The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1873-07-05

some days. ,.,
Belle RAYMOND, one of Grace's brides,
maids. was all admiration for Charlie, ana
one day asked me if | was not sorry he was
my consin. ,,,
/ was very obtusc, could not understand
her meaning
| took Bellies arm, and walking straight
up to Charlie, said Belle thinks ought TO
be sorry you are my cousin. Can you mag
inc any reason why should wish you less
near than cousin"
Whatever in the world possessed me to say
such words.
lie looked her scarchingly in the face until
the rich color came into her clear olive
cheek, and her clear gray eyes fell upon the
floor.
Then turning to me, he said: Among my
relatives number my best almost my only,
friends, and am glad to find in you, also,
both a cousin and friend"
Was this the tlirt | had been warned
against? "IIe is too brotherly to be much OF
a tritlcr," thought |. But Belle said conn
Il am afraid of him, Flora; he means
mischief
The wedding came off gloriously. Grace
wore white carleton and orange blossoms,
and looked "too sweet for anything little
Lille said.
The house was full of company for nearly
a week, and Louise did everything, and look
ed 80 beautiful that people asked in astonish'
ment; "Who she could be:' | could only
tell them she was our "hired girl'
The day after the wedding we all went to
the depot to sec the young couple off, and
left Louise to take care Of the house.
We returned at twilight, and as we rode
slowly up the drive, the sound of music came
softly from the open parlor windows. Willie
drew up the reins and we all listened to il
eagerly.
4 gay, cheerful song, sweet and clear as
the notes Of bird Now up, up, then tutter-
inc down softly as if satisfied with its flight
and going to rest. We were unheard by the
singer as we alightcd, and we walked straight
into the parlor 'to see the bird"
"Why, Louise" | cried, why did you new.
er tell us you sang so beautifully? You
might have entertained Us so often had we
only known it,"
II believe that your advertisement only
specified that should have no scruples about
being 'bossed' did not suppose you cared
to have me inform you of my accomplish
mcns.'
Come" said viii, "your candle has been
hid under q bushel long enough Now let
it shine for our enlightenment"
Sing another song; please do" and Char
lie advanced as he spoke, to the piano, and
urged her to be reseated.
Would We be atther havin' some tay, gin
temin, atther yer long, exhausin' drive"
said Louise gaily, in true Biddy fashion, by
way of excuse from singing.
1--WE have had tea at the Ellis's, thank
LN1n.I,
land nothing will appease us but music"
SO Louise sang. Willie sat by and drank
every word, Charlie turned the music for
her as she sang some of my pieces, and, at
her request, added bass to some of the cho.
ruseS.
Willie grew uncomfortable as he heard
how beautifully their voices mingled in the
songs, and coming over to the window, he
said, quite coniidcntially, "Why on earth
can't | sing, Flo?'
80 you might help Louise ?n said |.
He cOlored n little, and |, all admiration
for Louise, exclaimed:
Isn't she splendid! perfectly fascinating
but don't know what to make of it,"
They were closing the piano. Louise was
a trilc flushed, Charlie invited her on the
porch for a promenade, but she declined
and soon retired. Next day, by
tacit agreement, Louise stood on different
footing beautiful, accomplished, educated,
why should she not be treated as our equal {?
But who was she? That was the only thing
we were in doubt about. Something con.
strained me from asking anything con-
;erning her past life In the twilight [
saw Willie ask her to take ride. She said
she would 30 if | went So it was decided
o take the double carriage and ask Charlie
o accompany us. What delightful ride
Down by the beautiful falls in the river We
stopped, and Louise leaning little out from
he front seat, sang "A merry water song, full
If ripplcs, trils and cascades of melody. Sol
he summer passed away. One day in Sep
cmbcr Louise received letter-the first since
lie had been with us. She came and told me
he must leave US
NO. no." | said, Eve can never do without
'ou. Who says you must go;"
Fate and my guardian" she answered sad
y. 81 am sorry, for have been very happy
lcre."
Even then, | dared not ask her single |
question about herself Another week and |
he must go to Southing, she told me, Il little |
own hundred miles distant. That is some |
hing definite at last, | thought The BOYS |
nd Louise got along splCndidly, and | never
ould imagine which one she preferred She
eemed SO impartial and sisterly toward them
both, and no one could imagine she had any
particular feeling for either, but "our folks"
saw, with some misgiving that both boys
were wonderfully attracted by our hired girl. |
The last night saw Charlie ask Louise for a
promenade in the garden. AS they passed
into little side arbor, | saw his arm encircle
her waist, Just then Willie came in looking
quite white. lie had seen them. Poor bro.
thcr Williel Late in the evening they came
in. | heard them come up the stairs, heard |
Charlie pass into his own room. Louise
came to my room and knocked rose and
admitted her. A deep bright color was in
her cheek, and her eyes showeda new strange
feeling. | waited for her to speak.
"Flora, you can perhaps guess the cause
when tell you why | anu happier tonight
than have ever been before"
"It's Charlie?" | said.
"Yes," she said, land since YOU will not
ask me, will volunteer TO tell you why I've
been here this summer"
"Mr Harrington, my guardian, and did
not agree perfectly as to my mode of spend
ing my time. He objected to four hours
daily at the piano, two or three in dress and
l. Al, I'D, -.