Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1886-01-20

thousands Of birds that made the al
res0und with their glad song, 1t mus
have been pleasant for her 10 know tina
all this was her own.
y long avenue Of chestnut trees lel
to the house; il was an old grey ston,
building; tie lawn in the front was ga,
with many-colOrcd flowers aud glisten
ing fountains, in which the sun glanced
and Sparkled. \ lOl- fight of broad
white steps led to the hill door, and ai
soon as It was opened yol felt that you
were IN one of ''the stately homes oi
England" The large and stately din
ing-roOm was furnished ali in OAK. oI
great value and antiquity, the lofty and
gorgeous drawing-r0omS were uerfect
the whole house VAS replete with every
comfort and luxury. The rooms Wal
ter loved best, and taught me to love
were those used by his young mother.
Nothing in them had been disturbed
since her death. The flowers she had
gathered were there, withered and dried
the book she had been reading when
her fatal illness seized her lay on the
table where she lad let's Il.
The tears blinded my eyes as we were
uSheIed into the drawing room; every
thing spoke so strongly of the absent
brother whom had learned 70 love 50
dearly.
The door opened and the old aunt en-
tered. She was quiet, kind gentle
woman, who looked as though she had
known suffering and care. She welcom-
ed US kindly, and said she had sent for
Miss EyTle, who was somewhere in the
grounds.
\ low, ripping laugh sounded just
underneath the window, and then there
came into the room the loveliest girl
hal ever seen in my life.
looked at my father; he might well
decline any description Of such a face
and figure as | saw before me. None
but pet or pIinter could do justice
to such subject. 4 wealth of golden
lair that fell in ringlets was the first
thing that struck me. Then came u
face that dazzled me by its beauty. The
eyes were of the darkest yioletS, full of
light, of love, and happiness, sometimes
dreamy and tender, then sparkling and
bright; the iasheS were long and black,
the bTowS arched and clear; the sweet
smiling lips we're full and beautifully
formed. Her voice was soft and musi-
cal, with a happy, Joyous cadence; and
her every movement was grace and
poetry.
She welcomed my father with great
cOrdiality, and to my mother she was
all respectful attention. When she
came to me, she kissed me affectjonate-
ly, and said, 81 have been longing TO
see you ever since Mr.. Dacre mentioned
you yesterday. | have no sisters, and
no friends here in England. VIII you
be both to me?''
said yes" and l have fa thfully
kept my word ever since.
After the proper length of time had
elapsed, my parents rose to take leave.
"Mr. Dacre," said Miss Eyrle, ~ look
upon you, do not know why, as kind
Of guardian. hope you will have the
kindness to join my dear aunt here in
.aking care of me-"
My mother looked rather surprised at
Ills little impromptu address. Ny
,aJher was charmed with it, and replied
n the same frank, open sp rit.
The first favor | have to beg of
-ou," she continued, gaily, ''Is. that
iOu Will leave me your daughter for the
of the day. Iwant some one
who knows the place to show me every
nook aud corner in it,"
Il will do so willingly" replie1 my
ather. 81 will send the carriage for
'ou, Belle, at nine."
And a glorious day we had. AS soon
IS we were alone Miss Eyrle came TO
ne and putting her little white jeweled
lands upon my shoulder, looked straight
nto my eyes, and said, 81 know shall
ike you, l might say love You. You
lave the clear, honest, true look that
.lways wins my heart, though | rarely
zee it. You would always tell the
ruth, even when it would cost You
lear.n
| was almost too bewlldered to reply
,ut she waited FOR no words,
Il am in fair way for being spoiled
low," she went on. 81 am rlch and
lone; my aunt sees no fault in me; yet
know l have many. Will you be my
rue friend and promise never to fatter
ne, but whenever you see anything
miss to tell me of it, just as if 1 were
sister of your own?"
I promised, and have Kept my word.
Zone thing more" she added: 81 do
lot like form or ceremony; call me
florence, and let me say; then we shall
'e easy and happy
She seemed wonderfully relieved
yhen complied.
81 had a very lonely life in Russia"
he said. 81 was at school until l was
eventeen; then my poor father sent for
ne, and told me he did not wish me to
orm any friendships there, as our home
would soon be in England"
"Were you pleased to hear that?" l
Sked.
yes" was the reply; "but l was
ather frightened too; for he told me
hen how much money he had saved,
nd what grand estate he was going !
o buy. Poor little me! Iquite trembl-
d at the idea of being the representa-
i've of SO much wealth."
81 should have liked it." said L.
"Would you?" said Florence; 81 did |
ot much. Then came all the hustle of |
and the long, cold journey.
you heard of my dear fathers sad |
eath?" she added, and her bright blue
YES filed with tears. Now" she con-
inued, INC uoict, eighteen, mistress of
,akdale, motherless, fatheriess, almost |
would you change places
nth me?"
mo" I replied, honestly and warm
:: II think being loved is the most
recious thing in the, far above money"
"You are right" she said; sand now
ell me about the people who used to
We here. Why did they sell this beau
Iful placer"
Seated by her side. watching the sun
line upon her golden hair, told her
he story of Walter Boiun, and she was
early breathless with excitement when
had finished.
"What noble man!r she exclaimed.
What grand hero, Belle! Tell me
lore of him. Where is he nowP"
"Abroad with Sir Philip Newton"
,plIed. "He will not return until next
ear -