Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1871-02-03

ready drawn every distinct part OF this ex-
ample at preceding lessons. If you do
not succeed to your satisfaction at the 6rst
effort. try again. and if necessary, again.
Draw the towers first; then the gateway.
You can try foliage and figures upon a
scrap of paper, until you can transfer them
to your drawing correctly. By observing
the position of the horizontal lines"
martha"
The faint voice said again, and again I
caught deep breath and listened.
All was silent; the expectant faces oi
my class still lifted to mine. their pencils
Fin rest. waiting for tue conclusion Of my
directions. ,t.
by observing the horizontal lines." l
continued burriedly. ''you will perceive
that the horizon passes through the mid
IDLE of the picture a
l turned to my sister.
20. what is the matter, dear Agatha. -
| murmured. anxiously regarding her.
"How are you to-day. sister p she ask
led. tenderly clasping my hand that had
fallen limp aud nerveless on my desk.
Il am strong enough to bear whatever
tidings you bring" said, never removing
my questioning gaze from her face
what is it? tell me! knowledge how
ever severe is better than suspense"
"Mother!'
I paused, I dared not ask her if evil
had tefallen the idol of my young life
the genius of my soul-the bestower OF
all my happiness!
"Mother is"
"Dead!" shrieked upstarting with
dilated eyes. and quivering lips.
Yes. my poor sister. mother is dead
and Mr.. Griysby has kindly sent for us
to 20 to the Lodge in his private carriage" "
was too grief stricken for tcars-too
despairiug for sobs, or reproaches against
God's decree
After that first wild cry I was still and
entirely submissive to the will of Agatha,
who exhibited self-control that must
have been severe and terrible. upon one
of her delicate and impulsive organization.
and was indeed surprising to those who
we're we'll acquainted with her disposition.
Mr. Grigsby had offered US his private
conveyance because we could more readi-
ly reach his house and more privately
than if we took the train, and we're COM
pelled to ali9ht at station Eve miles a
way from The Lodge"-and wera after
wards f0rced to travel over-a road that
was next to impossible in inclement
weather.
We thanked him from our inmost hearts
Kindness when extended in hours Of trials
aud troubles and tears. are far more highly
appreciated, than when bestowed in hap
pier times of hope and sunshine.
We were poor and almost friendless we
we're orphans, and our hearts were full.
The distance from the Institute to the
Lodge was compassed in very few hours,
aud the same roof that sheltered the poor
body that the spirit of our beloved mother
had once inhabi also sheltered US.
Mr.. Grigsby met US at the door-and
taking US by the hands he said in bis low
and tender voice: Welcome home! For
henceforth this must be home to you both.
You are my sisters; for the woman who
bore you was also mother to me-"
Agatha burst into tears. They were
the first she had shed, and Mr. Gilbert
Grigshy drew her head gently to his shoul-
der and smoothed her hair, and patted her
check, all the while wiping away her tears,
and whispering words of comfort and con-
ISOLATION, I, who did not weep-I was
forgotten.
1t was something so new, so strange
and so sweet to Agatha, to feel the inf
mite happiness of dependence upon one who
was brave and beautiful and powerful that
| did not blame her. And no doubt it was
sweet and strange to Gilbert Grigsby too,
to have something pure and peerless that
he might love and protect. 1 think they
loved at first sight
One thug is certain.
The mans sympathy and kindness af-
fected her as they did not and never could
affect me. Her beautiful lips were for
ever sounding his praises.
l did not like him.
| could not:
Had any one questioned me as regarded
the peculiar repulsion be excited in me, l
could not have explained it. For he was
gracious and graceful and generous; be
was mild and benifcent. and genius, cul-
tivated physically and intellectually to the
last degree Of refinement. suppose it
was one of the iuexplicable mysteries Of
psychology, that all of US have entertain
ed at times, when under peculiar iufu-
ences. but zone have ever explained.
My mother had been in her grave four
months. Agatha and | were permanent
ly established at The LODGE. and our va
cant places in the Institute were reflled
by new appointments.
Our lives passed away in silence and
peace that to me was often painfully pro-
found. but which was peopled with visions
of hope and delight for Agatha.
She aud Gilbert Grigsby were undoubt-
edly lovers.
But to my knowledge this affection was
as yet unexpressed in pointed terms abou,
an engagement AID marriage.
They were living through the most ex.
quisite moments Of life; they were enjoy,
ing the very blossom time Of youth snd