The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1888-01-12

in the family; bat all the responsibility
and much of the toll was hers. But
Rachel was practical, cheerful and hope
ful, and could not afford to be discour-
aged.
s The children came, and Hilda immedi-
ately singled ont Lilias Arnold and showed
her partiality.
She certainly was beautiful child, of
great sensibility, about eight years old,
and Rachel's heart, too, warmed to the
sweet, frank face; but her attentions and
kindness were more universally bestowed,
and the most wincing attentions showed
the young strangers Rachel must make
happy all hearts near her.
With the exception Of has sister, Mrs.
Eastman, Lionel Arnold wss the last of
his family, and one would be tempted to
exclaim, "Ultimus regium !"-the last of
the kings-at first sight of him.
OF singularly sweet and healthy ma
ture, wealth and culture had added their
favors, and the man could not help being
what he was-s very superior one.
The loss of his wife-the love of his
early youth--had added to his character
the Christening touch of sorrow, and wo-
men, young and old, fell in love with
Lionel Arnold-to their honor be it
spoken; for if they loved him, he loved
them with gentle reverence and respect
that went far to making this world purer
and better.
Yet ne was not marrying man. His
sister asserted that she did not believe
Lionel would ever marry again, and he
did not himself believe so.
But he returned from biz southern wan
derings little world d-weary that spring.
He was anxious to meet his little girl,
whom he had parted from the previous au-
tumn.
She was very companionable girl, and
he was very fond of her. Lilias, too, had
a passion for her father She literally
worshiped him.
But, tenderly as Lionel Arnold thought
of this child and her love, his heart felt
lonely when he arrived in the city. Hi.
sister was not there to welcome him, and
many changes had occurred which made
the old places deserted.
tie Immediately sought Lilias. As the
carriage rolled out to the old mansion, he
recalled what his sister had written:
"Since L must go, l am glad to be
spared all uneasiness regarding the dis
position of Lilias. have placed her with
a very lovely young lady who has select
school just out oftown. Ihave every con-
fdence in her. She will take care of Lilias
in the best sense of the word until you re-
turn. Miss Dehart is reduced in circum-
stances. Formerly you may have met
her at Mrs. divers, as Mr.. Oliver was her
fathers administrator, and an intimate
friend of the family"
Mr.. Arnold did remember Hilda. The
ivory perfection of her face had given him
study for an idle hour.
He had scarcely given the girl credit
for the ability she now showed. Was
she really so intelligent and amiable ?
He thought he should like to meet her
again.
And when Hilda brought Lilias into the
parlor, he gave start OF delight. She
wore white; she looked like a princess.
He thought of Clara We're de We're
"oh, your sweet eyes,
Your love replies"'
He was charmed-as what man, with
his heart in the right place, would not be
Ito find so lovely a spirit in close con-
tact with his beloved daughter.
Furthermore, he was grateful to find
Lilias in such perfect health and happy
spirits. She was fast becoIling a dainty
little lady. He was proud Of her, de-
lighted with her. He could not but ex-
press his feelings to Miss Dehart.
81 am so glad you are pleased, Mr.. Ar
mold. But could not help taking special
pains with Lilias-she is very near my
heart"
An ambiguous speech, which held Mr..
Arnold's attention.
Hilda continued to hold Mr.. Arnold's
attention. His sister was absent, and
homelike Firs were open to him.
OF course, he discovered that there
was another Miss Dehart; but, though he
was pleased with Rachel's mild counte-
nxnce, be did not think much about her
except as the relative of Hilda, and pos
sibly his sister-in-law. Yes, he had al
ready begun to think of this possibility.
Hilda, with her beauty and wiles, was
ever before him. Was she not all wo-
man could be? Would he ever again
meet so rare and sweet character? Was
it not wisdom to secure 80 lovely COM
for his lovely Liias?
The child did not remember her
mother. She had died while she was an
infant Would she take kindly to the
thought of step mother He resolved
to try her.
He had been walking in the garden of
the Firs with her and Hilda. Finally,
the latter was called indoors.
Arnold sat down upon a rustic bench
and took his little girl upon his lap.
"Lilias," he said, "papa is thinking OF
you. How would you like to 60 away
from here ?"
"I would 60, papa, with you-I mean
would be willing if l could take with
me somebody that l love-"
"Why do you love this somebody?
he asked, with a smile, quite willing to
have Hilda's virtues recited by the little
lips.
Because when aunty left me here !
expected to be 40 lonesome But she
was so good! She took me up in her
arms and let me cry upon her shoulder.
She held me upon her lap all the evening.
and did not tell me once that was too
big a girl to be baby. at night she
undressed me herself and told me stories
until went to sleep. In the morning
she brought me some lovely flowers and a
cunning white kitty to cuddle. You
Lnow how love kittiea DADS And then