The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1857-06-17

anu many were tne ar caStleS Ina
straightway he built.
But soon there appeared rival-ar
own cousin-a splendid town fellow
gay, fippant, of as many colors as the
rainbow, with ribbons enough to stock o
mercer's; inical, pre- tty, conceited and
a fool.
It was biped of the sort that women
like. With his coming, Edward saw all
hope vanish. The fellow kept Minnie's
ear continually; appeared to fascinate
her. Edward at first pouted, then raved,
then scorned; and many hot battle Of
words passed between him and Minnie.
One day he walked up to her abrupt
ly, and said:
Minnie, you must tell me-do you
love me, or not? I want an answer
yes, or mop
Dear me, Edward, how determined
you look. OF course I love you-and
all mankind, hope.'
''There there you are playing with
me again 7
why do you nibble, then at my hook?'
Minnie, you are driving me mad
You are making me desperate. I shall
leave England-flee to the wilds of
America, where, amid the terrible for
ests, the ferocious beasts, the canni-
balls
will they eat you?'
That's right-mock me, Minnie. But
farewell-you shall never see me again.
And off he rushed.
He stayed away whole day, and
Minnie became alarmed. She flew in a
rage at her cousin, Edwards rival, and
drove him away with angry words, and
went to bed that night positively weep
ing.
The next morning at breakfast, there
was no Edward. Minnie was sad and
did not eat. An hour later she went to
his apartment. Its desolate look struck
her to the heart. She began to weep
again. Her merriment and her wit were
all gone.
In an open drawer lay miniature
It was his own. Minnie seized it with
avidity, kissed it, cried over it, as what
woman would not, and ended by putting
it in her bosom. She felt more relieved
after this, and began to hope that he
was not going to America after all.
Still the hours passed without his re-
turn, and she grew more troubled. She
even tho't of going to her father, and
confessing all-and urge him to prevent
Edwards rash purpose.
Almost resolved to this, to her, des-
perate step she was entering the draw
ing room, in an abstracted manner, when
she became aware of Edwards
presence. He was seated in a cool, in
different manner, toying with his cap
For moment Minnie flushed, and an
exclamation of pleasure almost escaped
her lips but in less than a seconds
duration she assumed her usual man
ner.
Dear me you here?' thought we
were rid of you. I was contemplating
the pleasant feast the cannibals had in
store; and congratulating the world
that at last you were likely to prove of
some use to mankind"
L have concluded that the best way
I can be of use to the world, is to stay
and torment you into consumption,
You do torment me into good ap-
petite
sAnd mean yet to torment you into
love-
'Into marriage, possibly, SO that I can
be rid of your
do you know what brought nae back?'
No; and am quite Indifferent
Because you sent away your cousin
Sir Charles
Then I'll have him back in ten min
utes.'
No you won't
'Won'tP'
mo; for in less than ten minutes I
shall have confession from those lips.
Are you mad p
'Madly in love, once; now mad with
Joy, for see victory
He was reclining carelessly on di-
van, and Minnie was standing near.
You are fool, Edward What do
you mean
Mean That you love me, and I
know it,
Love you' love nobody. What's
love to me? I am happy as I am. I
ask for nothing more
you refuse to confess p
Yes
Edward seized her hand.
And do not love mop
when I've lost my wit, and am hope
lessly fool, then think of it,
'And will not marry?'
Not the king himself, if he were
marriageable, and at my feet
Il believe you, for your choice would
be nearer home
I have no choice. Have done with
this absurd talk, Edward. I love no
one
Then what does this mean?'
He snatched the miniature from her
bosom. the cord of which he had detect