Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-06-22

But remember the disparity of age, John,
Only five or six said years. Mr.. Middleton !;
that's Of no consequence
Yes, but it's on the wrong side, john said
Mrs. Middleton, conscious Of being few years
her husbands junior.
The good people Of the little town had long
been busily talking about Mr.. Leslie's inces-
SAINT attentions at the cottage, and were much
perplexed in their coniectures which Of The Miss
Middletons he was in love with June, July,
August, aud very nearly September had now
passed away. and the family were 10 leave the
outage on the following morning. Surely,
this last day would bring an ecldrciSsement
Edward said Mrs. Leslie, observing her
son thoughtful and unhappy, are you going to
the cottage this evening!'
Yes, mother, Instantly. can bear this
suspense no longer; must know my fate,
whatever it may be-
Surely, my dear son. said Mrs. Leslie,
you cannot be altogether without hope. Miss
Middleton, if she is really the kind, warm
hearted creature she appears to be, must have
given some indication of preference to Justify
your avowal.'
But my poverty has made me so fearful,
mother, lest my motives should be attributed 10
mercenary views, that | scrupulously avoided
every opportunity of elicting her sentiments
towards me. | doubt even whether the devo-
ton | feel can justify my supposing that any
woman would consent to share my miserable
prospects,
Ay,' said the old lady, mournfully, pros
poets blighted by the burden of maintaining
your mother and helpless sister. My dear son,
we have indeed been a hindrance to you'
A hindrance motheri Rather than you
should think so, or that my present project
should give you one pang, the words that wero
to decide my fate forever, shall remain unspo-
ken. Thongh her love is blessing covet
above all others, will forego the chance Of
obtaining it. ! tell you, mother, there is not
any sacrifice would not make TO secure your
happiness, and that of my dear helpless sister,
At this rather critical moment, Miss Middle
ton was announced. Lefty had walked To town
for the purpose of bidding adieu to Mrs. and
Miss Leslie, Of whom Mary had already taken
leave in the morning-for of course a cordial
frieGdshln amosssl the !adies had IeslIsed fr@2e, IN
VT Leslie's great intimacy at the cottage
There was an unusual embarrassment and sad
hess 10 this last visit Of Lefty which no one
str0ye 10 overcome it was best therefore, TO
make it as brief as possible. Kind farewells
were exchanged, while the poor blind girl, at
parting, said, in low voice, not to be over
heard
| cannot see your face, Miss Middleton
see with my heart, and that tells me that you
must be beautiful, because you are good and
kind. Have compassion on my dear brother,
if
The approach Of Edward caused her 10 leave
the request unfinished. Lefty, half compre-
hendiug her meaning, pressed her hand IN
sympathy, while deep blush overspread her
cheek. Mr. Leslie now drew her arm within
his, and they commenced their walk in silence
nor was it till they had got beyond the town,
and reached one of those beautiful quiet
avenues leading to the cottage, that he had
resolution to enter upon the theme which alb
sorbed him.
: ! am thankful, Miss Middleton he began,
for the unexpected opportunity of addressing
you alone; it gives me courage 10 reveal
what had half determined never to divulge-I
Yonr approval or dsapproval shall govern me
and should you deem my wishes TO be pre-
sumptuous, promise never again to breathe
them TO human being
Mr.. Leslie paused, as if expecting some re-
ply but Lefty was silent. and he proceeded:
Il think | cannot be reproached by Mr. Mid
deton for taking advantage Of the intimacy to
which he admitted me. My attentions have
been SO equal-or rather more particularly d.
rected TO yourself than to his daughter-
There, there; / see you are surprised at my
presumption
No, no. go on, go on, said Lefty, hur-
riedly, and replacing her arm in his, which,
the instant before, from some feeling known
only 10 herself, she had suddenly Withdrawn.
THAT is indeed kind said Mr.. Leslie
May hope, then, that you, whose happiness
seems TO be derived from making others happy
will be my advocate with-Mary; with her
father, if need BEG
Yes, said Lefty, echoing her words in
low but earnest voice. you are right-my
happiness can only be derived from making
others happy; will do all can 10 promote
yours
Thanks, kindest, best of women said Mr..
Leslie, taking the little hand that lay trembling
on his arm, and pressing it TO his lips. They
had now reached the cottage. Mr.. Leslie
proceeded to the drawing-room; while Lefty
hurried to her own chamber, where, securing
the door, she threw herself on her knees, and
covering her face with her hands, as if ashamed
of being seen even by the light Of heaven, burst
into passionate flood of tears. Poor Lefty
the only consolation at that moment was, that
her secret was known only to herself.
How foolish Of me, she said, after long
interval, in which she had striven to recover
some degree Of composure-' how foolish 10
suppose, even for moment, that he could
ever care for me nv heart ought To have been