Year: 1870

fancy | stretch out my arms across that
long weary interval between then and
now.


Yet it was not altogether a sorrowful
departure from the dear old cottage, for
Kathleen painted my school life in such
bright, glowing colors, that was almo.
reconciled TO the idea of leaving her.
She had been my only teacher aud did
not much dread the thought of ming.
ling with students much older than
myself, and would bear with me her
last fond good bye and parting kiss
Of affection.


1u my dreams there would be the
softly blue southern sky, the white pcb.
bly, beach on which dashed the great
foam crested waves.


All "the mute mysteries of nature"
would still be mine in memory, and
believe it was an almost happy hearted
girl that looked up in smiles aud tears
to the soft brown eyes that looked a
loving farewell.


Twill pass over the three years of
boarding school life where from simple
Mary Etheridge l became the stately
as faras rigorous governcsscs could frame
mc--a young lady Of sixteen. During
that time | had seen my sister at short
intervals and felt the truest enjoyment
in her warm, loving admiration.


For her sake lstrove, oh ! how eager.
ly strove to become what she wished
me.


Happy days E! gone forever, and yet
the sweet dreams Of grlhood cannot be
altogether forgotten.


In my visits to my old home at va.
cation, | oiten.met gentleman at the
cottage who seemed to be II very kind
friend to Kathleen. Arthur Howe was
just the person whom iuncied my sis.
ter could love; noble looking, and seem.
lngly noble 10 heart aud mind well
remember the first evening | ever met
him. 1t was in the early Autumn, and
| had come to spend several weeks with
Kathleen.


Two years had passed away, and
yet as rode up the shady avenue that
led to the white cottage, cmbowcred in
trees, could see no change in any.
thing. The glowing sunset was tnging
the oak leaves to molten gold as | neared
the home | loved so well, and as
stepped upon the green turf n mockirg
bird trilled its glorious song above my
head as il to welcome me. As Kath
leen came to welcome me | saw that she
was not alone, and a slight blush tinged
her pale cheek as she introduced Mr.
Arthur Howe. | thought with throb
of girlish vanity in my heart that his
gaze Of evident admiration was very
marked, and his frank, pleasant manner
took away all my reserve, know-for
what beautiful girl does not, that | was
more than pretty, aud careful study of
the proprieties Of social life, had not
failed to bring out to the best advantage
every attraction that ! possessed. Kath
leen was in my sisterly love all that
was perfect to me herdelicate features,
graceful form, and low, sweet voice had
a charm that | thought irresistible
But had yet to learn that to man,
bright sunny youth, golden tresses and
gleetul tones were far more so. That
night when alone with Kathleen, | drew
from her the story of the one love that
had come to brighten her lonely life.
How the soft eyes sank beneath my gaze,
aud the low, musical voice trembled as she
told me Of her love for Arthur Howe.
When we are married, dear Mary, we
will all live together, your home shall
be with US" Dear Kathleen Could
she have looked into the future, surely
she would have turned away from me 10
loathingl Days came and went, aud
Arthur Howe was a constant visitor.
believe he loved my sister, and oh |
the bitter thought had not come be.
tween them, she would have been
happy, cherished wife. And yet l
know not if it would have ended so.
Man is ever inconstaut.


Kathleen was often engaged in house.
hold duties, in my walks upon the
beach, Arthur Howe was often nv
only companion, ! who had never met,
IN my isolated school life, one of such
rare fascination, yielded to the charm
that lay in every gesture and look
Surely | did not mean to wrong nv
sister, oh ! no, had any one whispered
to me the truth, would have wept in
bitter anguish on her faithful heart, aud
stunned the presence of her betrothed


Aud yet in loneliness aud sorrow have
learned the truth of the poets words,