207 was aroused by the voice of the attendant, who street, and her motions liable to attract attenhad returned. "I believe there is a family named Grant," she said, "around in Walnut street." "There is!" Anna arose as she spoke, her face flushed for a moment, and then became pale. "Yes. They live in one of those large new houses below. street. I remember the name on the door." "Just two streets above." "Do you know any thing about the family?" 66 'Anna said nothing further. The girl retired, and she sat down to collect her scattered thoughts. They are very rich, no doubt." new house." These words kept ringing in her "A large ears, and caused her to cast her eyes down upon her own poor apparel. 66 Suppose it is my mother's sister?-how will she receive me?" This question, never asked so seriously before, caused her heart to sink. It was full half an hour before she could summon resolution sufficient to go forth in search of the dwelling that contained, or might contain the relative she sought. It was after four o'clock when she left the shop where she had taken some refreshment. The air had become colder, and thick clouds covered the sky. The short afternoon had verged on close toward evening, the dusky coming of which was already perceived by Anna, over whose feelings a deeper shadow fell as her eye noted the rapid decline of day. Following the direction given her, she turned off from Chestnut street, and passed down to Walnut street, up which she walked rapidly. In less than five minutes she was before an elegant dwelling, on the door plate of which she read the name MASON GRANT, with a thrill that passed through her whole frame. She did not ring the bell at once, but passed on to collect her thoughts and determine how she should address herself to her aunt. On, on she went, square after square, unable to settle any thing, in her mind. "Oh, if I had not promised my mother, and there was any roof here to shelter me, no matter how humble it might be, and any means by which I could support myself, no matter how hard the labor, most gladly would I shrink away from these proud relatives !" This was the final conclusion of her thoughts, as she stopped suddenly and wrung her hands, forgetting at the instant that she was in the tion. Recovering herself, however, she lifted her ing evening were growing more and more distinct. eyes, and perceived that the shadows of approachA shudder passed over her. Quickly turning, imagination to dwell upon the shock of a first she retraced her steps, and, without allowing her interview with her aunt, a thing from which she shrunk with an unconquerable reluctance, she kept steadily on until she again stood in front of the house of Mason Grant. But she could not ascend the steps that led to the door of this elegant mansion. Her thoughts again became confused, and again she passed the house, and walked on for nearly two squares. She then paused, stood turned and went slowly back. Again she was thoughtful for two or three minutes, and finally before the dwelling of her aunt, and again she steps, and timidly rung the bell—or rather made stopped irresolute. At length she ascended the an effort to do so; but she had exerted too little hand. For nearly five minutes she stood as if strength, the bell did not really answer to her fixed to the spot, but no one came to the door. failed her. Slowly she at length descended the She did not attempt to ring again. Her heart had steps, and moved down the street, turning every few paces to see if the door should open. lit their lamps, and the street was filled with ering voice. "Come in, Miss, and I will see." "What name shall I say?" Anna's cheek flushed. She hesitated a mo ment. her." stairs. "A young woman is in the parlor and wishes to "Who is she?" "She looks like a poor young girl." "Somebody after work, may-be. Tell her I will be down in a little while." Anna sunk upon a chair, in the richly furnished parlor into which the servant had shown her, her heart fluttering wildly. It was several minutes before she saw objects distinctly. Every external sense was partially closed. Then her eyes wandered about the room, and she observed, with something of wonder, the elegance and splendor that surrounded her. From the costly furniture she raised her eyes to the walls that were decorated with pictures. The first that met her gaze was the portrait of a man who seemed to have just passed the prime of life. Every feature of the face was familiar to her as the features of a friend. Who could it be? Her mother's image arose in her mind. The question was answered. That must be her brother's like ness. "This is indeed my aunt's house! How, how will she receive me?" These words were scarcely murmured, when the door opened and a middle aged woman entered. Anna tried to rise, but she had not the strength to do so. Mrs. Grant, for she it was, advanced close to her, regarding her as she did so, with a cold look of inquiry. As Anna did not, because she could not speak, the lady said "You wish to see me, I believe?" Yes, Ma'am," was timidly replied. "On what business, may I ask." The words were formal and cold as ice. "You had a sister named Anna-" "What !" And Mrs. Grant started as if a pistol had been exploded close to her ear, her face flushing, and then turning quite pale. This is a The girl is surely beside herself! pretty affair! What do I know about your mother?". "Oh, was she not your sister?" Anna leaned towards Mrs. Grant with an imploring look. "My sister, indeed! I have no sister. You have been deceived, if you think I am your aunt. Go and seek for her somewhere else. You will not find her here. A fine affair, truly!" Anna had already risen to her feet. These words caused her to stagger backwards a few paces, and lean against the wall. In a moment or two she recovered herself, and taking a long, confirming look at the portrait on the wall that so resembled her mother, she turned from the presence of the woman who had basely and cruelly disowned her mother, and left the house. (To be continued.) ON ENTERING A WOOD. HERE let busy turmoil cease, Soothing while they wake the heart, Here the spirit walks abroad, MRS. FOLLEN. |