Though Flory was the admiration of all eyes, and "the beaux" seemed
really to have no appreciation of the presence of we poor
insignificants when she was by, yet to not many of _us_ did the
"green-eyed monster" ever whisper one bad, ungracious thought of her.

We all loved her--and a sadder set never waited in our depot the
arrival of the eastern train, than gathered there the day Mr.
Cleveland and family were to leave for a home in the "far West."

There were some, indeed, who invariably honored Florence with the
title of "coquette!" and pursed up their lips very sanctimoniously
whenever they heard of her new conquests; particularly may this remark
apply to old Widow Forbes, who rejoiced in the possession of four
grown-up daughters--"fixtures" most decidedly they were in her
household--for these four above-mentioned, were not in any way
remarkable for their personal attractions; and two of them had
well-nigh passed the third stage of woman's unmarried life! But by far
the greater part of the villagers rejoiced in the presence of Florence
Cleveland as they would in a sunbeam on a dull day; she was always so
cheerful, so generous and obliging.

None of those sunny curls of hers were visible the day Florence set
out on her journey; perhaps you think that was because ladies do not
usually travel with such appendages in view, and that they were snugly
packed away in the back part of her traveling hat. But had Flory's
head been uncovered then, I fear me it would have borne terrible
witness of the desecrating hands which had been busy about it; for the
fairy-like ringlets which had so long adorned the beautiful head, full
beautiful enough without _them_, were slumbering on the hearts of us,
her miserable, weeping cronies; and I know not how many gentlemen's
purses were freighted with like treasure.

What a silent, stupid company we were gathered there that day. It was
a bright morning--there was not a cloud to be seen in all the sky; and
Susy, the old fortune-teller, said it was a day that augured well for
their future prosperity; but that did not help _us_ any. Every body
seemed to think we were to lose one of the choicest lights of our
village--and so, indeed, we were.

At last the odious depot-bell rung--soon after the "fire-demon" heaved
in sight, followed by its long train of crowded cars. In ten minutes
the leave-taking was all over, our friends were seated--their "worldly
goods" were stowed away--another ring of t