The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-07-16

ority of Eva's intellect over that of other
girls of her age; but whether she preferred
sweetness of disposition to superiority of
intellect, baffled all Mrs. Rathburns inge-
nuity to find out. She confessed to herself
that Mrs. Lothrop was truly peculiar
woman-more SO than she had expected
an enigma that could not be made out.
Her uncertainty was not less regarding
Mr.. Kirkwood's sentiments and intentions
toward Edith. That he admired her was
evident. He rode, walked and sung with
her, and was over ready to attend to her,
yet there was not quite the enlpresSement of
manner she could have wished--she some
times imagined even less than there had
been at first. She feared, too he had made
an impression on her daughters heart.
She had noticed an anxiety to please him
in her dress and actions; that she blushed
on seeing him at any time suddenly; and,
adept as she was in art, showed ill-conceal-
ed pique if he admired any other lady than
herself
The mothers highest ambition would be
gratifed could she see her daughter united
to him. His fortune, position, person, man.
ners, public and private character, were far
beyond her most sanguine expectations of
what Edith's husband would possess. All
that art or tact, could do should be done to
attain the desired end.
Mrs. Rathburn was gratifed at the inter
est Mrs. Lothrop began to take in Willie.
She often entered the nursery quite fa-
miliarly; and even Mr.. Kirkwood occasion
ally went in--sometimes staying long
enough to read or relate story to the inva-
lid boy; at others, just stopping to offer
some book, toy or fruit.
Poor Annie was not particularly pleased
at finding her place of refuge thus invaded,
and their coming was usually the signal for
her departure.
One day she entered the nursery in haste,
and carrying plate of sweetmeats for
Willie. The moment that she crossed the
threshold, the change in her aspect was
striking. All coldness vanished. Her
whole face was changed into perfect, living
beauty, by the expression of solicitude and
tenderness it wore. Bending over Willie,
she kissedhim fondly, and said:
How is my darling now? Is the pain
all gone did not mean to leave him so
long; but Ediths dress could not be COM
pleted for the party tonight unless assis-
ted; and Mammals head-dress had to be al
tered. But, see have brought something
nice, and after you eat it, l will tell you a
beautiful"
She paused abruptly, perceiving, for the
first time, Mrs. Lothrop, seated near the
door through which she had entered. In
an instant Annie was her usual self again.
She saluted the lady politely, but coldly,
and then spoke again to Willie; but the
tender-hearted boy was grieved and fright
ened at the tone, so different from what it
was moment before, and looking up tear
fully into her face, asked:
"Am naughty, sister Annie ?''
"No, Willie" she replied, coldly, at the
same gently, but decidedly putting away
Lilly, who was trying to climb into her lap.
1t was not without some reason that An
ME relapsed into silence and coldness in
Mrs. Lothrop's presence.
Annie was not of jealous disposition
she expected so little, poor child, and she
was SO accustomed to see her sisters prefer
red before herself in every way at home
but the difference in the treatment of her.
self and her gay, beautiful sisters by Mrs.
Lothrop was too marked for her not to per-
ceive and feel. She was not unused to neg
leot, but this seemed to verge upon dislike;
and from her fathers friend, it was harder
to bear.
Mrs. Lothrop could not be said to show
affection for Edith and Eva, but she distin-
guished them by much notice, and sought
to draw out their ideas and opinions upon
every possible subject. But Annie she
seldom noticed in any way. 1t seemed like
dream to the young girl-the kind tones
of Mrs. Lothrop's voice, the morning she
had first seen her; but then she knew her
not--had never seen her more brilliant and
attractive sisters-had never heard of the
unloyed and unlovely Annie e..l.
And the young girl encased herself more
strongly in her armor of indifference.
But her greatest misfortune was coming.
It arrived. s e5
Willie awoke one morning apparently
better and brighter than usual; and before
night he slept In DEATH e ..a
The grief of the family was great. An
ME alone was calm and fearless during all
that dreadful day. Once only her lip quiv-