The weekly sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1886-1887, 1886-11-11
CHAPTER XVIII.

At Christmas time our circle Is en-
larged by the presence of Oscar, who
being lonely in consequence Of Leo
nard's absence, comes to spend his
HOLIDAYS with us, much to my relief
for unlike my former self, now shun
being alone, would in reality prefer
having house full all the time, so
as to leave no opportunity for solitary
meditation.
Oscar, nov nineteen, is fast devel-
oping into a fine looking young man.
How time is fitting away, soon we
will be the .old men and women of
our day. His one theme is Leonard.
Mother says cit goes to prove the no.
bility of Leonard's character.
But my opinion is that love is
blind indeed, since many there are,
who are unable to detect any flaw in
those they love, in whom the world
cannot fathom single virtue. Not
but what Leonard may be good, yet it
never struck me that he was beyond
mediocrity in anything.
He may be a kind brother, if so it
is because it is his nature to be SO,
therefore it is not so much to his credit
as if it cost an effort.
Mother says it is a blessing to have
such nature, perhaps it is.
1873 has donned upon us, and if
women's rights could be enforced, |
would be q voter now, for Pm free,
being twenty-one.
Jamie's prediction has been verified,
have been repaid for my self-sacri-
flee in bestowing my earnings upon
Jack, which 1 deem my great pleas
ure. know the kindness is all his
work, as | am the recipient, upon my
birthday, of a magnificent Knabe
piano, sent from Baltimore, with
card from the dealer, stating that the
donor desired to remain incognito,
therefore no questions would be an
swered.
Now who but Jamie would be SO
kind and yet so whimsical. Never the
less I have respected his wish to re-
main unknown in regard to it, and
although I've bestowed many adj
ditional kisses and hugs upon him, 1
have never directly thanked him,
while he, dear fellow, pretends to be
much mystifed as the rest of us, and
never imagines that from the very
first, the mystery was solved by me
and that | feel assured his pocket
book is at least six hundred dollars
lighter in consequence. l am GER
tainly more than repaid, so far as
dollars and cents are concerned, while
the pleasure cannot be estimated. My
amount expended on Jack only COW
ers the half of what I suppose my new
gift cost.
Our old instrument becomes play
thing for little Jessie, who thus early,
is displaying her mothers fondness for
music.
1t must be a recompense to Jamie
for the expensive present, to witness
the exquisite pleasure he has given
me. | am welded to music, no my
new piano is sourse of never failing
amusement 1 feel more like my old
self, since 1 have enjoyed its compan-
ionship. My gloomy forebodings seem
on the wane, at any rate, carry all
my troubles to its keys, and am always
soothed by its sweet, dulcet tones.
1t proves my greatest consolation
My one true friend.
Kitty is a lady grown now, in size
and years, and the same rosy apple
as of yore She is spending the win
ter in Richmond with Joel who is still
representing his county in the Senate
He hasn't realized my expectations
yet, by bringing home a bride. Kit
ty, foolish thing, has actually limited
her wish, that might be his bride, as
if ours was the only family that he
must choose from. should hate fol
him to select me, as I would feel the
necessity of accepting him, with OF
without the inclination, and [ should
as soon desire to marry Jamie, as on,
who had always seemed to me as mucl
of a brother, as if in fact, he had beef
Fannie's husband
Mr.. Herrick's letters are assumin,
a more hopeful tone; he seems to b.
imbibing some of his brothers bouy
ancy regarding the speculation, whicl
has not fully developed even yet, an,
upon which all hope appears suspend
Professor Hail proves that out O
sight is not out of mind; my must
costs me nothing, since he showers i
upon his "doar jild'' as he calls me.
/ can't conceive why my friend
are such true ones. Jamie says it
because am generally sincere. I be
lieve I am, there may be somethin
in that, for there's nothing else in m
worthy of admiration, as far as ca