The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1849-12-19

of your wit"
'Ha! Ha Y laughed Miss Bentley,
81 see that Mr.. Fort understands the
vulnerable points in your position, and
can return your shots with effect. -
This | certainly had done, for Miss
R bushed deeply; but eflecting
nonchala',ce, she laughed with US.
The afternoon sped rapidly away,
and what with laughter, aud song; and
wordy jest, evening come on al
most before was aware ofits approach.
Declining an invitation to tea, and sha-
king the hand Of each, ! walked to.
wards home.
| did not long remain in ignorance
of her position. She was an orphan
girl-the housekccpcr at Mr.. Rs,
but ever treated as one of the family.
Months rolled round in their usual
course, and l visited there frequently
in company with an acknowledged suitor
Of Miss r. This threw me more
particularly into the socicty Of Mary
Bentley, whom found BY far more con.
genial company than her friend. She
was free (a'most to folly) and open
hearted and kind, and there was a
freshness about her hearts early sym
pathics that it was pleasant to be with.
The dew was on every hope--thc flow.
e's of life's morning were open. neither
withe,cd by the sunshine Of prosperity
nor blasted BY the storms of adversely.
1t Was not long before we came to see
and think and speak alike, and chung
tHsethcr as naturally us ivy and oak.
Among other amusements frequently
enjoyed was riding on horses, and it
was not the least agreeable; for, the wood
land scenery abcut----is very beau
tiful. We were returning from ride
one evening when our conversation
turned upon Irritation. After repeat
cd assertions that had never firlcd
during the period Of my natural cxis-
tcnce. and knew nothing of the game,
she playfully constituted herself my
teacher: and proceeded 10 initiate me
into its mysteries. IS.
'To commence" said I, "supposing
I take ycuT hand-the next step l pre-
sumo would be to press it,
"Stop, stop, sir - said Mary; you
proceed too fast, it is hardly time for
that vet"
':As you please I replied; "you
will find me an Ohedicnt Scholar"
The Introductory lesson was contin-
ucd until we reached the door, and
awaiting the company who fingered be-
hind, she proceeded with instructions
concerning my conduct on the occasion
of my next meeting with her. These
were concluded rs the loiterers arrived,
and bidding the ladies adicu, my gen.
tlemen companions and myself rode
homcward.
My fair instructrcss pursued the
theme declaring that was an apt schol-
ar, (who wouldn't have been y and so
admirably did VIC play the lovers, that
what was jest with us appeared to the
world clearly earnest. Dame Gossip
soon counted us as one. The thing was
pleasant enough, and as the agreement
was that neither should ask for cessa-
ton of this mimic coultship without be.
ing willing to acknowledge won, and it
became fair reality, went on, little
dreaming it must shortly end. AS I
was in the garden on beautiful even
ing in the fall, she said to me in seri.
Gus tone" Charles, it is time We should
cease this idle play. 1t seems to me
very like triiling with sacred passion
"Say you so, my lady love?" | replied
gaily; "and you acknowledge that ten
der heart of yours given over to my
Keeping"
II do not say that, Charles; bnt eve
ry one speaks of us.--we are subject to
the worlds remarks. Do you know
said she "that they say we are enga,
gcd?"
"And if they do" I replied, edo
YOU so much regard the worlds idle
tongue For me, give INC pleasant
hour lnnoccntly enjoyed, and the world
may talk itself hoarsc and take to bed
with sore throat, and | would not so
much rs once send to know when it
might be convalcscent."
"Nc, no, Charles; it is not for that,
but, ''said she, sadly, and pointing
slowly towards the house, 81 have
friends to please
MARY" said /, 81 am sincerely
sorry, but ] suppose it must be-
1T must she replied and you will
leave me now-some months hence we
may meet again
You do not mean this, surely said
I why may | not visit you occasional
ly?'
There was choking effort at utter
ance but she poin-ed again to the house
without speaking. 1t flashed to my
Il Al 4 y o. l 4