The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1869-04-01

Woou SIAtleu ouiy az AoAoACo SdStletOu
simple
'We thank you!
He left the room. After little while,
went through the hall, and met him.
you surprised and delighted us all with
your performance, Mr.. Atwood said.
He smiled
Il learned to play to please a little sick
sister had once,' he answered. Since she
died do not care to play much, although |
love music
Just then Florence Castleton fitted by
and went up stairs. thought that she had
heard what he said
DO you think she liked it !? he said, with
amusing simplicity aud directness.
Yes, am sure she did | answered.
She's pretty, isn't she :? cried he, with
the same amusing naaoette.
Yes / answered,
Good night ] said.
Good night, he responded, and went in
to his room.
l smiled at my thoughts as I let down my
hair before my dressing glass. Yet it
might prove hardly smiling matter for a
poor, honest fellow like David Atwood to
get in love with Florence Castlston, the
beauty and hciress.
1t soon became perceptible to all observ-
ing people, how much David Atwood was
in love with Miss Castleton. She OWNED
it swiftly, and thought it did not displease
her. The others rallied her, but she put
off their jests lightly, and was none the
worse for them. Poor David did not ad-
dress her he could hardly summon courage
to approach her when necessary; and it
was altogether beyond his plain, passion
ate heart to disguise his sensitiveness in re-
gard to her presence.
He would turn pale every time she spoke
to him, and once, when he brought her a
chair in an awkward hurry, saw him trem-
bic like leaf under her beautiful blue
eyes. They were together that evening,
with three or four others in the parlor
Miss Castleton,' one said who idolized
Florence for her beauty, after the manner
of school girls, your eyes are just the col
or Of the water off Half Moon Beach, where
| saw it last summer
Miss Castleton laughed.
'They are like the summer skies said
Charley Childs.
Il swear that they are just like the bind
ing of Owen, Meredith in Blue and gold,
said Dick Manchester.
And what is your comparison, Mr.. At
wood" said Florence, looking archly at
David.
His answer was involuntary.
'They are like the blue larkspur which
used to grow in my mothers garden
Florence blushed it was the only time
had ever seen her blush. Looking up, she
suddenly met the eyes of her guardian,
Mr.. Grey, vino was present. Rising quick
ly, she went to the piano and seating her
self played a light air.
That night clang of fire-bells awoke
me. I lay unaffected for moment, until
| suddenly perceived the odor Of smoke.
The hall was filled with smoke, and there
was confusion in the house. The cry OF
Fire Fire!' arose.
I flung on wrapper, drew on slippers,
and commenced putting my most valuable
papers into my writing desk. While was
doing this there came quick step on the
landing. opened my door again, and saw
for the first time that the doors Of all the
other chambers were open and the occupants
had fed. 1t was servant.
'Oh, come down, for Heavens sake =
cried she. 'The back part of the house is
afire from cellar to roof, inside =
There were doors in the halls shutting
off all the back part Of the house from the
front.
Are all out? asked, hinging cloak
around me, and taking up my preciou;
writing desk, Miss Forbes, Mr. and Mrs
Blake, Miss Houston and Miss Castleton !?
said |, as | went through the smoky hall.
God have mercy' cried the Irish girl
'but don't think Miss Castleton is out I've
not seen her. o! what'll do?'
Just then figure came leaping up the
stairs.
Go down. he cried out to me as he
spraag past me.
He flung open the door between the two
halls, volley of smoke poured out, and
retreated. 1t was David Atwood. knew
instinctively that he had gone for Florence
and that she would Immediately be safe.
Down the stairs the people were carrying
out furniture, aud the greatest confusion
and CONSERVATION, mingled with much ac
tive energy, pervailed. The fire engine
were coming rapidly up, and a crowd wer'
gathering. | was preparing to 60 across
the street to the house of friend, finding
that l could be of no assistance, when my
attention was attracted by the form of Mr.
Grey rushing into the hall, at the same in
stant that Mrs. Blake put her baby into
my arms for safe keeping, while she wrap
ped two little shivering forms in shawls
preparatory to putting them into carriage
for a frined's house.
Mr.. Grey caught the arm Of Mrs. Hawley
as she flew down the stairway, with pile
of valuable clothing.
Miss Castleton! Mrs. Hawley, where i
she ? he cried.
4 don't know! 1 don't know !! she ex
claimed despairingly. Some one went 70
her, have not seen
Mr.. Grey interrupted her with an oath
sprung to the stairs, but at that instant tn
figure of David Atwood emerged from th
smoke on the stairway, with the senseles
form of Florence Castleton in his arms
She had apparently tainted with the fright
or had been overpowered by the smoke.
She was half dressed her beautiful gold