Middletown transcript., 1884-02-15
A BACHELORS wooING.
BY MRS. BELLE F. MANLoyE.

BY MRS. BELLE F. MANLovE.
AS Ellery Hampton threw himself in
his easy chair before the glowing bed
of anthracite his genial, handsome face
wore an expression that betokened good
will toward himself and all mankind.
The pitiless December storm raging
without only enhanced the comfort of
this favorite apartment Of our bachelor
friend There he INDUCED in untram-
meled freedom. Each inanimate object
had long since become a friend that
sympathized with his every mood
Indeed, they had come to have a mean
ing to him akin to human. C L shall
have no feminine bric-a-brac here,n he
said "No incomprehensible designs
in silk and wool shall dangle from
mantel and chair to mar its beauty"
Its low, well-flled book-shelves, sur
mounted by the silent, inspiring faces
Of scholar and poet, the few well-chosen
pictures, the warm, rich, yet subdued,
tints on floor and wall, certainly gave
evidence of the good taste and refine
ment Of its occupant.
AS Ellery sat gazing into the fire, out
of its depths rose a vision of his past
life. He saw himself child Of eight
summers, standing beside two graves,
one still fresh with flowers laid but
yesterday upon it. Throwing himself
beside it, his childish sorrow found
vent in passionate sobs. Gently he
was drawn away by the loving arms of
Aunt Glen and folded in her fond en-
brace. "Dear Aunt Glenn ~ he softly
murmured, "how patient and tender
the love she has lavished upon me since
that dark dayl Through childhood,
boyhood and early manhood this love
has been my guiding star. And now
that success has crowned my efforts we
two find sweet content in this bachelor
home. No love-sick fancies lure me
from its repose. Bah That folly at
least have escaped" And with
light laugh he reached for the fresh
magazine with its uncut pages.
Upon the table lay an unopen letter,
heretofore unnoticed. Hastily tearing
it open he read:
DEAR OLD CHUM THE struggle is
almost over. Defeat has been the re-
ward Of my life-work. l have not the
strength nor even the wish now to
search for cause further l close my
eyes on the bitter past with but one
regret. My darling Helen, my mother
less girl, l must leave alone. For the
sake of old memories, of sweet, by-gone
days, 1 implore your guardian care for
my child. | can write no longer
Good night and good bye.
Your old friend,
HAL ANDERSON.
The face that now gazed into the
glowing fire no longer bore it's serene
expression. Surprise, pity, and even a
shade Of annoyance passed over the
handsome features. "Poor Hal ~ he
said at last, with deep sigh " surely
heart so noble and true deserved a
better fate. The old memories are in
deed sweet, and for their sake your
child shall find home with u.s. His
better nature had triumphed, and the
letter that was soon on it's way bore
tender words that soothed the dying
hours Of his friend, and kind welcome
for the lonely orphan girl.
A few days after, Ellery Hampton
brought to his home slight, sad-faced
girl Of thirteen. She was very kindly
received. Both Ellery and Aunt Clem
tried to make the sorrowing child feel
that she had indeed come among
friends. But as the days passed, the
loneliness of the great house became
oppressive to her. Aunt Glen, with
her kind but reserved nature, almost
repelled the sensitive child. Ellery al
ways had bright smile and a word
for her, but it was only at the morning
and evening meal they met. She felt
very grateful to these friends for the
beautiful home So freely offered her. but
her heart acbed for the loving words.
the ready sympathy that had made her
own simple home the sweetest spot on
earth. So when Ellery announced to
her his intention of placing her in a
distant seminary to finish her education
she could scarcely restrain her eager
joy. Young as she was she had ac-
quired, as her fathers daily companion.
habits of study and love for books.
In study she might at least find some
relief from the bitter sense of solitude
that oppressed her.
Passing hastily over the next five
years of Helen's school life, we find her
at eighteen a lovely, sensible girl.
whose warm, generous nature has en-
deared her to every acquaintance. She
has finished her course Of study with
high honor, and to-day is leaving for
ever this kindly shelter that has been
to her both school and home. A feel