Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-12-11

ne scarcely looked at them, and seldom
deigned to address any observation to me
which might not with proprcty have beer
addressed to child of seven or eight wears
of age. Agatha, indeed, treated me with
redoubled kindness, and generally-I saw
Lorimer did not like it-asked me to be
the companion of their walks. She wished
us to be friends, but she vainly strove to
impress Lorimer, with the feeling that
was in any way fitted to be companion
for him. | longed to tell her of my i'm
preston that he was not worthy of her,
that she would not be happy with him; but
still, when | looked at that sweet bright
face, or listened to her glad laugh. could
not bear to tell her what she would proba-
bly, have laughed at, but ! did not think
so then. In the solitude of my chamber
| have prayed in childish agony over the
presentiments that were destined. alas to
be too faithfully fulfilled.
1t was on a lovely summer afternoon
that Agatha Lorimer, and myself were
walking at some little distance from home
along the high road which led to the county
town of H. We perceived horse
man approaching from the opposite dircc-
ton, but took little notice of him until he
came quite close, when Lorimer, as if sud-
denly recognizing him, started, and be-
came deadly pale. The gentleman, who
had slackened his pace as he drew near,
looked earnestly at our group-rode slowly
past-paused-half turned in the saddle to
gaze after US, and then, as if his mind was
completely made up as to the identity of
the person he thought he remembered, he
galoPed back and stopped beside u.s. In
a moment he had alighted, and, grasping
Lorimer's hand with great warmth, he ex-
pressed his surprise and pleasure at the
unexpected meeting. 1t was very evident
that Lorimer did not share in the latter feel
ing, for never saw man more embarrass-
cd than he was in returning the greeting.
why, Lorimer my boy cried the gen
tleman, it is an age since have seen you,
and really you are not looking well, sup
pose thoughts of India, for hear you are
going there, have not raised your spirits
There was another on dit too, which of
course l don't believe,-eh, Lorimer? But
in lower tone) i suppose this lady is
won't you introduce me to Mrs. LorimerP
1t was Agatha's turn to be confused, and
her lips burnt crimson, though sweet
smile played round her lips as she averted
her face.
This lady isis not Mrs. Loriner.'
stammered Lorimer, and then, with an eff
fort to change the subject, he inquired
where Captain Maitland was quartered-
when he came, and so on.
we ONLY arrived three days ago, but
how long we shall be kept in yonder stupid
old cathedral town, heaven only knows.
May ask where you are stayingr
oh, close by in the next village, shall
remain but short time. Twill call on you
tomorrow, and we must say goodbye for
the present, as we are rather in a hurry.
Farewell for the present. and with more
haste than courtesy. Lorimcr shook hands
with his friend and left him, taking field
path to Selworth, which prevented Cap
tain Maitland from accompanying us.
Strange thought that gentleman, as he
and rode slowly on. Il Won
der who that fne-looking woman could be.
| almost fear that either she or my friend is
in bad hands,
My dear Lorimer, you seemed wonder
fully glad to get rid of your old friend,'
observed Agatha, when we had walked
little way in silence; who may he be-
oh, he's meddIesome, impertinent fal- !
ow, one whom should not wish you to
know; indeed, dearest, am rather sorry
we met him.
The next day brought letters for Captain |
Lorimer--important letters, he said, re-
luiring his immediate presence in London.
He had been unusually silent and dispirted |
since our encounter with Captain Matt !
and, but he laid the change in his manner
10 the account of slight indisposition, and
Agatha believed him. did not. | saw
plainly that there was some mystery in
MS conduct, which probably Captain Matt
and could unravcl, but dared not give
ltteranCe 10 my suspicious, and | trusted
hat time would dispel or confirm them.
Lorimer departed therefore, promising 10
'eturn as soon as he could, and Agathas
light and innocent heart neither feared nor
foreboded evil.
The next week there was to be ball at
Il; and the presence of particularly |
party of Officers was expected |
o render it an uncommonly brilliant affair.
Agatha was engaged to 60 with lady Of
some consequence in the neghborhood,
with whom her father had formerly been !
and, in letter written to Lor-
mer a day or two before, she had alluded
o this coming pleasure with mixture of
yleeful anticipation and fond regret that
re, too, could not share in its delights.
Probably, while revolving matters of more
in his mind he had forgotten
his engagement, for he wrote by return
If post to beg that Agatha would not think