A Romance of the Republic

to praise the work, or to be consulted in the choice of colors and patterns. The books Gerald occasionally sent were of a light character, and though they served to while away a listle

used to sit sketching the cottage, and Tulee, and Thistle, and baskets of wild-flowers she had gathered. The sight of these things continually brought up visions of the loving and beautiful child, who for so many years had slept nestling in her arms, and made the days tuneful with her songs. Then there was Gerald's silent flute, and the silken cushion she had embroidered for him, on w

rple and orange. One day, early in the month, when Tom came with the carriage, she told him to drive to Magnolia Lawn. She had long been wishing to revisit the scene where she had been so hap

curiosity; and she turned away, thinking how different it had been with her mother,-how sheltered and protected she had always been. She remembered how very rarely her father left home, and how he always hastened to return. She stood awhile on the veranda, thinking sadly, "If Gerald loves me as Papasito loved Mamita, how can he be contented to leave me so much?" With a deep sigh she turned and entered the house through an open window. The sigh changed at once

the centre in festoons on the silver arrow of a pretty little Cupid. From silver arrows over the windows there fell the same soft, roseate folds. Her whole face was

er belt on that happy day. She took them up, kissed them fervently, and placed them near her heart. That heart was lighter than it had been fo

he garden, and gathered in groups to listen; but

fine lady," said

peated Tom; "an' I tel

e's gwine to

nze image of the sea-born goddess, tossed her head as she replied

ah. "Whar d' yer git dem year-rings?

ness to bring the carriage. It was with great difficulty that she could refrain from outbursts of song as she rode homeward; but Gerald had parti

m I wished we could live there. He said, that day we were there, that he would try to make some arrangement with Papasito's creditors, and I

aises bestowed on the master, replied that nob

d affectionately on the shoulder of her petted servant, while a smile like sunshi

to cook nice tidbits for ye, if ye jist turned 'em over wi' yer fork

at he didn't love me as he used to do. But now that he has made such p

d for her to walk on. But is it the truth he told her about settling with the creditors? There's never no telling anything by what he says.

cogitations passing through her mind, Ro

y there, that lovely day, that I longed to go again. I knew it would be very lonesome without you; but I thought it would be some comfort to see again the places where we walked together, and sang together, and called each other all manner of foolish fond names. Do you remember how many variations you rung upon my n

you used to do, and were finding it easy to live without me. But when I entered the parlor that overlooks the beautiful lawn, all my doubts vanished. You had encouraged me to hope that it might be our future home; but I little dreamed it was to be so soon, and that you were preparing such a charmi

good, faithful Tulee! What a comfort sh

*

nd no appreciating ear to listen for the coming chords. I have even found it a relief to play and sing to Tulee, who is always an admiring listener, if not a very discriminating one; and as for Tom, it seems as if the eyes would fly out of his head when I play to him. I have tried to take exercise every day, as you advised; but while the hot weather lasted, I was afraid of snakes, and the mosquitoes and sand-flies were tormenting. Now it is cooler I ramble about more, but my

ee such kind arrangements at Magnolia Lawn. Forgive me for going there, contrary to your orders. I did so long for a little variety! I couldn't have dreamed you were planning such a

de mes ojos.

ateful a

OS

ave poetic beauty to the pines; and even the blasted tree, with its waving streamer of moss, seemed only

French merino. She gave him very minute directions, accompanied with a bird-of-paradise pattern. "That is Gerald's favorite color," she said to herself. "I will embroider it with white floss-silk, and tie it with white silk cord and tas

amber-colored artificial nasturtiums in her hair. She placed them coquettishly by the side of her head for a moment, and laid them down, saying to herself: "No; too much dress for the morning. He will like better the plain braids of my hair with the curls f

omise with her father's creditors. And were not the new arrangements at Magnolia Lawn a sign that he had accomplished his generous purpose? She was asking herself that question for the hundredth time, as she sat looking out on the twilight landscape, when she heard a

me for going there and finding

but while I was coming to yo

ght perhaps so many handsome ladies would fall in love

esponded he, "but never one worthy t

est would have been. But it has been well said, "the words of lovers are like the rich wine

ness, and said he must, in the mean time, spend some hours at the plantation. "And Rosa dea

are planning some more pleasant surprises for me. How happy we shall be there! As for that rich uncle of

responded he. He folded her closely, and looked into the depths

sight. His sudden reappearance, his lavish fondness, his quick departure, and the strang