Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1866-07-14
TALES & SKETCHES.
From Peterson's Ladies Magazine.
JOHN GREY.
BY SARAH.

"Annic," said I, this dear scene to me,
and yet it makes me almost sad"
II was Just thinking" said Annie "that
perhaps, II is true that we are leaving the
happiest days behind. We certainly were
very happy, Nell, when we used to prepare
for exhibitions of this sort. How odd it
seems to us sitting among the spectators
to-day"
1T is strange to me, Annie; and almost
wish myself back again among the boys and
girls. 1t would d
Listen, Nelr
l did listen, and such music and inspira-
tion of voice l had never heard. | looked
at Annie in utter amazement.
who would ever have thought it2 He
didn't look US if he could speak like that
And, indeed, he did not. He was nine
teen or twenty, perhaps; utterly deficient
in personal beauty, and only remarkable
from an air of command that became him
very well. In after years, when knew him
better, l knew how strong his will really
was, and how absolute was the way that he
held over himself as we'll as over Others.
Then, only knew that he was newcomer
among us-that his name was John Grey,
and that his home was with old DR.. Brown.
l saw that he was strong for life and duty;
and heard, through the tones of his musl-
cal voice, that much had been given him
and now l know that much has been re-
quired of him.
was then wild girl of SIXTEEN had the
reputation of being brilliant and was, of
course, very conceited. The "Annie" who
sat beside me was my particular friend and
chosen companion. We loved one another
] think, on account of our marked dissimi-
larity of character Where l was wild and
bit reckless, as girls of sixteen are wont to
be, she was gentle and yielding-so in al
most everything. On two points alone
were we agreed. Our tastes in books and
for books were identical And in our hearts
"a love of fun was the very deepest feeling.
Our friends were accustomed to predict
that, if there was any merriment to be had
out of life, we would be the ones to find it.
That day we were at an exhibition given
by the school from which we mad graduated
the year before. AS have said we were
stirred by some sac; memories or were they
'coming shadows?" That know not.
only know that my dear friend, Annie, is
long since dead that at nineteen find my
self very much alone in the world and that
John Grey-but that is wha. was going to
tell.
After a little, John and l were thrown
together as fellow students in another and
higher school. Our classes were the same
and we soon became acquainted. We were
not the very best of friends at first, because
we were rivals for distinction in our class :
but he did me great favor once.
Ore evening, bent on some piece of mis-
CHEZ, | was out of the building at nine
o'clock-two good hours later than the rules
permitted. l was hurrying along whom
met John. He seemed surprised to see me-
Miss Nell said he, "do you know what
time it is p
of course, 90. You seem to be quite
thunderstruck that should be out at nine
o'clock
Not quite and he smiled. But do you
know what will happen it you are found
out 2
It's likely. I'm not such dot that |
haven't learned the rules before this. But,
pray, do you know what will happen if you
are found out 2"
'Oh ! am out on permit. But, seriously,
what is the penalty"
i shall be disgraced, and sent home to
my ma. Cont care. | am really dying to
get home to Annie
by the way, how is your fricnd2'
She is no worse; but still not well enough
to come back to school, this year, at least
So think I'd better 90 home too. can't
! laugh with the girls here
why not2'
They don't seem to think that | can
1 laugh. They are awe-struck on account OF
my learning, suppose. Certain it is tina,
they invariably talk metaphysics and logic
! to me-
/ Il pity you
Thank you
! But, to return to the subject. suppose
should report youl
We'll suppose you should7 That don,
disturb me. shall be glad to go as you
will to have me 60
How can you tell how glad l shall bef
'Oh think appreciate your feelings
You mean by that, that you know how
glad you would be to have me CO.
Yes
We walked on little in silence-for by
this time he was taking me back. Final.
said
Then you mean to report me y For
was secretly little anxious about it, thoug
not much.
He looked down on me with his fve-feet
six and half of stature, and smiled serene
ly.
1t will be my duty, won't it'
AS soon as l could get my throat clear
said, thought likely; and then remarked
that there was lovely moon tonight II
) seemed to be surprised at the intelligence
and said Good night, and thank you, MI
Grey and ran into the house.
Well, l naturally concluded that shoul'
be reported. If he had no other reason TO
it, the fact that, by removing me, he woul'
have the coast clear, seemed to be enough
Only knew him casually; and very ma
turally mistook him. 1t was morally certai
that l should be reported and sent home.-
Before morning had made up my mind +.
it, and was ready for it.
went to prayers with determination
that nothing should ruffle me. All wen
we'll until almost noon, when l was sum
moned to Professor Adams room. / wen
to him. Our Professor Adams was good
looking man of thirty-three or five, to whor
we were all greatly attached. AS entered tn
room, he grayely motioned me to be seated
He looked at me steadily and seriously for
moment then he spoke.
Miss Thurston, it is quite as cisagreeabl
for me to say what / must, as it can be fo
you to hear it,
Here it was, then, at last. braced m!
self for it. He continued, ls1s r..r
0 Last evening as returned from the pos
: Office to my boarding-house, about min
It o'clock, saw young lady on the opposi'