Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1880-07-03

her frame. Naturally unwilling
to give pain. yet quite as unable TO
practice se!f-denial, opposite emo
tons were contending for the mas
terry in her young heart. The pic
turs of the dying mother had
touched her. and then, Edwin's
attentions were very delightful.
She was sure some of the girls en-
We'd her. and with her ideas, it
was pleasant to be envied.
Besides" said Aunt Jenny,
Edwin has to work hard to make
his way in the world. With pro-
per encouragement, and a reward
ia prospect, I believe he will turn
out one of the foremost young men
of the day, while, If he is disap-
pointed where he stakes all, l dare
not think of the con sequences
Jenny, you are very foolish.
We shall not certainly forbid him
the house, said Mrs. Boyd, sup
pressing yawn.
"And l am sure l don't want to
do him any barm,' said Eta;
"but If he shows me attentions and
brings me presents, what am to
do refuse them ?"
Yes, said Aunt Jenny, uncom-
promisingly, "be honest"
but / couldn't do that besides,
/ like him he's the oldest friend
have, and / don't believe he
thinks of-of anything else but
friendship"
81 know better" said Aunt Jen-
ny. "Child, l love you dearly,
but rather than know that you
were the means of causing the ruin
of human soul, | would follow
you to your grave
"There, now, you've set her 10
crying! | hope you're satisfied !!
and company this evenidg, too /! /
declare, | wish you would stay at
home, Jane, If you can't bring up
some pleasanter subject of CONVEX
sation. You know how sensitive
my darling Isl Eta, Eta, don't
cry. You will look like fright
this evening"
But Eta only threw her motto
into a chair, and still weeping.
hurried out of the room.
Now, you see," exclaimed Mrs.
Boyd, with a tragicai gesture,
"You've spoiled the child's happi-
ness for the day! You know that
the mention of a death is distas:e-
full to her, and you ought to have
some judgment by this time. For
my part. / say Edwin shall come
here as he has been coming.
There's nobody 1 could trust Eta
with, with so clear q conscience.
I'm sure If it wasn't for him, the
girl would lead a ndn's life for
her father and l never go out,
save when we absolutely cannot
help ourselves"
II have nothing more to say"
murmured Aunt Jennie, helpless
ly. II don't suppose I've done
any good; but I've cleared my
| skirts, and do hope, set Eta to
thinking. I believe, if the child
were left to her own good sense
snow blame me! Don't you
suppose know Eta better than
you do? Why, Ed. himself
wouldn't be such an idiot as TO
think OF Etta-a man with scarce
ly a dollar In the world, and she
brought up in luxury
"There 1t Is ~ sighed Aunt Jen-
ME-.
"Of course there it is! and Eta
would be crazy to think of it. In
deed, If it wasn't for knowing that
he is an old and safe friend, do you
| think he could have the run of
the house? No indeed!
81 see how it is" sighed Aunt
Jennie. swell, well. There's no
need of saying anything further
on the subject. and with sad
heart she left the house.
Eta did think. Eta made sew
eral very heroic resolves. Eta
knew in her heart of hearts that
it was time to think. But alas,
the chains of habit were forged
the longing for attention exclusive
| to herself, for admiration, was too
unsuitable; the pleasure of being
petted, of command, of causing
envy, too deeply ingrained in the
selfish little heart. Month after
month passed on until, one year
from the time of Aunt Jennie's
warning visit, Edwin Holbrook
left the doors that had been like
the entrance to paradise to him, a
broken-hearted man, never 10 en-
ter them again.