The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1869-10-28

ia
"Now, Tom," said Mrs. Loder, IA.
ably, "Tom Fenley is not 50 lad
rather enjoy linn myself; aad / r.,esn
to have 'e him here occasionally for reh.
tionsbip's sake" -
Tom Loder sould endure 70 zoe.
he rose and left his halfinished e:..1a..
and without making any excusa for his
absence, hurried out Of the .oc...
Esther fell in with the fani:r .~c--
ner' and only by her quiet a. -.
showed the least remembrance = :
mornings trouble. To Frank s,s = =
no appeal, but she watcbad H.: 49,
ments with interest," and aaai1s IT,:
tic was determined to hold An
ton privately with her for tae .
began to regard him with rcre~,c
riosity.
lea time came, with msny Pep
tIons in which neither rao.ac,
daughter ~earied, and hagl4g ::
the best of the lower par,or, s.d -.
Cd themselves becomingly, t4ey .:.,,
their expected guests with Ii. . a..
Esther had retired to her g..
to arrange her hair, after che.
assisting her relatives; aud tie ,.c>
and sister had been some tlno :.
society Of their friends when sas =.
down the stairs, looking POSITIVE; 49,
~ without half the effort at elesac.-
that characterized the toilette T.. e..
cousin. Mr. Barretto had been .::.~-
ing over little cottage piano Ga :;-...l
Carrie was playing when she e1,.s,c.
lie instantly deserted his poss, -
With bright smile and gracious .o..,
greeted the new conner
"Oh, lam 50 happy in having g. Co.
portunity of hearing the melody t..s;
lsel convinced you understand 50 Tell:
will you not play for u.s."
"Certainly,' said Esther, raaiil-;
and Carrie rising in pettish baste, sna
took her place and allowed the attenti72
gentleman to select airs, which sa,
played with taste and expression, quit
meriting the raptuEouse applause with
which he greeted their execution. Frank
soon appeared and instantly devoted him
selfto Miss Isabel, and the evening pass
ed pleasantly with division of attention
On the part of Mr.. Barretto between
Carne and Esther, that occupied the
|atter's attention and soothed the rising
jealousy Of her cousin. The state Of
the drawing-room was explained, and
the projected party discussed, and al
though the Barrettos positively declined
taking Up their residence in Arch
street, they avowed their pleasure in
visiting their new friends,
md making plans for drives and walks
Tom was not at home to
Ca, and as no mention was made of his
absence, the evening was passing
;harmingly without him. When he
appeared and greeted them a little
t'Ay, he came near Es'her's chair, and
aking his place beside her, he said a
ew words about the opera, where h.
lad been to hear a favorite singer.
His presence was an evident relief to
ais sister, who by that means claimed
he guests undivided attention. Her
brother Frank was entirely devoted to
he lady at his:s.de; and Esther, who
lad at first exerienecd a slight sense Of
elief in being forced from his suryciI-
ance, began to have an indefinite con-
ciousness of annoyance. Tom talked
If the tones of the singer, and she lis
ened with her mind wandering-
"What does he mean," she thought;
'he looks false, aud there's some do
igning thought in hismind wha;isit?
. almost hate him.
So Tom found her f, ,e flushing and
'aling as he talked to her; and when
he answered him at random, he sighed
md relarsed into silence with a serious
ir Of troubled thought.
CONCLUDED NEXT wEEK.)