Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874 Excerpt:...sobs shook the slender form. She did not know that God's love for her waa Bo deep that it was beyond her measuremeLt. Stella's dreams that night were strangely mingled. Ernest's loved form seemed near her, yet if she listened for his well known voice, the deep, thrilling tones which seemed to penetrate to her very soul she well knew belonged to Mr. Stross. As he stooped to bid her farewell, she started back in affright to see the glittering eyes and frowning face of Mr. Stross so near. She awoke the next morning from a troubled, unrefreshing sleep, to find the sun shining brightly, and her aunt bending over her with a somewhat anxious face. "Is mother worse, aunty?" she asked, as she sprang up with a frightened look. "Oh, no, she is quite comfortable this morning. I was looking at these pale cheeks;" and Miss Alden touched the cheek which had flushed and then paled so quickly. "My dear child, if you do not wish to worry your mother now, can't you tell me what troubles you? You miss Lily, I know, but is that all which is stealing the color from my bright rose?" She drew Stella near, and twined the tangled curls about her fingers. "I did not sleep well last night; my dreams were very unpleasant;" and she tried to smile, but it was a sad failure. "Let me help you," said her aunt, as she began to arrange her hair. Beneath her skill ful fingers the clustering wealth of hair soon formed a dark wreath about the lovely face. Miss Alden was too wise to seek her confidence, and she saw that she was not ready to give it now; so, with a few, pleasant, cheerful words, she left the room. "I cannot talk with aunty about Mr. Stross, for she is prejudiced against him, I fear. She thinks Bell understood him perfectly--th...