Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-11-19

cy anything is better than this suspense"
I" NV moor Lucy, THE rascal has-hang
it can't tell you p he exclaimed take
the letter"
Lucy read it rapidly, and as she read, her
cheek became pale as marble. The letter
dropped from her hands, but she made no re-
mark He was married She had, unknown
to herself, cherished hope of his returning
worthy of her love, and now all her hopes
seemed hlighted for ever.
Mr.. Harley was so much vexed that he
threatened that John should never touch a
penny of his money" He would never own
him but Lucy found means to soften him
little by her gentle remonstrances.
After his quarrel with Lucy, John Harley
started for Liverpool, and had there been in
troduced to gentleman who agreed to accept
him as a partner on more advantageous terms
than the former offer at Bristol. He met with
a pretty, shewy girl, and piqued at Lucy's
rejection, made her proposal, which vas ac-
cepted, and like many other rash young cou-
pies who marry in haste, We fear they repent
ed at leisure.
day or two after the announcement OF
Johns marriage, Lucy was sitting in her usual
gers and cheerful face as of yore. She was
very pale, and the shade of sorrow in her eyes
and frncr compression of her lips made her
look FIVE years Older than she did few short
months ago She was then happy glrl-slio
was now a calm, d;gnfed woman grief had
matured her. She did not sink into hopeless
apathy, as many weaker-minded girls have
done, but rose into more thoughtful and ho-
" nature She had lost the object she had
placed her hopes On, and now size felt that her
happiness must grow out Of the joys OF others
that her future life should be passed in ab-
negaton of self, and in promoting the welfare
Of those among whom her lot shouid be cast.
She was reused from her reyerle by foot
step, and looking up, saw the gaunt figure OF
Miss Prney slowly advancing up the gravel
led path She dreaded the bitter, sarcastic
sentences which she anticipated from the old
maid, but could not avoid her. and made Up
her mind to bear the food of eloquence which
she felt sure she should have poured npon her.
Miss Primley entered with Il less firm step
than usual and came up to Lucy without
speaking, and imprinted kiss on her brow
Lucy was aStOunded she had never been SINH
larIy favored before Int her establishment
grew deeper as the old lady said, in soitened
voice, know ali, Lucy. That rascal-Lnt
never mind, won't abuse him now. My poor
child, you have had a sore trial. DON'T check
your tears, Lucy, they will ease the heart
You arc surprised to have any sympathy from
the stern old maids it not so All, Lucy
your trial has brought back my own. | was
not always cold aud repulsiye, but / suffered
much, and ! fearI did not take my affection
in the right way. ] closed my heart TO all and
eucaSed myself in such frigid, unoving apa-
thy, that | have rcpeed the Kindness which,
| believe w0nd have shown me, and estrang
ed all nv fellow creatures from me. If your
idol is taken it is in mercy, Lucy do not,
therefore, turn it TO curse, as have done"
Large tears stood in Miss Primlev's eyes,
and her usually strong voice tre;nbled with
emotion. 1t was Lucy's turn to become the
comforter. When the old lady left, Lucy felt
that she had friend. She had respected and
liked her before, but now that the veil she had
so securely cast over the temple of her inner
life was drawn aside, Lucy knew that warm
but tried heart beat under that stiff form.
Five years have passed since we left Lucy
smartiug under her great disappointment
those years have passed lightly over her, you
would say, as you gazed on ber calm, sweet
brow, thoughtful eyes, and expressive mouth.
She is still in the old house Mr.. Harley is
gathered to his fathers, and she stands alone
in the world He left her a modest comre
tence, and the home she had become attached
to, aud the rest of his property to his son.
John and his wife had been to see Mr. Har-
ley, and Lucy wept to see how her young
hearts idol had fallen. The traces of habi-
tual dissipation were visible in his counte-
nance, and his still handsome features had
very disasreeab!e expression. His wife was,
pretty and amiable, but weak in character,
and had scarce any Influence with her husband.
Lucy was now looking forward TO a quiet,
cheerful life, for her domestic tastes prevented
her from seeing much society. She had few
friends whom she was much attached to, and
she had not much wish to extend her ac-
quaintaHce. Her nature was warm and sin
cere, but not very demoRstrative ; she did not
form hasty friendships but where she loyej II
was with lasting affection She improved
her residence in many ways she hou an ar
tstic taste and the little garden vas orite
gem among its dusty tyookng reigtbor:. True
taste can accomplish great dea. with little
expenditure, and Lucy'S humbl.. abode was %
beautiful as many costly '.ransion, for every
thing was in perfect keeping there was no
attempt at Cstentatoos show but all was sim.
pie aud chaSte. She intended cnltivatiug her
talent for music, Of which she was intensely
fond, and with her books and flowers her life
seemed ii6e!y to flow Oh in calm. peaceful
current. Alas it was soon to be disturbed.
One morning q letter came from Mrs. Har-
ley ; it was as follows -
nr, u | - ~.
request to inform you of his Illness. He is, I
fear, in very dangerous state. Our medical
man says he fears his constitution is giving
way rapidly. Business affairs have not gone
well lately, and he has had deal of anxiety.