The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1878-05-02
EEEIE DERHA
A STORY OF THE STRIKE.
BY JULIA E. TORY.

BY JULIA Z. TORRY.
With the goodbye kisses of innu
merable school friends fresh upon her
lips, and tears glistening like dew
upon tho blossom in her violent eyes,
sweet E6ie Derham took her seat in
the cars, which were now to carry her
home after an absence of q year-a
year SO full OF trials, temptations, joy
and labor, that, now that it had be-
como round and full, she could feel
how laden with fragrance it had been.
Twas like q beauteous blossom, for,
looking backward, it seemed to Effie
that every day ofthe year, as it un.
rolled, had been bright petal which
helpeeIte form q wondrous flower
q flower with thorns All along the
stem untIl tho blossom was reached,
and there the fragrance and beauty
compensated for the trials and labors
which had met her all along the way.
This year would ever watt incense
into her lite to come, for in it she had
gathered wisdom which would bring
forth rich fruit in the golden harvest.
time.
She was now returning home to
father and mother, with the diploma
for which she had labored so hard,
securely tucked away in her trunk.
But her lace itself was full of diplo-
mas. Her broad forehead looked as it
it invited inspec,ion-lt stood out so
firm and brave; and then her bright
blue eyes beneath flashed out lights
that only can be kindled at under
standings altar. Her little nose kept
itself rigidly straight and demure, as
if it were loaded with wisdom, Her
mouth curved aud He'd itself in E.
most logical manner, while her chill
looked as if it had been anxious and
determined to do it's part toward re
ceivlng an education and then, too, it
had nice little double to help it. AL
these indications of wisdom were
crowned by beauty like unto gol-
den sunset, resting upon her head in
luxurious profusion, Each little gol-
den curl was aglow with brightness,
and danced in high glee at the least
motion of the wise little head beneath
seeming to know that in the head
was running the thought: Il am 60
ing home.'
Efie's blue eyes wore an expectant
look, when the train drew near the
last station, and the locomotive, with
snort and a puff, rushed into the
beautiful valley town of Wilkesbarre,
then eagerly che gathered up her bum
dies and was hnrrying out, when an.
other bundle, full of animation and
life, tumbled against her, knocked her
bundles down, and, instead of picking
them ur, picked up Effie herself, in
awkward delight. aud kissed her be.
fore everybody, and looked with hun.
CRY eyes into the sweet face.
why Tom, don't!' exclaimed Effie
in an irritated little voice. 'How
could your Do you forget that folki
have eyes?
Il forget everything but you,' will
impetuous force.
well, please forget me now, long
enough to save my bundles and tn,
beating of her heart sounded like sani
ever afterward.'
Soon the bundles were rescued ani
safely tucked away under one arm
while the other was left free to aii
Effie in alighting.
sOhi I feel just like a Rip Val
Wrinkle! There's nobody down her,
to meet me! not even my big.littl,
brother! Nobody 1 know! nobody
but you, Toni
Nobody but Tom,' repeated he, ani
so sad was the voice that 1t sounded
like dirge. Nobody but me! Wha
have done, little one, that shoulG
be classsd among the snobodies
used to be your somebody sweet anG
now am nobody; of not enough
account to feel a warm, glad pressur,
of this little hand. o, Efie my Effie
Where has your heart gone? Wher,
is the welcome I've been starving for
SO long?
why Tom, Tom Sheldon hardly
know you, you act SO strange and
wildl thought you did take a wei
come, when you pounced down upor
me like halt-starved hawkl I'm
sure felt your bill picking away il
quite ferocious manner
tADd how did you respond? BY I
pout, and words that cut my heart
yet with tho edge of indifference
which sharpened them,' replied Tom
in tones that seemed to ache with th'
pain they carried.
you couldn't expect me- said Effie
with q saucy toss of her head, 'to Il!
right into your arms, and proclaim te
the world, sthis young gentleman i
my sweetheart, and 1 pray you lool
and see how love him-how m!
heart goes out to him, and my kisses
too.' Why, the Madame would b.
Mortified ii she heard me even pictur
ing such q meeting as for the reality
oh, Tom. do save me from it'll But
and here her voice softened a little,
am not bit sorry to see you, and hop
l find you we'll. Isn't that all prope
|
like thunder-cloud. I'd rather yo
would fash like the lightning, if yo
cannot be bright and glad like the sun
shine.
Bright and glad like the sunshine
when the beautiful sunshine of my lif
Is leaving me- exclaimed the poor fel
low, with gasp.
'Why, Tom, you are half demented
I'm NOT 1oa vinU vOn1 Havpn't I inf