Charles Auchester, Volume 1 of 2

h I do remember word by word, and every word. My conversation that morning with Millicent I do not remember,-its results blotted it out forever; still, I

undred voices, of the conductor, and of the assembly; she assured me that nothi

urts of music. I adored music even then,-ay! not less than now, when I write with the strong heart and brain of manhood. I thought how easily Millicent might do without a new hat, a new cloak, or live on bread and water for a year. But I was man enough even then, I am thankful to say, to

. The town-hall was not distant from our house more than a quarter of a mile. I was often permitted to run little errands for my sisters: to match a silk or to post a letter. My pecuniary plan was unique: I was allowed twopence a week, to spend as I would, though Clo protested I should keep an account-book as soon as I had lived a dozen years. From my hatred of copper money I used to change it into silver as fast as possible, and at present I had five sixpences, and should have another by the end

anything, and at last in despair I dexterously carried away a skein, or half a skein, of brown sewing silk, with which Lydia was hemming two elegant gauze veils for herself and for Millicent. The veils were to be worn that day I knew, for my mother had set her heart upon their excluding a "thought" of east in the autumnal wind, and there was no other silk; I managed to twist it into my shoe, and Lydia looked everywhere for it, even into the pages of Clo's book,-greatly to h

ance home in triumph. The hall! how well I remember it, looking very still, very cold, very blank; the windows all shuttered, the doors all closed. But never mind; the walls were glorious! They glittered with yellow placards, the black letters about a yard long announcing the da

hts,-not my courage,-and then, endeavoring to be all calmness and self-possession, I staggered in. I then saw two enclosed niches, counter-like: the one had a huge opening, and was crammed with people on this side; the other was smaller, an air of eclecticism pervaded it; and behind each stood a man. There was a staircase in front, and painted on the wall to its left I read: "Committee-room upstairs; Balloted places,"-but then I returned to my counters, and discovered, by reading also, that I must present myself at the larger for unreserved central seats. It was occupied so densely in front just now that it was hopeless to dream of an approach or appeal; I could never scale that human wall. I retreated again to the neighborhood of the smaller compartment, and was fascinated

hinks between the loungers at the larger counter. I closer clasped my sixpences, neatly folded in paper, and sped across the off

I wish to speak to you very

nstantly thrown down upon me

ance of being heard, for two more stones had just thrust themselves in and hid my chink; they nearly stifled me as it was, but I

ad a face upon which it was life to look, so vivid was the intelligence it radiated, so interesting was it in expression, and if not perfect, so pure in outline. He was gazing at me too, and this, no doubt, called out of me a glance all imploring, as so I felt, yea, even towards him, for a spark of kindliest beam seemed to dart from under his strong dark lashes, and his eyes woke up,-he even smiled just at the corners of his small, but not thin lips. It was

te gasped for joy: "Sir, I am waiting to speak

o across a

peak to him-or if you w

l you anyth

l have enough in time, if you will let me buy one with

ize my developments, I suspect; for he stayed a moment or two before he answered, "I do think you l

door down if I cannot get a ticket. Oh! I will sell my clothes, I will do anything. If you will get me a

be so earnest," he responded, still holding me by the arm, that thrilled beneath his kindly pressur

ill I have go

boy; they are not so easily disp

did; but my mother sai

know how very mu

he does not like it; sh

e would allow you to go, if yo

ydia that it would p

iend smil

ple here, and I have done my business since I saw that

wanted to come c

wanted to speak. I know

you think I am like a violin? I wi

sense you are n

nd speedily dried these dews of my youth, and I ventured to take my companion's hand. He glanced down at mine as it passed itself into his, and I could see that he

, I am going to do

is tha

thought of something I can only say to you in a room. But if you will tell me your nam

eve it. I am Charles Auchester, and we live at No. 14 Herne Street, at

have seen a beautiful

r, do you mind telling me your name? I don't w

very pretty one,

I said, quickly. My frien

to think s

. Millicent says we ought to be very proud of it; and I thin

eech. Lenhart Davy laughed quietly, but

t about that. Come!

s, if it is not very far,-I mean I must get b

ened now,-do you think so? But my little house is on

we walked bri