The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1872-09-13

with her, aunt Maria, if she wished me
to-"
Well, well, 60 see to the children;
leave them here till Edy sees them;
very likely it's mistake"
dropped the box on the toilet table
and few up stairs, but not so fast
that aunt Maria's last words were
lost; they sent chill all over me-:
"What a fearful temper that child's
got.''
Oh why should she misunderstood me?
Why, why did my father leave me? l
dropped my head on the upper stair
and cried silently long, long time un-
til sweet little May curled her arms
around my neck, saying, "Kitty, my
Kitty cousin, wake up and be
loved"
Yes, little May, love is better than
gloves, after all; love me all you can.
And thus I grew happy again.
That evening uncle took them all to
the opera, and after the children we're
asleep. as there was no sewing to be
done, I thought of the piano and slipp-
ed down stairs. At first / enjoyed
looking at the fine pictures and books
and everything in the dim light; and
then I just touched the keys little, at
first. I could not resist the impulse;
my fingers would slip from key to key,
and, at last, as no one seemed to notice,
| forgot Aunt Maria entirely, and
played and played all the sweet old
pieces I used to love, because father
praised them. I almost thought |
heard again the clear notes Of his flute
joining me, and I closed my eyes and
made believe we were together again
in the cottage where we were so happy.
Something made my eyes open, and by
the door stood the same gentleman I
had seen in the morning; he said he
was passing and heard the piano;
thought perhap, Miss Edith was there.
l think he noticed my fear, for he
smiled and asked me to play on.
II don't think I'd better, sir Edith
is away. didn't know it was so
late"
How the words seemed to stumble
over each other; felt so awkward, l
thought he looked amused, and per-
haps was laughing at me; and before l
knew it l was making baby of myself
again, with great tears rolling over my
blushing face. At that he came close
to me, and said in the tendcrcst voice,
Don't be troubled, Miss Kitty, I am
not a stranger in tho h"',sA: ittla May
has told me many sweet story about
you; I'm glad to see you now, but
don't play if you are tired: won't you
stay and talk with me few min
utcs!"
Eyes if you are not laughing at
me.'
Why, I never dreamed Of it.
knew in a moment he was honest
with me; and when he asked why !
played with my eyes shut, I told him
all about father aud our pretty home,
and how easy it was to see it when my
eyes were shut, and how longed to. go
to it sometimes; and that in my sleep !
often heard the brook near 1t, as it used
to gurgle over the stones and through
the rushes; and although it was very
grand and beautiful, it seemed like a
strange life to me. l often wished l
might go back instead of forward, fol-
all my other life was SO lovely and
bright and cozy, and this was cold, |
tried to be happy, but one can't help
missing fathers, said.
II should think not" he answered,
and seemed 50 interested and kind |
could have told him anything. I was
so glad to think he would be my
cousin.
Aunt Maria said the next morning
the gloves were doubtless misdirected,
but Edith wanted me to accept a pair
of them. When l thanked her at night
she blushed. l remembered having
heard that very generous people disliked
to receive thanks.
1t was long time before saw Mr.
Raymond again only as [ went to the
sitting room sometimes to get May to
put her to bed; once he asked me to
stay long enough to play something,
but aunt Maria answered for me that
l was no musician, and | felt mortified
that he had ever heard me. Little
May used often to bring papers Of bon
bons and nice candies, saying that MIR.
Raymond bade her share them with
me, and once she brought bunch o1
English violets and said Mr.. Raymond
sent them to me. How happy | was
afterwards for days. After that We of:
ten saw him in tho park. One day h
said ne must help me take care of the
children, they were SO fr,licsome; he
filled his pockets with sweets and We
had right merry time. That day he
asked me if I had used up the glove: