New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-09-03

some old grandfather might, to oil the whlms
and the pleasures OF o little chile
A sbe Grew older he placed her in
boarding school, and there, of course, saw
less of her. vet still as much as the rules OF
the establishment would allow until the
child was somewhat twelve years old, when
a violent illness prostrated 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 regular
correspondence was maintained. Delicate
health detained Harry from his native land
five wears. and during that time, as matter
of course they never met.
At the end of that time Harry Bolton re-
turned 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 inquring for Miss Estella
Gray, this was the name the child had
isped when questioned) as he waited in the
parlor of the seminary, 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 had
left, grown into wonanhOOd. Estella was
seventeen, anti Harry Bolton thirty fye.
He was young yet in look and thought.
There seemed, after all, but little difference
between them Both felt this, and their
manner toward each other was more re-
served in consequence. But Harry was
charmed as we'll as surprised. A lovelier
creature never met his eyes, and thoughts
and dreams that he had thought dead for
ever arose from their grave once more AS
he walked homeward he said to himself:
"What if, after all, have been rearing
wife for myself" -
Then with half laugh he muttered:
"No, 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; ana
| did his best to- appear IN an agreeable llght.
Whether she understood hlm or nor, ne
| could not tell She might regard him as an
| indulgent guardian, and the thought chafed
| him sorely. At times he hoped. at times he
| feared. until calling one afternoon Ia hoi-
| dayI unexpectedly, he found Estella tete-a-
| tete with young gentleman, brother OF
| school friend, Ernest Clark:-It was good
excuse for intimacy, but the knowledge
that Estella had another male friend so
much nearer her own age than himself, an
noyed and angered Harry. And when, time
after time, he saw them together, his suspi-
cions strengthened They loved each other.
She would wed young Ernest, and he would
only be the middle-aged guardian to give
her away with his blessing. The thought
once in his mind rooted itself there. and al
last drove him beside himself.
II will 90 back to Europe" said he. ~
will forget her. Love and wedlock are not
for me-"
And on the impulse of the moment, he or
dered his baggage to be packed, took pas
sage in the next steamer for Europe, and
went to the seminary to bid Estellas good
bye.T q T.E,I.r
made her grave at once. She put her hand
in his and he shook it coldly, and sat down
beside her. For moment lie was silent,
and then he said:
81 have come to say goodbye, Estella. l
am going to Europe"
ssSir. Bolton, to Europe! Are you i'll
againl"
mo"
s'Nothing can tell you"
evil you stay long!
Forever"
| Yes, we shall probably not meet again
The great tears swelled in Estella's eyes,
and she put her hand upon her heart; she
evidently could not speak.
II would advise your remaining here
| until you are a 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
bakers hands for that purpose"
II shall not marry" sobbed Estella,
there is no need of any such provision"
Harry smiled sarcastically.
/ 1.-THE proposition has not come then :" he
said
| Estellas head dropped lower.
II fancied you were engagedt TO this young
Ernest"
Estella sobbed again.
Il care nothing for Ernest, nor he for me-
| We are mere acquaintance"
| Harry caught her hand.
SIS this girlish evasion" he asked almost
| sternly, "or the truth ~
| Harry Bolton looked into the tear-fushed
face, and took the other little hand
"Estella," he said, "do you guess why. l
was leaving American
| She shock her head.
Because could not see the girl love
married to another. Am l too old to love,
Estella ~
80, no."
"Too old to be loved :"
"You are not old at all"
"Estella, can you love me ~
| She made no reply. Harry drew her
| closer to him and repeated the question;
| then the answer came in the lowest, faintest
| whisper.
| II love you better than my life; it would
| kill me to part with you"
Harry Bolton won his treasure.
A week after he sailed to Europe, but not
alone. 1t was. his wedding trip, and Es-
| tella, his young and lovely bride, was with
| him.