The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-08
Robert Blaka,s Story.

My Uncle Blake was great friend of all the
Englishmen in the neighborhood Of Marchtown.
and, though this was some years before the out
break of the Revolution, his strong English feel
ing made him somewhat unpopular with the
American residents Of the country. He lived
quite by himself in the big, old-looking house,
but he entertained in . sumptuous manner, and
Eeemed quite contented with his bachelor exist
snce He had younger sister, the great beauty
of the family, and we all knew the sad story of
hermarriage. She had run away with a penni-
less young officer. Tom Leigh, and her brother
had vowed never to speak to her again. But
House. Diana Leigh had died suddenly, and
Der one child, a little girl was brought home by
Uncle Blake. How well / remember first see.
Ing her sitting in the drawing-room-a pretty,
proud-faced little woman OF ten, with comisal
air of superiority, which was impossible to re-
sist. She called me Cousin Rob-" directly,
and assumed sort of right over me from the
outset An air of good friendship was established
between us. and though / was nearly seventeen,
we found q great deal in our country life to
and drive, and fish, and all through the golden
spring and summer time we spent the fair days
ont of doors. little Di trudging along beside me,
or on her grey pony which she named conde-
scendingly for me. By the time she was 6fteen
the whole country knew and talkeA of Miss
Leigh's beauty and fine airs, but when / went
to Virginia for two years Di held me, as she
promised, iu sweet remembrance. This day l
have the little notes and letters she wrote me;
playful, scolding imperious, tender as the
mood found her, when they were written, but
always at the end, your loving little Dir and
the Come back soon, frequently recurring, was
magnet fain would have followed every time.
] went back when the autumn DAYS were lust
beginning--youth and sunshine go easily to-
gether. | was full of hope aspiration and am
bition. Di was at the heart of all. Little Di
was by this time woman grown. The night of
my return drove over to Uncle Blake's. How
al nV1nc hoa ~ vrnt S<~Ak
brought into the parlor at Blake Houses when
drew near the steps | paused moment for
heard Dis voice singing within; l knew the song
well for had taught it her myself. when thou
art Ger the seas, love" That was the song-had
the sweet eirlish tones deepenedl It seemed to
me as l stood listening there was some new
meaning in them, some tenderer cadence than
when l heard them last. waited until the last
notes died away and then made my way into
the house and softly opened the parlor door.
She did not hear me, and stood q moment in
silence while every line in her face, every curve
OF her figure, her dress, her simple ornaments,
the drapery of the window near which she stood,
became indelibly impressed upon my mind
Since then portrait of Di has been painted.
AS it hangs above me now it brings her back as
she stood before me then, her face uplifted the
eyes proud and sweet, the brow fair and noble
the lips rich yet soft in their curves. Her hands
were clasped lightly; her head was poised with
that little air OF conscious superiority born and
bred within her, and il she had been young
princess going forth to greet her nation you
would have lain down your life that she might
lead the life of sunshine that became her beauty.
While looked at her she sighed softly and
put her little hand moment to her breast.
"Dilr l said suddenly.
She turned quickly and giving joyful cry
s2rang forward with her hands outstretched.
Robert, dear old fellow, she said, clinging to
me, how glad am to see you again."
Had the sigh been for mel / held her IN my
arms questioning her face-but she dropped her
head little, and pink flush stole into her
cheeks
"Well Dr. said, releasing her slowly, $50
I've come back, you seen
Yes" she answered softly, and looking at me
with merry smile in her eyes. she added: 'how
fine you look IN your gay clothes, sir.r
I was highly pleased at the approval in her
voice and manner, and with an affection of care
essness walked about the room better to disnlay