The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1856-01-09


me the secret YOU were SO anxious to COM
municate," said Margaret, mischleyously,
managing TO cut of his retreat to the door.
IL is mot lats-pray return and make me
the c0nfdeace you desired
| Poor. Mr. Myers looked really alarmed.
mot to-night--not TO night he exclaim-
ed, hurriedly trying to effect an exit, and find.
ing his attempts were frustrated by Mar
garets nanoeuyres. I" Ii was mere trife--
quite mistake-any other time will do"
And at last gaining the door by swift and
deItous movement, he fairly fled before the
advancing Medusa, who still pertinaciously
urged the revelation Of the promised secret.
As the hall door closed on him, siargaret's
merry peas Of laughter brought her cousin
to her side. and the whole late scene was
faithfully rehearsed for Phebe's amusement.
While the merrinlent Of the giddy girls was
at its height, and Margaret was Just showing
how MIR. Myers tried to dodge her at the
door, another ring announced another visitor.
There that is surely Winthrop North,
your other admirer," cried Phebe.
Margaret's laughter suddenly died away:
she grew very pale, aud turnod to fly preci-
ptately to her own loom. Thither she went,
only pausing on the stairs long enough TO de-
eide by the sound Of his footsteps, that il was
indeed Mr.. North. Phebe follow ed her.
In vain Margaret endeasored to effect the
continuance. of her late merry humor. Her
uncomfortable agitation revealed even TO the
unsuspecting Phebc. that the question she
wa. now about to test. was to her a-far diff
ferent one from the last. Perceiving this, she
sought 10 divert her friend from her inten-
tion, But Margaret was determind to carry
her whim out-saying, 81 II il is fair for one,
il 10 fair for the other-the love is worthless
that will not bear my test" She desired
Phebe, however, to go down and see Mr..
North, inform him Of her intention Of receiy-
| ing his visit, and prepare him for ! change
\ in her appearance.
Phebe soon returned from her errand, land
then. Margaret, gathering up her fortitude and
composure, descended the stairs.
Notwithstanding the amusement she had
derived from Mr.. Myers precipitate retreat,
its lesson had not been lost upon her; she
tremblcd for the result oi her wild stratagem,
for though unconiessed TO all, even 20 herself,
the secret oil her heart now revealed itself to
her, by the tumult which agitsted her bosom
when she thought Of how much she had staked
on that venture.
On reaching the parlor door, she paused
with her hand on the lock-she wished for
one moment more to cs,m the beatinys Of her
heart, but while she yet fingered, the lock
turned beneath her hand, and Winthrop
North stood before her face TO face.
Inyoluntarily. Margaret sought 10 conceal
her dlsiigured countensnce in her hands, but
she was TOO late, Mr. North had seen all.
With a tenderness, such as he. had never
yet manifested toward her. lie drew her arm
within his and led her 20 a sofa-telling her
Of the snriety he had felt during her illness,
and Of his thankfulness and JOY in her reco-
very. Other words he said Of still tenderer
import, but Margaret scarce enders,ood-
scarce dared listen to them; she was saving
to herself over and over again" lie has not
yet seen me--he will change when he sees
me-" 80 entirely had her feelings entered
into the situation he had assumed, that she
actually turgot that she was playing part.
The blessed words she dared not accent as
hers, were still failing on her ear. and at last
she exclaimed in desperation
"Stay-you have not yet--looked at me.
J am greatly changed. pray-pray know the
worst"
tis true that hithsrto. from motive of
dclicacy. Winthrop had relrained from look
ing at Margaret's altered face; but he now
turned his esss full upon her, saying in his
cordial. manly way
I" Margaret, there is no ,rorsf to me, where
you are concerned. Chsnge-aiter as you
may. you will ever be 10 me bsss--dearcst.
do not weep, my love-your face. though il
vas pleasant 10 look upon. did not gain nv
affections; they were wen by something bet.
ter--yaur noble. generous nature, which is
still left you. and of which no misfortune can
deprive you. Dear Margaret, tell ms that
have not loved in vain"
hut Margaret was unable 20 speak, so
Violently sas she weeping-happy, blissful
tears they were, but they compelled her ID
ily from the apartment 10 regain her eUmpo.
sure.
On reaching her own room, however, she
lost mol nonent in digging from her the
DISCUSSES which dis6gurrd her. The red
disappeared irom her nose, the yellow from her
teeth, aud the patch from her eye 10 a mar
SclUusls short space u time. Her rich, beau.
tiul hair was released from the ugly cap, and
ioldcd simply roand her elsgsLtly formed
head. A white robs replaced the shapeless
Wrapper; excitement had brsu.kt q bright
color to her cheeksj bat the tears were vet
sparkling IN her clear brswn eyes, as She
rrappearcd before her lover.
Winthrop North ~ss pacing ap and down
the room when she catered; sLs approached
him unpereei,sd, and laying her hand on liz
arm, looked up 10 his face.
Winthrop turned aud gazcd al her in as.
tonshment. Never had she looked SO per.
lectly lovely. Tears aud smilss--tenderness
and mcrriment. were struggling for mastery
in her bright face.