The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-02-26
CHAPTER V.

1t Nyas q frosty evening, and n blazing
fire roarc>l in the comfortable parlour
where DR.. AID Mrs. Stevens sat at tea
chatting very p.'easantly.
"Then you really think Sir John pays
attention to August" said DIR. Stevens
suppose So" saio Louisa, " | called
the other day and found the:u alone to-
gether, and she coloured lfGuely when ]
vert in. Besides, know he goes there
every uight-his carriage passes here on
its way"
"Wcll, I suppose 1t must be so, th>'n,'
said the doctor, "but, really, l hav. .
known Jac,- long time, and should new
cr have thought he would have chosen
such girl as Augusta Miles Well, il is
nice evening conc hero to the window,
Louisa, and see how wright the moon IS.
Will Jack pass to-nis sht I"
"No, | think not" seid Louisa, "thcy
said they were all going to the theatre to-
night. Well, really, the,e is his carriage
stopping here, | declare. Esis actual
" coming to see lis, Frank"
Enter Sir John Clare. Io WIS going
he said, up to Mr. Miles.
"Arc you?" said Louisa, "why, don't
you know they arc all at the theatre p
Pardon me, Mrs. Stevens, not all
One of the ladies has bad headache
and cannot 60"
"A headache! indeed" said Louisa,
looking archly at her husband. $50 Au-
guSta has headache; it has come on
suddenly, for she was quite we'll when
met her out this morning. Headaches
do come suddenly sometimes. Now, sit
down, Sir John, and take some tca--bless
me, Frank, why don't you ring for anoth-
er cup"
You have mistaken the invalid" said
Sir John with mock gravitS" it is Miss
Mary who is indisposed."
Then You will not stay long" said
Louisa, passing him some tea, "you will
certainly join the Others at Tic theatre"
Possibly. Mrs. Stevens" said Sir John;
"another lump Of sugar if you will allow
me-thank yuu---yes, I may possibly go
TO Drury Lane"
"You know you mean to GO" said the
doctor, you know you are going Jack
you and your possibilities"
"My dear Stevens, you actually seem
to know better than | do myself But
pray excuse me now, must 60"
This is a very shabby visit" said Loui-
sn, arshly; "and even a shabby visit from
you IS rare thing now, but knowing the
state of your heart We will not reproach
you.
You are too kind-too indulgent,"
,, said the baronet laughing and tvwing
himselfout.
He soon arrived at Mr.. Miles house,
and entered the parlor whore Mary sat
rerding. She arose and welcomed him,
saying "shc Thought he had been at the
theatre"
"No, seldom attend the play" said
our baronet, "and tonight | am not so
disposed. heard you were not well, and
came to inquire after you."
Mary thanked him, and wondered WHY
he took the trouble; and then, somehow
or other, neither Of them found anything
to say.
AT last Sir John began: Mary, / am
going to speak on subject which / have
long wished to mention. 1 know not
whether shall surprise you'll trust 1
shall not offend you but what have now
TO say must find its way to your ear.
have now known you some months, Ma
~, and have been a silent admirer of your
goodness and the sweetness of your amia-
bic disposition. l love you, dear Mary, /
cannot say how dearly and deeply; and
have loved you long, though 1 have never
said so. was once witness Of one O,
your kind actions, that raised you higher
~ my opinion than any fascinating beha-
4 Mor Or elegant accomplishment could have
done. j will tell you how it was" md
Sir Johns arm found its way round Ma.
| rvs little waist. Il was attending YOU
sister on one of her morning walks. when