Smyrna times., 1883-03-07
Six Love Letters.

Arc lnele any more OF LhoSe let |
ters?"
When her father asked this question,
in en- owful tone, Lucilla Richmond |
could not say NO." and dared not
say "Yes," but as an intermediate
course burst into tears and sobbed
behind her handkerchief.
" Bring them to me, Lucilla," said
her father, as if she had answered him,
as indeed she had and the girl trem-
bling and weeping. arose to obey him.
Then Mrs. Richmond, her daughters
very self grown older, came behind her
husbands chair and patted him on the
shoulder:
"Please don't be hard with her, my
DEAR" she said coaxingly. "He's
nice young man, and it is our fault,
after all, as much as hers, and you
won't break her heart I'm sure"
Perhaps you approve of the whole
affair, ma'am," said Mr.. Richmond.
"I-nO-that is 1 only" gasped the
little woman; and hearing Lucilla
coming she sank into a chair, blaming
herself dreadfully for not having been
present at all her daughters music
lessons during the past year.
For all the disturbance arose from a
music teacher who had given lessons
to Miss Lucilla Richmond for twelve
months, and who had taken the liberty
of falling in love with her, knowing
we'll that she was the daughter of one
of the richest men in Yorkshire.
=" 1t was inexcusable in a poor music
teacher, who should have known his
| place." Mr.. Richmond declared, and
he clutched the little perfumed billet
which had fallen into his hands, as he
might scorpion, and waited for the
others with look upon his face which
told of no softening. At last six little
white envelopes tied together with
blue ribbons were laid at his elbow by
his despairing daughter.
Lock these up until 1 return home
this evening"" he said to his wife, 81
will read them then. Meanwhile,
Lucilla is not to see this music teacher
on any pretence whatever"
And then Miss Lucilla went down
upon her knees.
"Oh, dear papa ~ she cried, "dearest
papa, please don't say must never see
him again. 1 couldn't bear it. In
deed, l could not. He's poor, know
but he's a gentleman, and I lik,
him so much papa"
No more of this absurdity, my
DEAR" said Mr.. Richmond. "He ha
been artful enough to make you thinl
him perfection, suppose. Your par
ents know what is best for your happi
ness.-A music teacher is not mattel
for Miss Richmond"
With which remark Mr.. RiChmon'
put on his hat and overcoat and de
parted.
Then Lucilla and her mother too
the opportunity of falling into eac
others arms.
Its so naughty of yOu," said Mr.
Richmond "But oh, dear, can
J. blame you. 1t was so exactly wit
your father, you know, and my parent
NJ objected because of his poverty. ! fe'
the greatest sympathy for you, an
Frederick has such fine eyes, and is s
very pleasing. / wish 1 could softe
your father"
"When he has seen the letters the
will be no hope, Pm afraid" sobbe
Lucilla. Fred is so romantic, ar
papa hates romance"
l. "He used to be very romantic hir
self in those old times" said MI
Richmond. "Such letters as he wro
nd me. I have them in my desk yet.
Au He said he should die if refused hil
$50 does Fred" said Lucilla.
NIL And that life would be worthle
without me; and about my being bea
tiful The thought so, you know,l 8
" sure he ought to sympathize little
said Mrs. Richmond. But she dar
rSe not promise that he would.
She coaxed her darling to stop CT
II ing, and made her lie down, and tn
went into her own room to put
ius letters into her desk and as she plac
viii them in one of the pigeon holes, s
he he saw in another bundle, tied exac
Iour Os.r as these were, and drew them o
ilto These letters were to 81 Lucilla, al
fast fSst. One who had received them twei