The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-03-29

/ WAAAS ~ VHOiSo oOluSblIu lihS - HSAlO W
the lonely orphan, il enabled her to meet
with less economy and privation, the
expenses of her sisters closing year ct
school.
1t was wonderful change in Fsse's life.
Does not every one learn sooner or later
what different aspect the shadow of death
has thrown over all of life? How the
feeling of desolation will come in the
morning, at noon, or at night suddenly,
like the rush of wave, and we permit
ourselves to be submerged because it seems
like dissertation to the memory of those we
SO loved not to cherish thoughts of them at
all seasons and times.
The family Of Mr. Coburn was very gay,
fond of society and the CHEEKY things OF
life. The house was constantly filed with
visitors who, for wit and mirth were un-
surpassed For months invitations to join
parties in the drawing room or on pleasure
whose round of duties was daily, cheerfully
performed. At length, being urged to
afford musical entertainment, she consented,
fearful of being thought ungrateful if she
did not exert herself to repay the generos-
ity Of the friends who treated her with SO
much kindness and respect.
The sad, subdued, sweet face of Essie,
rendered more pallid by her mourning dress,
had awakened much sympathy in the hearts
of many who had met her at the table, or
atincidental family gatherings. But, long
before she was herself aware of it, she had
made an impression on the susceptible heart
of Charles Andrews, young lieutenant in the
army, who was frequent visitor at Mr..
Coburns. Of impetuous temperament,
quick and ardent in his attachments, it was
impossible that Essie should long remain
unconscious of her undesigning conquest.
Nor was it strange that her own heart, be-
reaved of its loved ones pining for the
sweet companionship it had known and
lost, should turn to that affection, apparent
ly SO sincerely offered, and should be
grateful for that kindness and devotion SO
acceptable to one who suffers, and that in
silence.
Lieut. Andrews was fine looking fellow,
possessing elegant and engaging manners.
Courted and fattered, even from boyhood,
the wonder was that his head was not
turned as often has had been his heart; but
somehow he had arrived at the age of
twenty seven with feelings and emotions of
soul, though somewhat blighted, by no
means deadened, and with respectable
uprightness of character. A passionate
lover of music, it was her perfect accom-
plishment in this art that first riveted the
interest which Essie had excited.
I Possessing an independent fortune, free
from restraining fial ties, q seeker of his
own pleasure, he hesitatod not moment
in evincing to the world his preference for
the youthful teacker of music to that of
any and all the daughters of wealth and
fashion.
Many remark and sarcasm were re-
peated to him of this and that disappointed
mamma or slighted belle, but they failed to
make an impression on the resolution of
Charles Andrews to make Essie Seymour
his wife SO soon as she could be prevailed
upon to name the day.
Meantime, as acknowledged lovers, they
rode frequently and walked often together
In his society, under the genial, influence
of his love and constant kindness, the face
of Essie wore new expression, borrowed
from the sunny light that had driven away
darkness from her heart. In his love was
balm, healing to the wounds of the be-
reaved heart. So great was the change,
so blessed and sweet the alienation, she did
not seek to inquire if, in the heart and soul
of Charles Andrews, the gay young devotee
of pleasure and worldiness, her own soul
had found its mate. Essie Seymour, in her
girlish dreams, may have had her ideal,
and though the gallant lieutenant more than
realized it in physical perfection, perhaps
something was wanting in his character on
which to repose; that frmIess, that heighth
and depth of nature which woman may
not attain but which she SO fully compre-
hends.
As it was, Charles fully occupied the
thoughts of Essie For the few months
she was his betrothed her life was but one
dream of him. He was the one ray of
glory by which she had been brought from
darkness to light; and now he beautifed
and glorifed her world.
Mary Seymour had now left school and
was visiting her sister at the house of Mr..
Coburn. In few weeks, at the expira-
ton of the present session, Eessie was to
be married, and Mary was to succeed her
as teacher in the institution. The hours of
the day, for five days Of the week were oc-
cupied by Essie in her vocation. We need
not say that dreams of Charles were thrill
ing more musically down in her heart than
| ~ &c H., H.,