Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1880-02-25
aChallolte you have now attained

Wpiiui hh cfrht Whiph idthti hpW'
ever great his solioilude, cannot shape
or well advise, but which requires The
staff Of maternal counsel, Have you
ever thought Of this 7"
ii only think that any place how
ever remote from society, which con-
tains my dear father and kind aunt
Susie, would be productive Of all the
happiness ! could hope for"
"That speaks well Of your affection,
my child, which ] must soon put to q
test. You are deeply attached to your
aunt T.
'She has been mother, aunt and
companion to me, every thing kind
and good"
"Still shc has not the mothers right
to advise and control, aud this brings
me to the point which is the object
Of this interview. Charlotte am
about TO marry, for your sake and my
own, and inclination as we'll as duty
on my part has prompted this STEP
The young girl sprang from his
arms as though viper had stung her.
81 was not prepared for this" she
said, while her eyes flashed with dis.
pleasure.
awe are frequently unprepared for
that which concerns our welfare
4 am not prepared 10 receive new
affection, to the exclusion of the ono
entertained for years, nor can my
heart be compelled to do it,"
"You would reflect upon me, my
child.'
81 have not the right, and yet ]
cannot reconcile the step with my pre-.
vlous estimation ofmy fathers char.
acter."
~ forgive you, Charlotte, and you
will regret this display of passion in
your calmer moments. You may now
retire I would be alone"
She suddenly left the room with.
out a word, and sought the dlawing-
room tn give |'ent TO her tears 40
she threw herself into o chair she was
surprised by gentle touch upon her
shoulder, and turning, she beheld the
person of all others who could give her
consolation and advice.
"What can have happened to move
my dear Charly thus 2 was uttered
in low musical voice.
80, Aunt Susie it is you whom /
wish to see 30 much this moment
"Is this, rather my brave Charly.
weeping like careless little girl who
has broke her doll ? For I can think
of no serious cause for her grief. .?'
Don't speak SO lightly dear aunt I
have inst had an interview with my
father. and he has told me he was
about to marry y
The features of Miss Mansfield, the
aunt, and they were those Of a beauti-
full woman who had not seen thirty
five years, were tinged for a moment
with blush, as she answered with q
simple:
"Well."
"But it is not we'll ! 1t Is shame
fal-disgusting!'
"Charlotte, IS it possible that hear
you speak thus of SO kind father 2"
"He will have little kindness lett
for me, imagine when the step-moth-
er arrive"
perhaps you object to the person.
If so it Is wrong to make kind par
ent the subject of injustice
neitherknow or care who she is / only
that know some person probably lured
by his wealth, would occupy the place
of my dear departed mother"
"How can you Judge the motive of
one you say you do not even know ?"
"What motives can a woman have
10 marry an old widower except the
ones l have mentioned 7"
"My dear Charly, it is useless to
pursue this subject further. II will
not alter your fathers determination,
,or can the discussion produce any
to Yourself" I
"Esen you now side against me- (
:.Do you not see that you are in the {
wrong, since this conduct of yours t
makes you Unjust to one who has never '
'poken harsh word to youi" i
"Forgive me, my dear aunt, know
| am secure in your affection. but l t
I'm very unhappy" 8
"Clouds precede the sunshine, my t
lear child, 50 wait patiently and they 8
vii 1isperse. Listen to me, and l :
will give you the outline OF long c
tory which relates 10 second mar G
iage and when / tell you that ! b