Year: 1875

slyly dash off the most absurd variations
on some negro melody, or dancing tune
As soon as stopped, she would look up
with an afiectation Of grave surprise, and
go on with her part of the music until !
was again interested, when the jig or
polka came in again, and so on till ]
threw aside my violin, when she would
lecture me upon the bad example l was
setting my ward, by losing my temper
Yet could not sincerely say that
wished her back at school With all her
wild freaks she was aheetionate, and
often saw that her most daring pieces of
mischief followed Aunt James severe
lectures upon propriety. They could not
live in peace. 1t was like fire and ice,
and Aunt James severe. cold manner,
would have broken the child's heart or
spirit, had not been there to shield,
/ protect and indulge her


l had never asked myself if l loved
wayward sunbeam; Iknew she made my
home home, not mere dwelling house,
and | listened for her voice as for music;
but she seemed to me such child in her
free, frank joyousness, that never
thought of love.


One morning was taken with a severe
attack Of nervous headache I had been
subject for years to such spells, and I
threw myself upon the sofa in the parlor,
certain for hours there was nothing for
nc Lut quiet endurance. Dodd came in
to darken the windows, got me pillow,
and put the camphor bottle near me. and
then | was alone. Soon I heard a mer-
ry laugh, and then clear voice began
to sing verse of a gay song. 1t ceased
suddenly, and Fannie said


Sick headache OF course ] will
be quiet Miss Jane. / am SO sorry


Light footsteps came over the stairs
the parlor door opened aud shut softly,
and presently two soft cool hands fell
gently upon my forehead.


Can do anything for you . she

whispered


Nothing, thank YOU Don't let me
keep you here in the dark


"0h, pleased let me stay. I like to be
where you are better than anywhere


The pain was too bad for me to talk.
so she sat down and softly bathed my
head with cologne water, parting the
hair with her light fingers, and mesmer-
izing me with those soft cool hands till !
fell asleep pondering over her last words


awokofree from pain, but languid
and heard Aunt James voice in the
/ parlor, atsome distance from the sofa.


"You will find that he really disap-
proves of your conduct. 1t is not pre-
per. and any young lady who allows
herself to take such liberties with
gentleman, loses his respect"


Was it my ward who spokenext? The
{


voice was clear and cold as Aunt James


Il think you are mistaken! I see
that was wrong to love the only person
who had been really kind tome since my
brother died, but | did not think my
! guardian misunderstood me Still, ]
will take your advice and go back to
school till l am of age, Now mark me,
not because you advise me, but because
/ cannot live here on cold, formal terms
with my guardian. and will not give
him reason to despise me by showing
that am ungrateful for his love.


Tho voice trembled little, but Aunt
Jane merely said


you have decided wisely, and then
left the room.


| kept perfectly quiet heard one
choking sob and then light footsteps ap-
preaching my sofa. A tear fell upon my
forehead, and then soft, warm lips gent
" pressed the spot, and Fannie went to-
wards the door.


In an instant | was on my feet beside
her Ncyer mind what | said | did
not offend her and when l sat down up
on the sofa again the tiny form nestled
close in my arms. Only one question
about our future life did my promised
wife ask me


"Aunt Jane3'


"WHl return home the day we are
married !"


Aud she did a handsome present
quite reeonciled her to the match and
ropoyine her for the three months She
spent with me to play propriety when