Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-03-19

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He is so proud and high-spirited, that he
would only resent such an effort as the high
est affront He thinks himself in no danger,
and the person who should tell him he was
would only forfeit his friendship, without effect
ing any good result"
Perhaps not" replied Ellen at may be
he would take it kindly. At all events, the
person would be dischargiug his duty-Some
one surely should warn him"
Suppose Miss Hastings shonld undertake
the Office. / know of no one who would be
! likely to have more influence" said the young
| lady, a little mischicyouSly
Ellen would have thought little of this re-
mark, regarding it only as harmless rallery,
had it not suggested question Of duty.
Would it be possible for me to say any
thing which could have any good effect ?r she
questioned with herself. 81 am almost a
stranger. 1t is but few weeks since we met,
and after few weeks more we shall probably
never meet again. Even should he be offend
ed with me, it could result in no great harm"
After Ellen retired to her own room that
night, the subject was again presented to her
mind, and she felt strong desire to warn the
young lawyer of his danger She half resolv-
ed that she would do it even at the risk of his
than evening when she had been in company
with him, he had appeared quite different the
! last of the evening from what he had been the
former part oft At the time she little thought
that the brilliant sallies of wit which he pour
ed forth, were in no small degree the result of
artificial stimulauts but nov she saw clearly
how it was
A few evenings after, she again met Arthur
at large party. 1t excited no surprise that
he should, early in the evening, quietly make
his way to her side for he had often done it
before But her heart beat as it had never
done on previous occasions, as she thought of
the desire she had cherished to warn him of
his danger. The task had seemed sufficiently
formidable when it had been contemplated in
the seclusiOn Of her own chamber but it now
seemed impossible, as beside her sat the gen
tlemanly, graceful, and dignifed Arthur DUE
ming. 1t did seem almost like an insult to
warn him of danger. Danger of what ? OF
becoming a besotted drunkaid Impossible
That graceful, manly form those searching.
flashing eyes that elevated brow, stamped
with the unmistakable impress of genius he
in danger of such fate 1t must be the hal
Inclination of dSordered brain It could be
nothing more, and she would not cherish it.
As the evening wore on, the wine cup circu-
lated freely. Arthur's face became flushed,
and his eyes flashed with increased brilliancy.
let he stood beside Ellen in the act of pour
ing out another glass
a. 1t is too true | fear" thought Ellen.
Casting a hasty glance around, to assure
herself that she was unobseryed, Ellen follow
ed the impulse of the moment, and placed her
hand over the glass. Arthur turned towards
her, and his inquiring glance demanded an ex-
PLANTATION.
q wouldn't do it," said Ellen pleadngly,
as her eyes met his
"a | wouldn't do it." How those well-re-
membered words thrilled through his yerv soul!
There was now depth of pleading earnest
ness in the voice of the speaker, such as there
had not been on the previous occasions. Ar
thur was coniounded. On those occasions he
knew there had been cause But what ex-
cuse could there now be? and again he ques-
toned, Why not ?"
Because there is danger in the cup" was
answered III the same tone of gentle persua-
SiYeness.
Arthur colored slightly, and replied quick
ly, (" Not for me-"
For all who love it, was the rejoinder
The glass remained untaSted, but Arthur
tlC SNtC vi E@iitH d> SUOH Us tle
could do so without manifest rudeneSS. and he
did not seek an opportunity of speaking with
her again during the remainder OF the evening
This did not escape the observation of Ellen,
and she feared that she had offended him deeply
This fear so distressed her that she was start
led bv the secret that it revealed She could
no longer conceal from herself the fact that
she was beginning to feel deep interest in
Arthur Dunning much deeper than she suppo-
sed. or could have wished
The next day, Arthur sat alone in his Office,
muSing on the events Of the previous evening
The words still rang in his ear, : wouldn't
do it, and again, it is danger for all who
love it y
:. Is it possible that Miss Hastings thinks
NE in danger?" he asked. And something
like indignation stirred within him :" How
could she have induIged such thought-one.
am sure which never occurred to any but
her That should have been so insuIted and
by her too. If it had been any other person.
| could have borne it."
But something within whispered Don't
you love it ? Don't you love it :"
Why yes, | love it, WAS the response
but not enough to be in any danger"
The only answer to this disclaimer, was the
echo Of the words" Don't you lore it -
Dust at this moment friend OF Arthur's
entered the Office Alfred Winthrop was a
young man who stood high in the estimation
of Arthur Dunning. Among all his acquain-
tananeeS, he could not mention one for whom
! he cherished greater respect, or in whom he
repoSed more entire confidence. After some
desultory conversation. Winthrop said,
Il must congratulate you al the new leaf
You turned over at the party hast evening"
What Hew leafs'
suppose you know that you were Bnusu-
ally temperate, and You do DOT need TO be told
that temperance is great virtue