The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1843-01-06

Having thus delivered his opinion he perpea-
ted an indescribuble conoriion intended for bow
and diving round corner instantly disappeared.
Although his parting advice was that of one well
acquainted with the world or at all events with
that portion of it with which he mingled, it had
little weight with Lucy. For all she remembered or
tho ught of was, that Wilkins was gone; ull trace
of him was lost, and all hope with it.
Miss Crawford was sitting at table, with her
face half turned from him, so that she did no. OBJ
serve Bolton us he entered. She was very pale,
and there we're traces of tears on her cheek.
book was lying on the table, with glove in it,
as if she had been reading, but her ey cs were then
fixed on the floor Bolton gazcd at her without
speaking
Il can see the old man in her eye;' thought he,
but she's worse; she's suspicious, lie was not.
Fine words 20 Ear with most of them. viii they
with her? Wen see. I'll trim to the breeze
! III make the offer; but she must at the same time
see that there is no choice, except to marry or
starve,
His train of thoughts was Interrupted by the
girl herself, who happening to look up, caught
sight of MIN. and instantly rose, her eyes flashing
and her cheeks colorins at the recollection Of his
| last visit.
sNYav | ask TO what am indebted for this visit?
For an instant Bolton quailed before tho keen,
scornful eye of that single girl who stood before
him strong only in the consciousness of her wrongs
but it was only for an instant; and he answered
calmly
u come here 10 see Miss Crawford on matters
of much Unrest, both to her and to myself
Seeing that he paused, as if he expected an an
swer, the girl said coldly; State your business
briefly. From what know and have heard ofyou
care not how soon our interview ends
'lfI were no, traduccd, said the lawyer, speak,
ng gravely, and weighing every word before he
uttered it,, should be more fortunate than hun
dreds ,ho are better than myself. am fully
aware that many foul ISLANDERS are in circulation re-
spcc,ing cnnd now feel them the more deeply,
tina, they have reached your ears, and you believe
them
Miss Crawford made no reply, although he evil
IDENTIFY paused for that purpose.
May not a, least be allowed the opportunity
of clearing my characrcr,by learning VIVA, has been
said against ii; said he earnestly,
y make no charges, and wish 10 hear no Jusli-
fca,ion, replied the girl firmly. LET me know the
nature of yup business al once, or shall retire
without it,
From this abrupt answer ;herc was no appeal;
and Bolton said in the same calm manner that he
had hitherto adopted; 'since you wish I'll waive
all farther alusion to these Idle tales, which n
breath might scatter, and come at oncs TO the
Object of my visit, which refers principally to your
self, as connected with your fathers will.
Miss Crawford became exceedingly pale, and
her fingers srasped the top Of chair conyulsvcIy,
'You need say no more said she; Il under
stand all the rest. You would tell me that this
house is yours; tina, am an intruder on your
bounty; that the possessions Of which you dciiau
ded me are no longer mine that my fathers house
in which have lived from infancy, is no longer a
home for me; that mus, 20 from it, what you
have made me- bcggrr, You see. Mr. Bolton,
the thoughts of some people are written in their
! faces, and can be read.
Bolton Bit his lip; and his check flushed slight
Iy bu, there was nothing else to Indicate emotion
on his part, as he said am deeply grioved that
you interpret my thoughts so harshly. Had you
heard the offer | came to make, whether it be
agreeable or not, you will at leas, acquit me Of
Scishaess; and if you accept it, twill settle lhi.
whole mater much 10 my satisfaction, and shall
only be too happy if isto yours
the offer is-whau' inquired she without the
slightest abatement of the GOODNESS Of her man.
ncr
THAT you should share the fortune with me,
replied Bolton.
4 thought so. If will give you porOn,yor
will leave me the rest
Bottoms face wore soft smile, but il was {
dar gerous one as he answered:
Il am particularly unfortunate in not being un
dcrs,ood.
'Was not such your meaning sir d." said Mis-
Crawford, Keeping her eye fastened on his, an'
watching every sign Of equi,ocaton or guilt; you
language was PLAIN enough
Disirust and anger were written in every feature
rs she spoke. Bolton saw that there were preju
dces which he had not the time 10 overcome; ant
he felt that he was watched by one whose intel
lect was naturally keen, and whose faculties were
sharpened by fear and suspicion. So he dcterm
ined to appeal a. once TO her interests.
Such was not my meaning said he, in dec
dod tone. And it is time that we came TO ful
and clear understanding Of it,wihout farther waste
of words. When offered to share your fathers
property with you, it was by making you my wife
On these terms, and on these alone the wealth