Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-09-22
There fell upon his ear these words, in


n strange, sweet voice:
Take my child to Heaven"
And she was gone.
Harry started from his dream to find h
fire burning low, and his cigar crumble
into ashes, but strong impression almo'
as great as thoug, he had actually seen
vision. All night he sat smoking an
thinking, and by dawn his plans wer
formed. A consultation with the landlad.
ended by the consignment of the child tt
the care of an elderly woman, warrentet
conscientious and amiable. Harry Bolton
found himself the guardian of an adopted
child. From that moment change came
over the young mans life. lie had an
object to think of and care for. He said
to himself: II will bring up daughter
for my old age" and set himself to work
to become fitting parent for the wonder
full woman he proposed to make of her.
His fortune must be husbanded for her. so
he relinqushed gambling. He quit his
habits of dissipation half his time was
spent in visiting his charge, who well
dressed and well cared for, grew every
dav more lovely and engaging lie taught
her to call him Uncle Harry, and it was
strange to see the young man devoting
himself. as some old grandfather might, to
all the whims and the pleasures OF little
child.
As she grew older he placed her in a
boarding school. and there, of course saw
less of her, yet still as much as the rules
of the establishment would allow until the
child was somewhat twelve years old,
when a. violent illness Frustrated her
guardian upon what came near being his
death bed, and the doctor ordered him
Immediately on his recovery to go to
Europe.
So they were separated, though regu-
lar correspondence was maintained. Deli
cate health detained Harry from his native
land five years, and during that time, as
matter of course they never met.
At the end of that time Harry Bolton
returned from Europe improved in health
and anxious to see his adopted daughter
He knew she had grown older. but so
little do we reflect on the changes that
time must bring, that when inquiring for
Miss Estella Gray (this was the name the
child had lisped when questioned) as he
waited in the parlor of the seminary, a
lovely girl of seventeen opened the door
and entered the room, he could scarcely
believe his eyes.
Yet it was she. indeed-the child he
lad lett, grown into womanhood. Estella
was seventeen, and Harry Bolton thirty
i've. He was young yet i'll look and thought.
There seemed, after all. but little differ
,nce between them. Both felt this, and
heir manner toward each other was more
in consequence. But Harry was
harmed as well as surprised. A lovelier
reature never met his eyes, and thoughts
md dreams that he had thought dead for
yer arose from their grave once more.
Is he walked homeward he said to him.
elf:
what if after all have been rearing
i wife for myself ?"
Then with half laugh he muttered:
mo, am too old for her-it is all folly"
Folly or not, the thought remained. He
paid Estella such delicate attention as suit
ors do. He anticipated her every wish,
and did his best to appear in an agreeable.
light. Whether she understood him or
not, he could not tell. She might regard
lim as an indulgent guardian. and the
bought chafed him sorely. At times he
hoped, at times he feared, until calling
'ne afternoon, Ia holiday UNEXPECTEDLY,
ne found Estella tete-a-tete with young
gentleman, a brother of school friend,
Ernest Clark. 1t was good excuse for
but the knowledge that Estella
mad another male friend so much nearer
ler own age than himself, annoyed and
ingered Harry. And when, time after
lime, he saw them together, his suspic-
ons strengthened. They loved each 9TH
IF. She would wed young Ernest, and he
would only be the middle aged guardian
o give her away with his blessing The
bought once in his mind rooted itself
here, and at last drove him beside himself.
81 will go back to Europe" said he,
love and wedlock are not for me-"
And on the impulse of the moment, he
ordered his baggage to be packed. took
passage in the next steamer for Europe,
and went to the Seminary to bid Estella
good bye.
She came in smiling. but his moody
looks made her grave at once. She put
her hand in his and he took it coldly, and
sat down beside her. For a moment he
Was silent, and then he said;
Il have come to say good bye, Estella.
am going to Europe.''
mir. Bolton, to Europe? Are you ill
sgain p
"No."
Nothing can tell YOU
will you stay longp"
Forever"
Eyes, we shall probably not meet again :"
The great tears swelled in Estellas ewes.
and she put her hand to her heart; she ev-
identity could not speak.
l would advise your remaining here I'M
I'll you are year older unless, indeed,
you marry before that time. In that case
you will OF course, receive the necessary
funds and a certain sum | shall leave in
my bankers hands for that purpose"
| shall not marry" sobbed Estella
there is no need of any such provision.
Harry smiled sarcastically.
'The proposition has not come then P
he said
Estella's head dropped lower.
IL fancied you were engaged to this
young Ernest"
Estella sobbed again.
II care nothing for Ernest, nor he for
me. We are mere acquaintance
Harry caugh. her hand.
is this mere girlish evasion" he asked,
almost sternly, "or the truth ?"
Harry Bolton looked into the tear flush