The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-11-15
THE RASHFuL LOVER.


up from her book.
have Just been thinking whether Charlie
would eve. muster courage enough 10 pro-
pose, ,-and so came to give uuerance to my
mpalience. He had cleared his throat,
was positive, at least twenty times, prepar-
atory TO breathing lhe trembling avowal, while
sat demuringly blushing and expeclant; but
the words never came of, real intelligence
and unparalleled timidity--I exclaimed
aloud
"Fant heart never won fair lady"
Hence auntie's rejoiner--
"There was never anything trrer than that,
Grace; French or English, German or Italian.
'Tis truthful saying, as my own experience
will show"
''Oh, tell me all about it," said |, edo tell
me all about ii, and be the incest lcve Of an
aunie.n
Aunt Abbie closed her book, fixed herself
comfortably in the arm chair, aud commenced
az follows:
"Now, Grace, your Uncle Ralph was my
particular favore, even when was little
five year old girl, rejoicing in pants!eltes and
pinalores. | lean remember he used TO lead
me and carry my dinner basket, ill we came
IN sight of the school house; Then he would
give me back my basket, and run with all
possible speed into school, much to my as
tonishment. As grew older, knew il was
20 hide the Notifying fact OF coming With
hn nir hop chal of
(Ralph was nineteen,) was packed off TO
boarding school, about the same time he
commenced his college course. Our vaca.
cations occurring al different periods. we did
home, The least bit in the world tinged with
romance, trifle coquenish, with goodly
quantity of vanity, crealed by receiving sun
dry hints from my mirror and several gentle
men that | was very pretty. People called
me suck up at first, which shocked me so
much, tha, dropped all my 6ns Lady airs,
ran about the village, chaued with all the
old ladies, unG the whole village wondered
how they ever came to think me proud
About this time Ralph came home, and es-
tabished himself as law practitioner. He
had grown exceedingly handsome, while his
iihidiy had kept pace with his improved
looks-it seemed really morbid. People aked
enthusiastically of his maiden plea-and all
agreed in pronouncing him very clever
young man, who was ultimately to make
figure in The world. But could you have seen
he Of IoIi Grst I ~,
ed his embana-smeu:; but it finally excited
feeling nearly allied TO contempt. He came
10 our house frequently brother Harry and
he were boon companions. From many cir
cumstances felt nearly satisfied that Ralph
cared Tor me, and hardly knew whether The
consciousness of it yielded me more pleasure
or pain. There was a nervousness in his
manner when we CHANGED to be left alone
together, that seemed so ludicrous, aud com.
municaled sort of awkward feeling 10 me,
tina, avoided him as much as possible. |
did not quite understand my own heart and
did not seek 10 analyzs the sentiments there
in.
"One evening in September, we had taken
chairs out inlo lhs from, yard. Father was
reading the latest market prices mother was
knitting, while Ralph and Harry were plan
ming han,ing excursion. | sauntered down
10 the gale, leaned over it, and tried 10 think.
My destiny must be decided that night
That day received letter from Jas Buns.
rising physician in a nei2hbotng town,
written in just the straightforward, honest,
earnest manner ,hs, | admired, and which
characterized the man. But could return
the earnest love which was breathed in ev-
cry line? Ralph's image proiruded itself in
reply 10 my query. Then wondered whelh-
er Ralph ever loved me, aud il he did, would
he ever dare TO Tell me so? While thus oc-
cupied, head him coming down the lane
He stood by my side, and spoke something
OF The beauty of the evening. I replied at
random, not comprehendng what he said.
He smiled little, and observed that pleasant
thoughts must occupy me.
eyes" said !, absracledly, for was real
ly thinking aloud, az must answer Dr. Burs'
letter tonight, and am looking The matter
over"
CDR. Burts' letter w he reiterated, turning
quite around as he spoke. ''He asked you
10 marry him?"
bowed assent.
"But you will not, Abbie," said he in
low, tremulous voice.
was getting completely exasperated with
such dog fellow. looked
at hun and indignantly exclaimed
Why not, prayl What difference can it
make 10 you 2"
"Oh," said he, had--l don't know real
ly,-I-I never heard anything of it before.
Twas new-I don't know quite wha, was
thinking about. Good night"
married DR.. Burt. He was kind, indul-
gent husband, and the Two short years of my
welded life were spent quietly and content
edly by me and mine was real sorrow
when stood in my widows weeds by his
grave, and saw him buried out of my sight.
"One evening, little more than year af-
ter his death, had been 10 pay parting visit