The Elk advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa.) 186?-1868, 1868-03-14
The EiftEe OH .Mrid.

''1 'NN"' = NV 'O'~'J ~N'S
they for Laura, or for me?' The speak
er, pretty, but rather an insipid look.
ing blonde held up, as she spoke, a
cluster of fine gold ornaments for the
hair, a sprig Of wheat and stripped
grass, very graceful and pretty. Where
have you kept them hidden?
"They are keepsake from an old
friend, and have been among my treas
ures for thirteen years, Bertha" was the
reply.
And now they arc for me- said the
young girl caressingly' They will be
so lovely for tomorrow evening, and |
must look my best for the girls will all
don their most fascinating attire an hou-
or of the OCCASION ..
Is it not Father marked to be so very
anxious p inquired her aunt. In my
young days, ladies waited to be sought
and courted but, to judge from what
you have told me, this hero of yours
may have any one in Silverdale for ask
ing
Well, he won't know it." replied
Bertha. But Lawrence Lane, has
more than riches, Before he went
abroad, report says, he was one Of the
most talented men Of the day D.; and that
old Methodist, Lucy Harding, always
speaks Of him as { true Christian gen
tleman ! 50 1 suppose he adds charity
to the best of attractions, for she is not
lavish Of praise except on those who arc
willing to assist her.
A true Christian gentleman 2
Aunt Fanny repeated the phrase in a
musing tone, while soft light came in
to her dark eyes and smile lowered
over her lips. Bertha, seeing that the
gold ornaments were not to decorate her
hair, went off singing, with tender touch
Aunt Fanny replaced her treasures in
her jewel case.
The next evening, Laura, and Bertha,
in feecy white blush roses, and other
delicate flowers in their hair, and looping
the lace folds here and there, stood be.
fore the long mirror in the drawing room,
pouting,
can't see what she wants TO 90
for said Laura, pettishly, 'She has Mt
been to party since ma died, and that's
ten years ago-that little old maid !
l wonder il she's husband hunting
at her age? p said Bertha. 'Why she
is thirty if she is day. and the beauty
of eighteen shook her curls contemptu.
ously at the idea oe such an advanced
age being attractive.
In the meantime the object of their
ill.naturod remarks the gentle aunt, who
for ten years had filled mothers place
to these, her sisters children, waited in
her own..room for her nieces She had
clad her small, slight figure in black silk,
the severe simplicity of which was re-
lieved by rich falls of black lace, deli
cately embroidered with golden clusters
Of NH i
throat were not decked with jewels, but
in the braids of Dlack hair CHAINED the
golden ornaments which the little old
maid had cherished for thirteen years.
She was not beautiful, yet there was
charm in her sweet face, a grace in
! e. gentle movements, and a music in
her voice that were sought in vain in
her more dashing nieces. AS she wait
ed, her eyes rested upon letter, discol-
ored and worn, which had been long
hidden under her treasured ornaments,
and she read:
DEAR FRANCEs.-Since you will
not disobey your father, and l cannot
command the sum he demands to pay
my fathers debt to him, we must part
part for time only, for though seas
roll between us, and we may not write,
your heart and mine can never be Who'll.
ly severed. Trust me-trust me, dar.
ling for though years may elapse I will
return, true to my pledge to you. Will
you keep the little gold sprigs I ventur,
ed to offer on your birthday, that somes
ting OF mine may be yours ? Oh,my dar.
ling, how linger, dreading to write
farewell! But it must be done. Your
resolution never to marry clandestinely
commands my reepect, as your gentle
sweetness has long ago won my love.
Heaven guide you, and keep you from
further sorrow! Till We meet pray for
LAWRENCE