Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1872-09-10
FOR THE SPECTATOR.
NOT ALONE.
BY JENNIE JAMES.

"All alone-all alone" she murmured, while
the color reoeded from her cheeks, leaving them
almost as white as the cambria frill she was en-
brolderlng She sat near an open window
and, ever and anon, her eyes rested on mar
bic monument, son which were inscribed the
names OF the two who were dearer to her than
all else beside. A malignant fever had broken
out in the little village; and among the many
who fell victims to it were her father and moth
er. So the grave which was dug for the hus-
band and father was only widened to make
room for the wife and mother. Now, with the
exception of younger sister, Constance Nor
ton was literally alone in the wide world
Scarcely month had elapsed since the funeral,
thers lawyer that Mr.. Morton had died insol-
vent, and it was necessary that the beautiful
homestead, with all of its costly furniture should
be sold to appease the demands of his creditors.
For herself, she did not so much dread the
change; for her father had spared no pains or
expense to give her thorough education; and,
with the many accomplishments she possessed,
she knew she could maintain herself in very
comfortable manner. But how could she break
the sad news to her little sister-the gentle
Eva-accustomed as they had ever been to all
the luxuries Of life? But, as We shall present
ly see, God was more merciful than man-there
was 40 need of informing her Of her sudden
transition from afluence to comparative pow
erty. AS Constance again almost inaudibly ut
tered the words-''All alone, all alone" "a fai-
ry-like figure glided to her side, and kneeIing.
took her sisters hand, and lifted it almost rev.
erentially to her lips. 'Not alone, not alone,
sweet sister," said Eva, for am [ not with
you? Dearer than my own life, love you and
We will remain together in our beautiful home
for indeed you will not insist on my going away
to boarding school, when [ have such an ex-
cellent teacher r"-but leaving the sentence un-
finished, she crimsoned deeply as she hastily
arose from her kneeling posture and turned to
young man who stood behind her sister S
chair. Forgive me, my dear teacher" said
she, ''for my unintentional rudeness my anx-
lety on percelvlng my sisters distress Is the
only excuse / can Offer" The gentle smile
that overspread his countenanee assured her
that he was not offended.
Constance started on seeing stranger IN the
drawing-room-bu something in his manner
calmed her agitation; and by the time Eva had
introduced him as Mr.. Edward Clifton, she re-
ceived him with her customary ease, and asked
him to be seated. Eva then left them and went
to the window to arrange bouquet she was en-
gagged in gathering when Mr.. Clifton passed by
the front gate, as he vas taking his usual after
noon stroll. In her botany-lesson that morn
ing she was not entirely satisfied with one of
the calculations so she called to her teacher
to come and explain it to her then. He read
iy consented the foweret from her
hand, he led her to seat and quietly proceed
ed to comply with her request. La few min
utes, her clear blue eyes beamed with salts
fed look. II see, see it all now, and l thank
you kindly for your patience in showing me-
And now come with me to the house, and let
mo Infr n oIcto For cho Icc Gu
very sad and lonely since
But here her eyes filled with tears, her lips
quivered, and she bowed her head and wept in
silence. Passing his arm tenderly around the
child's waist, he gently soothed her, and they
assembled the steps together. The door was
open, aud Eva, leaving her straw-hat In the
hall, led the way into the room where Constance
was sitting. But when she heard the deep
drawn sigh and the sad words Of her sister, she
seemed to forget everything else, and went di-
rectly to her with fond expressions Of love-
And not until she was pleading not to be sent
away from that dear sister, giving as one reason
that she had such a good teacher at home, did
she remember that Mr.. Clifton was still stand
ing, unannounced, in the centre Of the ROOM
But who could be displeased with Eva? She
felt that her teacher was not. When he had
been seated moment he remarked to Miss
Morton that it was then his turn to ask forgive
ness for being silent spectator, when, perhaps,
he ought by some movement to have made her
aware Of his presence-but there was no need
of an apology; and soon they were engaged in
conversation, which, though not frivolous,
was animated enough to make Eva feel glad
that she had invited Mr.. Clifton to the house.
Turning to her sister, she waited her kiss from
the tips of her rosy fingers, and presently the
white-robed figure with its shoulder-knots and
sash of broad, black ribbon was lost to their
view amid the flowers and shrubbery of the
garden. 'It is more pleasant in the front porch
at this hour of the afternoon than it is in the
house," said Constance and touching tiny,
silver bell, she desired the servant that answer
ed the summons to bring some fruit. When
they had partaken of the luscious peaches, the
sun was nearly down, and Mr.. Clifton took
leave of Miss Morton after asking and obtain
ing permission to call again soon-''for," said
he, ''you know [ am a stranger in your lovely
village-away from Father, Mother, and Sis.
ters, and shall be glad to become better &C
quainted with you two, and feel that am wei
come to your home"
| All Mr. Clifton, does not that speech be