Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-11-24
NO. 27s

| felt really nervous when the carriage
| stopped at the door; but did not follow
Fred and Florie, as they rushed into the
hall to meet them. They did not come in
to the parlor until they had been to the
dining room and partaken of refreshment.
As papa presented his "eldest daughter
to his wife, ! arose and coldly offered my
hand. The lady who was hereafter to oc-
cupy my dear mothers place in the house.
hold was about thirty-five years of age,
of medium height good looking, and
PLEASANT smile lighted her face as she held
my hand moment and hoped l was
well.
Later in the evening she expressed de-
sire to hear me play. I did not arise i'm
mediately; but when she said:
''Do not, unless it is perfectly agreeable
to you," replied:
.'Most certainly it isl and selected Il Sit
and Weep by My Mothers grave" as the
most appropriate one could find. sang
with much pathos, for my eyes were filled
with unshed tears, and my heart was sore
with grief rose from the piano and look
ed at papa and his new wife. Her eyes were
full of tears as she said to me in low
| tone:
"You sing with much feeling, Nellie,
more so, probably, because you can SYM
pathize with the author, and can SYM
pathize with both have no mother, and
|. too, have loved
TO sit and weep
| Beside dear mothers grave"
That was so different from what ex-
pected, that could not reply, and merely
bowed my head. AS we entered the break
fast room the following morning, Mrs.
Gordon took the head of the table. Fool
ish girl that was, l felt the angry blood
rush to my iace. | had occupied that
place six months, ever since donned long
dresses, and thought "she takes mammals
place and mine too.n
After papa had gone down town, and
Mrs. Gordon, Florie and myself were left
at home, she chatted so pleasantly with us,
that almost regretted the part had de-
termned to act bat when the gardener
came in, and, directing his remarks to me,
asked if he should take up all the dahlia
roots for winter, | grew angry again, and
said:
| "Ask Mrs. Gordon; | shall not direct
any more about the flowers"
! did not look at her to notice the effect
of my words, but Florie said her face col
ored However, her face was calm as she
| said
IL will go into the garden in moment
and tell you"
| And taking shawl she passed out,
leaving me ashamed that did not speak
in II less ungracious manner.
| | need not mention every little act of
hers that slowy undermined the prejudice
against step-mothers which had imbibed
from early childhood Shortly alter she
became a member of our household, she
tapped at my chamber door, and after
coming in and sitting few moments,
which were passed in pleasant converse
ton, she said to me-
"Was not one of those portraits of your
mother taken from the parlor, Nelliepn
1.-The one over the table was" replied,
II hung it there a few weeks ago"
well if you are willing will replace
it, she continued. so that all the family
can have the same pleasure you do. l
think your forehead resembles hers very
much," she added as she stepped into a
chair and took it down.
had not word to utter. felt that
was killed by kindness; and yet after this
| endeavored to maintain that reserve of
manner that had determined should ever
characterize my department towards her.
rived, and asked papa to get me an eX-
to wear.
81 will think of it," he said, but when
we were alone he said to me:
ELLEN, if you will call my wife mother
will get those things for you. do not
| like to hear you call her Mrs. Gordon,
especially before strangers"
VERY WE'LL" | returned, II can do
without them; they are not absolutely
necessary to my h appiness.n
The morning of the exhibition day
dawned. and as was leaving the institu-
ton, | saw Mrs. Gordon come out of the
jewelers. and walk hastily towards home.
| followed, veXed and almost angry. |
said to myself:
"lf | call her mother at dinner, papa
will notice it, and get the ornaments while
| am dressing; | can wear them at the ex-
hibition this afternoon and the party this
evening. | wonder what Emma Andrew
would say if should, as | told her never
would while lived; and won't, so that's
decided"
Dinner over, Invent to my room to dress,
| for the exercises were to commence at
two. As stood by the table noticed
small kid case, with slip of paper upon
it. Iopened the paper which bore my
name on the outside, and read. Twill
Nellle accept tliS from ner lrlenu Alice
GordonP" In the box lay the long-cov-
eted ornaments on their satin bed. This
last act of forbeerance was more than
even could endure, and sobbed bitterly
while conscience upbraided me for the
past. l did not wish to go down. and rs
Florie was dressed. wrote on piece Of
paper, accept the thanks OF your daugh-
ter Ellen" and sent it up to mother, as !
then determined to call her.
In few moments heard footsteps APP
preaching, and. turning laid my head
upon her shoulder and murmured, "For-
give me, mother"
Gently she smoothed back the heavy
bands OF hair from my forehead.
81 did not do this to buy your love.
Nellie" she said, II hope you would have
given that without this testimony of my
affection
From that day the most perfect conf
dence existed between us, and | ever
found her a true friend-a faithful adviser.
But now, though decade of years have
passed away, still remember the look
| -. hat Tod h.,r 10 OF