Year: 1875




city 2'


"But few days, I believe"


81 must call at Mrs. Cards this after
noon. Would you like to accompany
me?"


perhaps; but there is one thing I
want to talk to you about, as the only
person to whom can go for counsel. If
you are an old maid, your heart is kept
green as spring-time by the overfowing
streams of kindness that cast pleasing
spell upon all who are thrown In your
company"


Miss Martin smiled.


"One would think you were growing
exceedingly poetical over an old maids
imaginary virtues. 'Old maid I am
and expect to remain, for am twenty
six, and the many dreams of my girl
hood are only remembered as seasons of
past sunshine-their peculiar brightness
gone forever-yet the reflection of by
cones radiates around me, and seems to
grow brighter every passing day. But
what do you want to tell me, dear? We
must finish our conversation before we
have listeners"


Miss Martin put her arm affection
ately around her pupil. Rain that had
played in the air in a misty spray since
sunrise began to patter against the win
dow panes. Florence leaned her head
upon her teachers breast, and told the
story of her engagement and its conse-
quences. She showed the letter that
Herbert had written, and asked her for
counsel, as a child might seek advice
from judicious parent.


"YOu are doing right, my dear. The
only thing in which you are to blame
is that you did not tell Henry from the
first, of your early fancy"


81 intended to tell him, but neglected
to speak of it at the proper time, and
after we were engaged, thought it use
less.n


"Learn from this experience never to
keep from your lover things that you
would not wish him to learn as your
husband. You saw, or thought you
saw, in Henry Warren a man whom
you could love and honor. Had you in
formed him of your early attachment no
jealousy would have been awakened in
his breast, had he really been worthy of
your regard; but he would have thought,
and truly, that one so faithful to the
memory of the departed would prove an
equally faithful wife to the living. My
experience was dearly bought, dear
Floy. pray God that you may never
be tried as have been"


'rDo please tell me about it," said
Florence, her black eyes glistening with
the interest she felt in her beloved
teacher. "You needn't be afraid to trust
me-"


81 was left an orphan at an early age,
and my lot was cast in the society of a
paternal aunt, who, though mindful OF
my temporal wants, never condescended
20 notice my l0hins, as she regarded my
rather peculiar notions of almost every
thing. I grew up within myself; felt
that had no congenial friends, and
thought cared for no one, not even
myself. Two years before we started
for this country became acquainted
with Mrs. Mays, sister of my uncle, to
whose kindly regard 1 owe all that am
or ever may be that is good and true.
She died upon the Plains, and again ]
was left alone. When in this condition,
and before was sixteen years of age, ]
met young man, between whom and
myself sprang up strong attachment.
We were not engaged, but each read the
feelings of the other Alright, and we were
resting in quiet contentment, when
business called him to distant State.
Ireceived letters from him occasionally,
but my aunt forbade me to answer
them, so they ceased after a time to ar
rive. 1 blamed him for neglecting me,
and in the hope to spite him and cause
him uneasiness, 1 suffered a report OF
my engagement with George Stokes, a
young man with whom l had been car
rying on Irritation, to go abroad un-
contradicted. Ayear passed and Wallace
returned. had never told him about
aunt Nays pious horror of love-letters,
and he didn't visit meas I afterwards
learned-because he was offended by my
neglect. Had he known the restraint
under which was kept at home he
would not have blamed me, but /
thought he had troubles enough of his
own, and kept my grievances from him.
George told him that we were engaged,
and he departed without meeting me.
1t will be ten years this evening since
last beheld his face. We were standing
under the great elms, in the avenue
fronting my uncle's home. He told me
that be was going, and requested me to
enter with him into solemn engage
ment of marriage. I gave him my
hand and was trying to speak, when a
spiteful call from my aunt disturbed
me. I often wonder how she happened
to be married. Certain it is that she
looks upon the act as something crimi-
nal in other folks. I hurried awav.
merely saying hasty goodbye. The
next morning he took passage in the
cars for distant city, and these letters
are the only mementoes left me of my
hearts young dream"