The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1867-01-29
NEW YEARS AT LEIGH HOUSE.

1t was New Years day, aud Mr. James
Leigh had consented to his house being
made a rendezvous for all his pretty daugh-
ters frienus, on that eyening.-There had
been no morning receptions, but invitations
we're out for a large social meeting in the
evening. and more than one pretty face
had its bushes deepened by the thought of
some social partner with whom to dance at
Anna Leigh's New Years party. 1t had
been a custom Of Nr. Leigh's sister for
many years to have this annual gathering
and pretty motherIess Anna had been al
lowed to come down in her simple white
uress and partake ofthe festivities, although
not Out bat this year the young gih was
10 take her place as the hostess, having
been regularly Introduced into society few
months previously.
The hltIe futter of expectation that
girls, heart whole and free, experience be
fore a party, had given place with Anna
to the deep calm happiness ofloying where
she had won the pure devotion Of a noble
upright heart in return. From a child,
Harold Leslie la been her fayorlte com
panion and friend, and when he came to
her TO plead for the sweetest title man wins
from NO nan, she put no mask over face or
heart, but let him read the love in her
voice and eyes. 1t was a match that suit
ed all; Mr.. Leslie was wealthy, well born,
and gentlemauiY: sweet Anna Leigh was
the only child Of a millionaire, lady in
position, education, and birth. So the
course Of true love ran very smooth, and
Is Anna pinned TO her dress the bouquet
sent that morning she had no thought of
any Jar in the smooth current of her happy
lie. Before another New Year dawned
she hoped to be happy beloved wife, dis
pensing the hospitalIties Of her husband 5
Gousa.
The large Pariors were filed at an early
hour BY the invited guests, and as Mrs
Morton and Anna greeted one after another
Of their friends, the elder lady had scarcely
time 10 rme missing link in the chain.
But the eyes of love, watching for one face,
will never forget to note It's loss, though the
whole world besides crowded round. The
hours passed heavily to the young hostess.
for in the brilliant throng there was not
one voice that could make the music her
heart coveted. Where was he! In the
morning be had called, bis bright, manly
self, full Of life and yigor. 1t seemed i'm
possible t. believe that any i'll had befaIen
him in those few short hours, vet equally
impossible to think anything but an i'm
peratiye necessity could have kept him
from her side.
"Father"
1t was late in the evening when the word
fell, in pleading accents, upon James Leigh's 5
ear. He hal withdrawn little from his
guests, and stood looking over tie room
with a gloomy brow and frmIy-set hips.
We'll, Annay'
"What was it Nr. Hunter said, just now,
about Norris Leslie. Harry is not here :"
The last sentence whispered low, as if the
utterauce choked her. I'll tell YOU to-mor
row. Go dance now, child; and see here
Anna don't be too stiff to young Markham
/ he comes Of good stock. No swind.erS in
his family, III be bound"
Father, what is it? Tell me now
Come, we are not wanted. Come into the
library"
Tomorrow, child, to morrow"
"Now. o father, come now"
The white face, impIoring eyes, and the
suppressed agony in the.voice were more than
the loving father could resist. Reluctant y
he Welded to the hand that led him from
the room, but before the library was gained