The Columbian fountain., 1846-08-07
THE COUSINS.
BY MISS MILFORD.
4 Conciuded.l

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now 7"
"Why really, papa" replied Jessy, "Tm
much more obliged to him for refusing
my hand than to you for offering it. like
Charles well for cousin, but should not
like such husband at all; so if this refus-
al be the worst that has happened, there's
no great harm done" And off the gypsey
ran declaring that she must put on her
habit, for she had promised 10 ride with Sir
Edmund and his sister, and expected them
every minute" aa
1h- father and his favorite daughter re-
mained in the conservatory.
''That heart is untouched, however, said
Mr.. Molesworth, looking after her with a
smile. ,1,
"Untouched by Charles Woodford, un-
doubtedly," replied Agnes; "But has he re-
ally refused my sister ?
"Absolutely."
"And does he love another 7"
''He says so, and believe him."
SIS he loved again -
"That he did not say"
''Did he tell you the name of the lady 7"
"Yes."
"Do you know her -
"Yesn
els she worthy Of him 2"
"Most worthy"
elias he any hope of gaining her affec-
tons Oh he must! he must What wo.
man could refuse him
''He is determined not to try. The lady
whom he loves is above him in every way;
and much as he has counteracted my wish
es, It's an honorable part Of Charles Wood
ford's conduct, that he intends to leave his
affection unsuspecled bv its object"
Here ensued short pause in the dia-
logue, during which Agnes appeared trying
to occupy herself with collecting the blos-
SONS of Cape Jessamine and watering a
favorite geranium; but il would not d.; The
subject was at her heart, and she could not
force her mind to Indifferent occupations
She returned to her father, who had been
anxiously watching her motions and the
varying expression of her counenance, and
resumed the conversation.
"Father, perhaps it is hardly maidenly TO
avow SO much, but although you have mr.
yer in set words told me your intentions,
have yet seen and know, cannot tell how,
all that your TOO kind partaity towards me
has designed for your children. You have
mistaken me, dearest father, doubIy mista.
ken me; first in thinking me fit to fill
splendid place in society; next, in inagin-
ing that desired such splendor. You meant
to give Jessy and the lucrative partnership
TO Charles Woodford, and designed me and
your large possessions to our wealthy and
titled neghbor.
And with little change Of person, these |
arrangements may still for the most part
hold good. Sir Edmund may still be your
son-in-law and your heir, for he loves Jes-
sy and Jessy loves him. CharL Wood
ford may still be your partner and adopted
son, for nothing has chanced that need d-
ninish your afr ction or his merit. Marry
him to the woman he loves. She must be
ambitious indeed, if she be not content with
such destiny. And let me live on with
you, dear father! single and unwedded
with no thought but to contribute to your
comfort, and to cheer and brighten your
declining years. Do not let your too great
fondness for me stand in the way Of their
happiness. Make me not so odious to them
and 10 myself, dear father Let me live
always with you and for you--always your
own poor Agnes !" And blushng at the
earneslness with which she had spoken,
she bent her head over the marble basin,
whose waters reflected the fair image, as if
she had really been the Grecan statue,
ito which, whilst he listened, he compared