The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1867-11-14

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one pigeon hole, she saw in another
a bundle tied exactly us those were, an'
drew them out. ,.
9 These letters were to n Lucilla, also
One who had received them twent.
: years beforehand she was now n mat
ron old enough to have daughter who
, had heart.troubles--unfoldcd them ON
by one, wondering how it came to pas
that lovers letters were all 80 mucl
, alike.
Half dozen-just the same number
and much more romantic than thos'
the music master had written to he
daughter Lucilla. A strange idea came
into Mrs. Richmond's mind. She dar
ed not oppose her husband by a lool
or word, she had never attempted sncl
thing.
But she was very fond other daugh
ter. When she left the desk she
looked guilty and frightened, and some
thing in her pocket rusled as she
moved. But she said nothing to any
one on the subject until the dinner
hour arrived, and with it came her hus
band, angricr and more determined
than ever. The meal was passed in 81
lence; then, having adjourned to the
parlor, Mr.. Richmond seated himself
in a great arm chair and demanded
"thc letters" in n voice Of thunder.
Mrs Richmond put her hand into
her pocket, and pulled it out again with
a frightened look.
Mr.. Richmond again repeated still
more sternly-
"Those absurd letters, if you please,
my dear ma'am,'
And the little woman faltered--
"I--that is Il believe-ycs, dear
| believe l have them," and gave him
(i,a~pile Of white cnvelops, eaolrclcd with
blue ribbon, with hanu th@c trembled
like an aspen leaf.
AS for Lucilla, she began to weep as
though the end Of all things had come
at last. and felt sure that if papa should
prove cruel she should die.
six letters six shameful pieces of
deception, Lucilla," said the indignant
parent. 81 am shocked that Il child Of
mine should practice such duplicity.
Hem let me see. Number one, | be-
lieve. June and this is December.
Half year you have deceived us then,
Lucilla. Let me scc--ah !! From the
first moment he adored YOU ch Non
sense. People do not fall in love in
that absurd manner, 1t takes years OF
acquaintance and respect and attach
ment. With your smiles for his goal,
he would win both fame and fortune,
poor as he is! Eiddlesticks, Lucilla!
A man who has common sense would
always wait until he had fare com,
menccment before he proposed to any
girl. Praise of your beauty. The
loveliest creature he ever saw. EXag-
gcration, my dear You are not plain,
but such fattcly is absurd. Must hear
fromyou or die" Dear, dear-how alb
surd!'
And Mr.. Richmond dropped the first
letter, and took up an other
"The same stuff" he commented.
II hope you don't believe a word he
says. A plain, earnest, upright sort
of man would never 60 into such
rhapsodies, | am sure. All! now in
number three he calls you IAN angel
Heis romantic, upon my word. And
what is all this? =
"'rhose who would forbid you to
see me can find no fault with me but
my poverty. l am honest-I am in
earnest in my efforts. am by birth
a gentleman, and l love you from my
soul. Do not let them sell you for
gold, Lucilla.'
"Great heavens, what impertinence
to your parents"
II don't remember Fred's saying
anything fthe kind" said poor Lu-
ella. "llo never knew you would OBJ
ject"
Mr.. Richmond shook his cad ,ifrown-
cd, and read on in silence until the last
sheet lay under his hand. Then with
all ejaculation of rage he started to his
feet.
"Infamous" he cried; "Tll 90 to
him this instant-I,ll horsawhip him
AS for you, by Jove, I'll send you to
a convent. Elope-clope with a mu.
sic teacher! I'm ashamed to call you
my daughter. Where's my hat? Give
me my boots. Here, John, call a cab !!
i"
But here Lucillia caught one arm
and Mrs. Richmond the other.
ooh, papa, are you crazy?' said Lu
ella, "Frederick never proposed such
thing. Let me see the letter. Oh, pa
pa, this is uot Frcd's upon my word it
is not. Do look, papa, it is dated
twenty years back, and Frcderick's S
name is not Charles! Papa, these are
love. letters to mama written long ago.
Her name is Lucilla, you know"
Mr.. Richmond sat down in his arm
chair in silence, very red i'm the face.
How did this occur" he said stern
ly. And little Mrs. Richmond retreat
ing into a corner, with handkerchief
to her eyes, sobbed,-
u did it on purpose" and then paus,
ed as though she expected sudden
judgement. But hearing nothing, she
she dared at last to rise and creep uD
to her husband timidly.
= "You know, Charles" she said, "it's
so long ago since, and thought you
might not exactly remember-how you
fell in love with me at first sight, how
papa and mama objected, and how a,
last we ran away together; and it
seemed to me that if we could bring il
all back plainly to you as it was thel
VIC might let poor Lucilla marry til,
man she'likes, who is good if he is moi
rich. ! did not need it brought bacl
any palmer myself; women have NOR,
time to remember you know. Ant
we've been very happy-eave we not 2
And certainly Mr.. Richmond coulS