Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1867-10-30
SIX LETTERS.

Are there any more of these letters |"
" hen her father asked this question, in
an awful tone, Lucilla Richmond could not
say Ne" and dared not say ''Yes," but as
al intermediate course burst into tears, and
sobbed behind.her handkerchief
Bring them to me, Lucila," said her
ather, us if she had answered him, as, in
deed she had aud the girl, trembling and
weeping arose to obey him.
Then Mrs. Richmond, her daughter very
sell grown older, came behind her hus-
land 3 chair, and patted him on the shoulder
'Please don't be 50 hard with her, my
dear" she said, coaxingly. "He's a nice
young man, and it is our fault after all as
much as hers, and you won't break her
young heart, I'm sure.
perhaps you approve of the whole affair,
ma am, said Mr. Richmond.
''i-no-that is 1 only ''-gasped the lit
tie woman and, hearing Luciila coming,
she sank into chair, blaming herself dread
fully for not having been present at all her
daughter music lessons during the past
year. =
For all this disturbance arose from a mu-
sic teacher who had given lessons to Miss
i.ucilla for twelve months, and who had Ia
ken the liberty of falling in love with her,
knowing we'll that she was the daughter of
one Of the richest men in Y orkshire.
1t was inexcusable in poor music teach
Richmond declared, and he clutched the lit
tie perfumed billet which had fallen into
his hands as he might scorpion, and wait
ed for the other with look upon his face
which told of no seftening. They came at
last, six little white envelopes, tied together
With blue ribbon, and were laid at his elbow
IY his despajripQ daughter
Lock these up until return home this
evening"" he said to his wife Il will read
them then. Meanwhile Lucilla is not to see
Jhls music master on any pretence.
Aud then Miss Lucilla went down upon
her knees:
oh dear papa p she cried, dearest
papa please don't say must never see him
again I couldn't bear it. Indeed could
not. He's poor know, but he is gentle
man, and II like him 80 much, papa
No more of this absurdity, my dear"
said Mr. Richmond "He has been artful
enough to make you think him perfection,
! suppose. Your parents know what is
best for your happiness. A music teacher
not match for Miss Richmond.
With which remark Mr.. Richmond put
on his hat and overcoat, and departed.
Then Lucilla and her mother took the op-
portunity of falling into each other arms.
It's naughty for you" said Mrs. Rich
TOnd. But oh, dear, Ican't blame you:
1t was exactly SO with me. I ran away with
your papa, you know. and my parents OBJ
lected because of his poverty. feel the
greatest sympathy for you, and Frederick
mas such fine eyes, and is so pleasing. l
WISH | could soften your papa."
W hen he has seen the letters there II be
10 hope I'm very much afraid sobbed
Alss Lueilla Fred is SO romantic, and
papa hates romance
-, lie used to be very romantic himself In
hose old times" said Mrs. Richmond.
Such letters as he wrote me. have them
4nny desk yet. He said he should die If
iEstused him..
30 does Fred. said Lucilla.
And that life would be worthless with
Tpt " NE; and about my being beautiful The
aOlght SO, you know. I'm sure he ought
sympathize little" said Mrs. Rich
But she dare not promise that he would.
che coaxed her darling to stop crying,
fua made her lie down; then went up into
Ief own room to put the letters into her
ussk and, as she placed them in one pi-
ss.oph-hole she saw in another a bundle
Nenexactly as those were, and drew them out
these letters were to Lucilla, also. One
'ao nad received them twenty years before
ahd she was now q matron old enough to
sssa ssSe daughter who had heart troubles
s.loioedthem one by one, wondering how 1T
aue 10 pass that lovers letters were all 80
much alike.
Haf a dozan-;,et ~ . -, mn c,,p, har and