Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-11-28

marble sentte table set with high Ian

y
lady of the modern type, with snow-white
curls, and peachy cheeks. and artstically
curved drsperies. and pillows of lace
softening Jew elled hands and throat but
an elderly lady of generation pasta
stiff, ungainly figure in a scrupulous stuff
gown that concealed no waning grace a
complexion tanned by age; a mouth very
nearly "sans teeth !" "lront" of black
hair making the faded forehead more
faded presence cold. angular bleak.
and vet with a certain indescribable air
of dignity and refinement; Miss Jane
Corson, principal of Maple Glen Semi
Dary--a school limited to six pupils, and
commanding. even In its obscurity, high.
est price and distinguished patronage.
Julia Horton turned pale as she caught
the first glimpse of this iey dame but she
rallied courage for herself IN dismay at
the manner OF her father, who seemed in
tent on expressing only one idea-his I'M
willingness, his extreme unwillingness,
to leave his darling in Miss Corson's care.
1T 10 simply" he said, "because my
daughters health is SO delicate. and she
needs entire change; and DR.. l. has
recommended tbislocalty and your super
vision SO strennously. Health. renewed
health, is what seek for her; that is to
be considered beyond everything" And
Miss Corson acquiesced. without any ver-
bal ramifications, by simply placing in
Mr. Horizons hands her circular of "Stud-
les. Rules, and Regulations of Maple Glen
Seminary" which lay conveniently on the
table.
Mr.. Horton, having taken leave of the
schoolnistress, went down the garden
path to the carriage for departure. and
once more paused to embrace his child.
Julia" he said, in agitation. II don't
feel AS if l could leave you here. DO you
rant to stdye Say but the word, and you
shalligo back whine to S. TO- night,
and to morrow home again. Say but the
word" He looked at her as if he longed
to have her say it. But Julia summoned
womanly bravery to girls wretched
misgivings, and said, Il want to stay"
He kissed her good-by fervenfly, pas
sionately for his widowe ed heart cherished
this darling as the adored image of all
that was dear in the past, and all that
could be dear in the future. He entered
the carriage thoroughly unnamed. but
she stood like little statue at the gate,
pale and calm. He glanced at her through
binding tears, kissed his hand to her,
and drove away. Slowly she returned to
Miss Coson. who waited. dark figure In
the dark doorway.
Observation-Disclosures grief it is The
homeache, - the Germans call it-with
what hopeless fever does it set in
oh, to have him back again to hear
his dear kind voice "Speak the word
only, and you shall go home p Oh, this
pain in my breast! this little gnawing
mouth beneath my heart 1t press my
hand ever so tightly against it, it bites
These We're Julia Horton's secret cries
Every night she fell asleep sobbing,
the depths Of inconsistencies. Every morn
ing she awoke, not to write Come" but
TO rally again a desperate bravery.
So fortnight passed. Nothing at Ma
pie Glen interested Julia Horton Her
chamber was like cell the school-room
was prison; her companions. dull girl
Of her own age, pair of sisters super
cilious end carping, and two childen OF
the unQRinly ages OF eleven and twelve,
were utterly uncongenial. The garden,
the stream, the laughing sky of June, the
betting woOdsw the .bountiful. beautiful
world of nature, but Knocked her. She
was o stranger, and her affections were
closed against all.
A fortnight had passed when Miss Cor
son said, one morning at breakfast:
Miss Horton, your father expressed the
wish that as. soon as, you were strong
enough You should ride on horseback.
You are scarcely nerved to manage reins
yet, but you can ride ia, the old style upon
a pIIlion, and gain vigor in that way My
nephew is thorough ihorseman. He has
been breaking in beautiful mare express
ly for the saddle. She Is fleet, but quite
safe. i have myself ridden her; and"
Miss Corson's voice faltered and her eyes
dilated.g ~ - IA
Julia Horton had sprung up imperiously
and disdainfully to decline at once the ig-
nominious, mode of riding on a pillion
Her cheeks flashed; aquick flame mount
ed to her cheek.
';Bvt here said Miss Corson. turning
suddenly toward an advancing figure. ais
my nephew, Irving Corson." A modest
farm lad had passed through the doorway;
a spirited, manly fOrm-almost elegant.
Such was the happy chance Of ''home-
spun" in miltary-lik suit of dark gray
q face finely. even femininely, featured,
yet.frm and frankly intelligent; a nobly
shaped head. crowned with short golden
curls; q glance directly at Julia Horton at
once respectful, admring, and genial.
This was the, groom. the master of the
despised pillion. the breaker in of the safe
saddle-horse. The moment that Julia saw
him she dropped back into her chair with
out . word.
Sweet Julia Horton! Pink and white
like a May-hower; fragile yet velvety, if
such description may be used in describ-
ing girl--delicate, simple, yet with a
charm OF budding luxury. Irving Corson
never forgot how in that first view she
looked to him. ~ q et'+
Miss Corson took advantage of the 81.
lence. '.Irvipg." said she; Saddle Sea-
foam, and with the pillion. and be at The
gate at zine. Shall say nine, Miss Hor-
ton ?" ana ua,,-t ..r..tt
"At nine" said Julia, still gazing at
Irving, whose eyes were spell-bound upon
her.
And not too long ride for the first
continued Miss Corson. "You might 90
to the village through the woods and re-
turn by the field road
10 The village through the woods
There could not have been a summer ride
more enchanting.