Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1870-07-06
Written for the URBASA UNION.
THE FORTUNES OF
FLORA ST, JOHN,
A TALE OF VICISSITUDES.
BY MRS. ANNA WILLS PRICE.
CHATTER II.

CHATTER II. s.... re-,
LONG after midnight Flora was awak.
ened by light tap from Eva, who Ied
the way to Mrs. Julian's apartments
when Flora had completed hasty toll.
ct. A grand piano and harp had beer
placed in the dressing room of the af
flicted lady and ne9Ea folding door, she
diseerned the figure OF, her cousin, rob.
ed in white and supported by the strong
arm Of Charles Julian. Flora looked
once towards the fair face distoded by
spasms Of agony, the flowing ringIets
in wild confusion, the uplifted hand:
struggling to escape from thrall, she
heard the wild shrieks, which brought
tears to her sympathising soul, and then
seated herself at the piano, waiting de.
Hcious strains Of melody and sweetness
on the summer air. But the soul of Ju,
Ian was thrilled when she sought the
harp and her rich clear voice rang out
on the mOOnlit night. The maniac grad.
ually yielded to the spell and sinking tC
the floor, fell into a gentle slumber. At,
tendants bore her to a couch near by and
Julian was at FIOra's side, expressing
his thanks and appreciation of her pow
ers, enthusiasm and admiration lit his
fine eyes with unmistakeable fervOr.-
The hour, the circumstances seemed to
kindle an electric spark from Flora's ma
ture, and as Julian bent over the harp
questioning her glance with an earnest
look, she gave her heart involuntary to
his keeping.
On retiring again to rest she chided
herself for having again yielded to the
destinations of any man, yet in her
heart she felt no doubt of the love or
honor of Julian. His kindness to my
cousin a helpless widow is enough, even
if I did not read truth and constancy in
his eyes, she thought.
Flora had learned from EIfnor that
she and her child had been left destitute,
when Charles Julian sought them after
his brothers. death. -n
Early on the following morning Flora
was hastily summoned to Mrs. JuIian,s
side. She wasiying composed and beau
tiful Charles and Eva were beside her.
She took her Cousins hand, and with a
gentle smile kissed her tenderIy on
the brow.
''Dear Flora, she said, you have saw
ed my life, and last night after my
senses returned to me I had vision
Do not smile dear friends I saw in a
clairvoyant state or some other way my
child, in large pleasant parIor with
green trees near. Flora was with her.
She embraced my Claire, and I after
wards saw them together in changing
scenes. My distress ispast I know that
Flora will find Claire. I am peaceful
and content. That is why I called you
early, to tell you of my happiness in
knowing this.
FGod grant I may, erieI Flora, but
when and whereu' .s8
'It may not be very soon, it may be
a month the time will not exceed two
years, the place is your present home
What is the name.U
"Penway!" asked Flora.
Eyes there you will find her without
'Then I must hasten to return, dear
Elinor for your vision may be fulfilled
any moment after I get there.u
Mr.. Julian demurred at the PROPOSE
ton, declaring that he had hoped Miss
St John would honor his house by
lengthy stay with her cousin, but Eva
'59ha1es + there Is any truth in Eli
nOr's vision you cannot and must not
insist on her staying. She can return
when she finds Claire. Dear little angel
can it be possible that we are to recover
Dur darling! I am a strong believer in.
visions and will look forward to the
this one. But suppose Flora
should marry some one and leave Pen
way, Elinor!"
"Then the vision cannot be fulfilled,
dear sister,,
Flora placed, her hands in her Cousins
and though She knew Charles Julian's
eyes was upon her, said solemnly. ar
will remain in Penway two years never
eaving it for single day."
at is,a great deal to ask dear Flora,
out I am selfish enough to accept the
sacrifice. Oh my child! And you may
lut.hage long to wait forber9f
1T is no sacrifice, said Flora. ~ was
to Penway because there I am
most tranqnil and happy. 1 have had
great trials in my young life, dear cous-
M
''Then I shall be happy in thinking of
you dear Flora, if you are content to wait
ostiently in one place for my darling. 81
And now sit beside me, for you shall not
cave us till tomorrow and tell me all
your trials, little and big. I must know
very thing about you"
MIR. Julian had left them, and Flora
hus solicited, related to EIinor and Eva
he principal feat1nss of interest in her
ife. She felt no reluctance to confide in
hem. they were all Sympathy and at
entiOn. Her acquaintance with Miss
Ieverett and its termination was also |
old them and they declared her escape
.lmOst miraculous, but Eva added.
Z 1PIthink dear Flora your escape from
7itz Hugh is more miraculous. He is
Unworthy of your loyal heart and 1
hink the best thing you can do is to
ransfer your affections to Charles, who
lready loves you.
"Oh Eva !" cried Flora deprecatingly.
"Why not should say. He has low
d you ever since he took you and your
urse ashore that awful night, for he
old me SO last night, and said the rea-
on he had not sought you before this
vas because he, in the hurry of bidding
ou farewell, neglected to get your adj
Tess."
3 ''Hush Eva,U said Elinor, ''you en-
arrass Flora. Charles will speak his
lind am sure and Flora don't want
0 call blush to your check, but if he
Oes and Won aCCeDt him. Won will rain