helen" she said, she is not feeling quite
we'll
''Ah, | was not aware of it,
"No more was H. answered Frsn. bat
hush"