The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-05-30

his daughter. In the event, .Travers men
tally argued, OF the acceptance of his suit
by Miss Wharton and her mother, there
could be no reason for concealment from
them; they would not betray the late baro-
nets disgraceful secret. At all events he
would not, by first revealing TO Mary
Wharton that she was penniless, and af
terwards profferring her his hand and for
tune, seem to wish TO purchase her con-
sent to union with him. Full of these
cogitatons and resolves, he arrived at Ar
cher's Lodge, where to his extreme aston
ishnent, he found the servants packing up
the furniture as for immediate removal.
He hurried to the breakfast room, where
he found Lady Wharton and her daughter
both busly engaged arranging books, mu-
sic, and papers.
"What is the meaning of this!" he de-
manded with intense agitation. ''Surely
you are not leaving Archer's Lodge?'
s'Indeed we are, Mr.. Travers," replied
Lady Wharton. sWe received a letter
yesterday, accepting an offer we had made
for the lease of a house in Wales, close to
Edmund's new curacy, which he says will
suit us admirably"
"Us-Eomund!' gasped Travers.
MARY, love, place these papers, said
Lady Wharton, sin the writing desk in
my dressing room. Mr.. Travers, she ad-
ded, as the door closed, .'you are ill. The
walk has perhaps fatigued you. Let me
give you G lass of wine."
"No-no-no! What is it you say?
Mary-Edmund! Speak, and quickly;
my brain turns"
Il feared this" said Lady Wharton
soothingly, as she approached and gently
took his hand; "and perhaps have been
to blame in delaying the explanation which
must now be made.'
"What explanation, relative to whom!"
'.To Mary and her cousin, Edmund
Hartford.
Hal
"They are betrothed lovers, and have
been so, with my consent for many
months. Lston to me calmly, Mr.. fra
vers," continued Lady Wharton terrified
by the wild expression of the young mans
eyes. .'Mary some time since wished me
to give you my confidence. | hesitated;
for, alas! bitter experience has taught me
to place but little reliance on the faith of
men. | was wrong | see; but pray try to
calm yourself
go on-go on. Let me at least know
all-the worst, the worst!'
81 will be frank with you. The failing
health of Sir Richard Wharton has for
some time warned me that but brief space
catastrophe of the other day but hastened
his end, in all probability, by only few
months. Mary's sole dependence was, in
that event, | knew, the marriage portion
secured 10 me, the interest of which a
mounts to something over eight hundred
pounds per annum."
Il know have heard"
"IndeedI''
"Yes; but no matter. Proceed, | beg
of YOU"
'sThe possession Of an income in my own
right, amply sufficient for the needs of an
unambitious household, warranted me, |
conceived, in consenting to Mary's en-
gagement with her cousin, whom she has
known from childhood, and of whose
worth no one can speak too highly. My
silence and reserve have, l perceive, Mr..
Travers, misled you; but forgive me; did
not know could not perceive'-
''Let me pass madam" exclaimed Ira
Vers, disengaging his hand, and staggering
towards the door. Il viii return pres
entity"
A whirlwind of emotion was sweeping
through his brain as he hurried from the
house into the adjoining shrubbery.-
Wounded affection, despair and compass
sion tugged at his heart, and ruled it by
turns. The open air helped to cool and
revive him; and after about an hours bit
ter conflict with himself, he returned 10
where he had left Lady Wharton. She
was still there.
SHAY have your laayship's permission
TO see Miss Wharton alone for few min
utes?"
Lady Wharton appeared surprised at the
request, but at once acceded TO it, Il will
send her to you Immediately" she replied
and left the room.
A considerable period elapsed, before
Miss. Wharton, tremblingly, blushing, pain
fully agitated, almost, indeed 10 tears en-
tered the apartment.
"Pardon my freedom-my importantly
Miss Wharton" said Traverse, in as calm
a tone as he could command, as he led her
to seat, and placed himself beside her.
81 have question TO ask YOU of the last
importance to you as 10 myself, and | en-
treat you to answer it frankly as TO a
brother"
The lady bowed, and the lieutenant pro
ceeded with somewhat more firmness.
"You are. | am informed, dependent as
to fortune upon Lady Wharton. Is il then