The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-07-03

next day mailed a sheet OF foolscap
containing full account of my voyage.
then went straight to business, with a
consciousness Of having performed my
duty, so far.
Gradually became acquainted with
all the employees, meanwhile bearing in
mind my mothers advice mot to be too
hasty in forming an acquaintance with
strangers" But there was one excep-
tion to this rule-one whom I took a
liking to at first sight. That was Frank
Lesllng, the cashier.
He was ayoung man OF about flve-and-
twenty, possessing nut-brown hair,
full blue eyes, almost womanish in their
expression, a clear complexion, and com.
manding stature
A mutual good feeling sprang up be-
tween us at first sight, which gradually
developed into warm friendship.
He boarded at the Clifford house, and
consequently I boarded there. All our
spare hours were spent together, in
quiet rambles about the city, through
the parks, and frequently out among the
suburbs.
Il have never told you, Charlie" said
Frank, as we werc going home from
business one evening, "that have q
father, sister, and quiet little homo
in the seaside village of B--r
"No," l replied.
swell, l have; and as my vacation
comes off next week, what say you
about joining me, and having three
weeks retreat from the rush and tur-
moil of the city ?"
"Agreed upon," replied.
Next week found us in a neat little
vine-clad cottage in the village of B.
Mr.. Lesling was a middle-aged man,
of genial turn of mind, pleasant, jovial,
aud talkative. He welcomed me as the
particular friend of his son.
81 have longed to see you," said he,
"from the warm way in which Frank
spoke of you in lis letters"
In few minutes his daughter entered,
and some howl never afGerward could
remember howl found myself shak.
ing hands with her.
Fannie Lesling was to my eyes beauti
ful-yes, more than beautiful-a com.
plexion clear as alabaster, set in a pro-
fusion of the blackest, glossiest hair i'm
Imaginable, which seemed to vie in color
with her large eyes; graceful form,
and sweet voice this is all can remem-
ber of how she looked then.
ave have heard much about you," she
said. as we were seated at the tea-table
Franks letters always rang in praises
ofyou."
Frank has been overrating me-" re.
piled"
That evening we strolled down the
beach. Mr.. Lesling and Frank were en-
gagged in earnest conversation abou
something; in fact, cared not what.
was attention itself to Fannie's sweet
voice, as she related many pleasing Incl
dents about the fishermen, or commented
on the beauties of B., for to her eye
there was no place more beautiful. AM
=. Learned to think so before our vacation
closed.
; AS retired that night felt altosethe
6 differently to how l had ever felt in m.
life at once-thoughtful, joyous, sad.
/, "What is the matter, Charlie! !" aske
:, Frank, as we parted for the night.
Nothing" l replied, meanwhil
blushing to the ears. "Only was think
- ing of home.'
d After three weeks vacation, pleas
antly occupied in music, instruments
and vocal-Fanny was highly accom-
plished-mooalight strolls on the beacE
Q quiet chats beneath the arbor, and occa
% sional drives way back into the country
,, found myself engaged-yes, engaged
u two months more and Fanny would b.
come my wife.
% "Those months seem 30 long, deares
Ii Fanny" l said, as Frank and were abou
returning to the city.
"No, Charlie" she replied, with a
'e that patience characteristic of womel
''they will seem short, and then we will &
1 and see your mother and sick siste
Whom will love and nurse for you
sake
had been but two days in the cit
when | received a letter from mothe
- telling me that my sister grew weakel
y and that the doctor had but little hope
of her recovery. She entreated that
OF should bear it patiently, that Mr.. Hue