Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1843-05-20

: IN MS study, ano alter few words OF welcome
he learnt that Mary had gone out for rambie il
the woods. "Alone9" he inquired
, mo, thick Mr.. Van Stamp went with her .
| replied the father
"And who is Mr.. Van Skampa' inquired Par
ker.
Her cousin, the son of Mrs. Van Stamp o
New YORK, whose house Mary passed tn
winter"
"Oh ho!' said Parker, ia a peculiar tone o
voice which expressed a sense of relief, a IT h,
had said, 'Ony her cousin. Then 1t is of n'
particular consequence
II think had better take run in the wood
myself" he said. "perhaps | may fall 10 viii
them. Do you know which way they went?"
"Down Oak Lane. believe. They went a
cross the paoture 10 that dIrection.'
OFF bounded Parker IN pursuit oil tho runaways
whom he soon overlook IN the pleasant lane. sha
ded with gigantic oaks and elms, and carpe lee
with soft greensward. Mary received him wit
great cordially, shock hln by both hands with
the utmost frankness, compImented him on his
improved appearance, and introduced HIM her
cousin. The young gentlemen eyed each other
pretty keenly. Parker noticed that his rival had
the air and address OF a man who bad seen much
of the world, and was accustomed 10 the higher
circles of society; and lie was somewhat nsttieo
at the paironising air with which he shook his
hand, and the sort Of tIgnfied benign,ty with
which he smiled upon him. He vden,Iy con
sIdered Parker. at least wished him 10 be
= .
who should be treated with the kindness alway $
] conceded BY a gentleman to his interiors.
When Parker first joined Mary and Mr.. Van
Skamp, they were saunterIng along The green
lane, arm 10 arm very ieisurely, apparently en-
gagged IN not very lively conversation. At the
/ 10 reduction scene, Mary had abandoned her
compan ion Cor the moment, but when II was over,
she quietly took his arm again, and all three con
tinued their walk.
They rambled about the grounds for q hour
J painful hour for Parker, who found his position
ything bn, agreeable Ii is true that Mary en-
deavoured, far possible, TO place him on his
old footing of cordlality and in,mscy; bu, her eff
forts were foiled by Van Skamp, who constantly
gave tho conversation a turn which would bring
his own superior powers and advantages in 10 bold
relief, and throw his more modest rival into the
shade.
At length Mary, complaining of fatigue, they
paused at rude fence, which separated The lane
from the field. Here, choosing a shady spot under
oak, she throw of her sun. bonnet and seated
herself on the top raul of the fence with Of
her attendants either side. BY this line the IT.
riiation of Parker, although not apparent in his
demeanor, had risen to u fearful height. Many
were the inverted blessings which IN his secret
heart he heaped upon the head of his cool, self
possessed and smiling rival He believed that,
Notwithstanding her apparent gaiety, Mary had
OWNED his feelings. When she was seated on
the fence, he had wrough, himself up to II deter.
mnation TO bring things at once TO crisis
Leaning The top Of the fence ond looking
quite serious, he says to her,
"Mary, have some news for you, but hardly
know whether you feel any interest IN IT."
"Indeed," said she, smiling, spray tell me what
ii is. do,e upon news"
"Wel have left college. | am going to the
East Indles, to be absent Two years, perhaps TO
establish myself there"
"You don't say SOL Does father know II ?"
"No, no, yet"
GLOW astoni.hed he vii be-
During this brief colloquy, Parker had snffi-
cient sell possession to IN Ike out his
faction that h's case was utterly desperate. The
announcement Of an eternal separation re-
ceived with what seemed to be olher emotion
than simple surprise. She was heart whole, be
believed, far he concerned; and 10 his
jealous eyes the tokens of good understanding
which had passed between her and Van Stamp
during the walk, afforded full confirmation of the
fact that her affections were engaged TO him.
Parker was youth, who, with good principles
and generous feelings. was too apt TO act upon
the impulse Of the moment. II in the
present instance. glance towards Mary show
ed him the hand Of Van Skamp laid upon her
arm, with familiar air, while she was looking
towards himself, II the pressure OF his fingers
would convey to her mind some silent commenia
ry upon wha, was passing at the moment Thls
apparent freemasonry seemed quite decisive.
1T is clear enough says Parker 10 himself
grinding his teeth with desperate composure.
THAT they IN fact both upon the same side Of
the fence, and as | am on the other SIDE think
III remain there" aud, without SAYING another
wovd, he turned his back upon The happy pair,
and strobe down the lane.
When they came home, an hour afterwards
thew learned from Mr.. Gurus, that Parker had
returned hastily to the house, and saying that he
mus, go 10 Boston. and would write from tina,
place Immediately, he had stopped The stage coach
as il opporiuneIy passed The door, tumhled ms
untouched baggage upon the top. ,mped in. and
disappeared IN cloud Of dns, leaving his reverend
guardian not a little mvsiifiad as the cause nf
such a oncha racteris'ic and eccentric IN ment
A whole week elapsed before any intelligence
ca me respecting his " hereahouts; md the news
when i, did come, omnibus enough.
1t that Parker, on leaving the village.
had no settled plan of conduct; he only Officer
fv far possible from the scene OF h.