The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1871-06-08

"Cousin Louis, will you play the &C.
COMPARTMENT"
"sur:ly, yes, ma belle cousin" seat.
ing himself at the piano.
I had always liked the song, but to-
night when we three were about to de-
part, it might be forever, and the pleas
ant association Of the past two years
we're to be quite broken up, the words
seemed instinct with new meaning.
"When the dreams of earth are fed,
When its wasted lamps are dead,
When in cold oblivions shade
Bsaaty, wealth, and fame are laid,
Where immortal spirits reign
There We three shall meet again."
Esther's voice had a quiver of pain
in it, and felt my eyes growing misty.
"Excellentp' "Beautiful!" $50 appro-
pirate " we're some of the commenda.
tio1s We heard when it was ended.
Esther shook out her flmy shirts,
and passing an arm about my waist,
said, "Come, Louise, let US 60 up to
our room. I think it is time for me to
change my dress and 60. Where i
Lilly, I wonder 2"
I glanced about iu search of her, but
she was not to be seen, and We went uI
to No. S without her. It was large
pleasant room, aud we three-Esther
Lilly and I, the triangle, as the othe,
girls had dubbed us-had occupied il
together for two years. Esther's trunks
we're standing there, locked and strap"
ped. Everything belonging to her had
been packed excepting the dress she
wore, and her travelling attire, which
was laid out on the bed, ready TO be
put on; for Mr.. Rivers had brought q
carriage, and Esther was to go to the
city tonight. Next week she would
go to Newport. cbaperoned by fash.
lonable dame of Mr.. Rivers acquaint.
auce, aud in September father and
daughter were to embark for Europe
To me it seemed very brilliant pro-
gramme. We had often talked it over
together, and tonight, standing there
by the window, we recalled the many
plans we had both made for the future,
aud promised each other-it was very
foolish, I know, but then We were only
school -girls-that whichever should
chance to be married first, the other
would attend as bridesmaid.
One by one the girls stole in to say
good-bye-all except Lilly, who had
not come, but was probably waiting be-
low.
We wect down at last. Mrs. Howe,
and Mr.. Rivers, and Dr.. Stanton were
in the hall. Lilly came Immediately,
with Mr.. Mayne, and put up her tear
stained face for goodbye kiss. Mr.
Rivers, shook hands with US all Louis
Nayne lifted his hat with the grace Of
duke. Esther was handed ioto the
carriage, it dashed of, and tho triangle
was triangle no more.
Gong up to ou.' loom after our guests
had all departed, K was not surprised to
find Lilly Hayse crying as if her hear.
would break. She crept into my my
arms like grieved child, saying in a
weary, desolate way
"Louise, it seems to me as if-if I
didn't care to live any longer "
Poor child! I did not understand
then; but long after comprehended it
all.
Lilly had no home ties, I knew -
Her father was far away in India ; and
she had no other relatives. So the
next day, prevailed upon Mrs Howe
to let her 20 aud spend month or two
with me. My father, though not
wealthy, was in easy circumstances.
My home was a pleasant one, aud
knew that the dear ones there would
welcome this pale-faoed little friend Of
mine cordially. Our preparations were
speedily made, and few hours Of trav
el by railway brought US almost to my
fathers door.
I was born in the "deep green couu'
try" so it was level meadows ani
wooded slopes, and all the sights and
sounds of genuine country life, thai
greeted us as We stepped out of the lit
tie hot wayside depot, and met my three
brothe rs-A noiay group who greeted
me in a hearty, boisterous boy fashion;
while papa called me "his little GIRL" as
he always did, and shock hands with
Lilly, saying, "tlad you came with
Louise, my DEAR" and mamma kissed us
both warmly. Verify it was pleasant
to be at home once more.
I took long walks and rides after that
went blackberrying, romped with the
boys, and altogether enjoyed myself af
ter a fashion that Mrs. Howe would
have pronounced in her calm way
"rather unladylike, Miss LOUISE" But
Mrs. Howe was not there to see and be
| shocked, and I liked this free life after
| the restraints of school. It was so nice
to be at liberty and to come and &c
| when and where you pleased.
And after a while 4 letter came from
Esther. It was dated at Fairvlew, Mr.
Rivers country house, and ran some
thing like this wise
my dear Louise-We have had
such an accident. The very day .fte,
We came here, tho carriage horse ran
/ 4 ~