Year: 1868

I Ihad.nevcr seen her. So that night I
stood by the south window, looking toward
the road along which the carriage must
come.


My brother wrote that they would arrive
by the Saturdays steamer, and it was then
Monday night.


There was only two of us my brother
and myself. Our parents died years be-
fore, and VIC lived but in each other, until
one year before the date of my story.


Frank Chat was my brothers name)
was dozen years older than l. Yet we
were always confdants in spite of the lack
OF years on my part, and / looked on my
brother as the bravest, and handsomcst
fellow in the world. have but very lit
tie memory of my mother, for 1 was very
young when lost her; but I have never
felt the want of her care, in the depth of
love my dear brother lavished upon me.


We were left in good circumstances, nv
brother and I, besides owning the dear
light.


1t was a lovely place, that old home of
ours-situated as it was, on the left bank
of the Hudson, and commanding full
view of that noble river


The house was old fashioned, even in
my memory of long ago, and quaint in
style, for it was built by our French anccs-
tors; but is still Enthusiastically elegant,
and replete with every comfort and iuxu-
ry. The principal rooms opened upon a
large balcony or promenade, that fronted
toward the river. The drawing room took
in one end of the balcony toward the south
side, and it was at one of the windows in
that room l stood waiting to welcome my
brother and his wife.


Frank went to Europe one year before
with college chum to edo the CONT
nent," leaving me to the companionship of
my old govorness, for I had long before
finished my education. Ofcourse I grievcd
terribly after him at first, but by and by
his frequent letters came and consolcd me.
All went quietly with me at the home
stead; l saw but little company in his abb
scence, and looked hopefully for his re-
turn.


AT last the tone of his letters changed.
They did not grow less affectionate, but
were more gossipy and filled with glowing
descriptions of a lady whom he had met in
Florence at the house of the American
Consul. I do not know that particular
ly disliked this. The feeling I think was
more of sadness and lest my brother might
become tho victim ofsome beautiful design
ing woman than anything else.


honestly think I did not consult my
own feelings of selfshhess in this matter; I
only thought of his happiness. remember
writing him rather long letter, detailing
some of my fears in this respect, and re-
ceiving one in answer, thanking me for my
sisterly regard, and assuring me that the
beautiful italian was scarcely moro than a
child in the worlds experience, and one
far above him in worldly point of view.
Still he thanked me, and to show that he
appreciated my advice he would in
stantly leave the neighborhood of the la
cy and proceed to Rome.


After this l was completely happy and
contented. received one more long letter.
written two weeks after the other. teIlino
me that he had done as he proposed, and
was nicely domiciled in the ancient city Of
Rome. It was quite longletter, detail
ing in full his travels and sightseeing. and
joking me upon my jealousy of any other
female winning place in his heart.


Two weeks more passed when received