The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-12-25

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that time, love only knows Hester's
aunt certainly thought he had gone on an
excursion that day with some intimate
acquaintances, or her own visit to the city
would most assuredly have been put off.
SO it was, however, and when Went
worth joined Hester, they walked up one
path and down another--turned this way
and then that--doubled on their own foot
steps and threaded the maze Of evargreens
until quite fatigued with their wand .ring--
that is, it is to be supposed they were
Ifatigued--they sat down in little arbor,
and he went on talking very low, and very
earnestly; while she cast her eyes trcmb-
lingly upon the ground, and pulled to
pieces the corner Of her white handkci chief
1t was q pity to rlnravcl the corner Of so
excellent handkerchief. But we are
sorry to record Of the gentle Hester that she
did not seem to feel any remorse at the
act. AS he continued to speak she blush
ed still more deeply, and her tremulous
fingers picked out more rapidly than ever
the fine cambric threads. Only to think
Of spelling that excellent handkerchief
But, now, as he says something with pas
sionate earncstness, she lifts her head and
looks timidly in his eyes, and smiles and
then-how could she do 50 her little
white hand slid gently into his, and nestled
there and then they both rose and went
by different ways towards the house.
Mrs. Luqueer was just returned home
as Wentworth entered. AS she looked up
to welcome him his face was radiant with
happiness.
Agathe, whose nerves she imagined
were yet unstrung, reclined languidly on
the sofa while Emeline, to whom it was
always task to move, drowsily occupied
the large rocking chair. Mrs. Luqueer
alone was busy and bustling.
Just returned from your excursion,
presume," said she, smiling.
ooh, non' he replied, carelcssly,
Herbert could not 60, so it was post
poned. | have been taking a pleasant
walk in your garden, and very charming
one it is"
Now, it was not at all strange that Mr.
Wentworth should have had u pleasant
walk, but it was little singular that he
who had so often been in the garden be-
fore, should never, until this, have discov-
cred its beauties Mrs. Luqueer thought
so too, but she kept her thoughts to her.
SELF, although it was very evident, during
the rest Of the evening, that she was
maturing something in her mind
The first CLEAN Of satisfaction she ex-
hibitcd was in The shape Of mocking
smile, about half an hour before Mr.. Lu-
queer made his customary appearance.
" Mr.. Luqueer!'' said she, when they
were alone, " don't you think that Hester
is growing very thin -
Nlr. Luqueer almost lifted the wig off
his head with astonishment, to hear his
wife speak 50 tenderly of his niece
"Why-a-ycs [ do think so, my
dear; and it's my opinion she has had too
much work, and too little exercise, since
she has been in this house"
"Indecd, am afraid SOL" said Mrs
Luqueer, looking very penitcntly at her
husband. "What can we do to make
amends wonder if little country air
would not be of service to her."
ITO be sure it would" said Mr.. Lu-
queer, positively.
"Then she shall 90 to Oaklands to-mor-
row, and for a couple of months" said
Mrs Luqueer, in an equally positive man
ner
And shortly afterwards wondering what
it was that affected Mrs. Luqueer with SO
sudden fit Of tenderness, Mr.. Luqueer
fell asleep.
On the morrow Hester was dispatched
to Oaklands, and as soon as the carriage
disappeared, Mis-. Luquecr returned into
the house with triumph written on her
brow. Two months soon slipped away.