Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-05-14

ested, though bad not the vanity 10 suppose
that could interest him. But when he came
his frank. cordial manner pleased me at once.
He was not at all handsome, yet thought he
compared favorably with the other gentlemen
Doesany event happen ever as it is planned?
Very rarely, think; yet in this instance the
course affairs took pleased every one. Whether
it was that Hugh Wilton liked me, or suffered
himself to drift uneoRsciously toward the ha-
ven to which the Others were sailing, could
not tell; but tender and loye-like he certainly
was. He gathered the choicest fruit and
flowers for me. read to me when was weary
of walking, lifted me tenderly over little
streams and damp places, and exercised a
watchful care that was exceedingly pleasant.
We had such delightful conversations, for did
not feel afraid to tell him my thoughts, as Jen-
ME said he was so good.
/ said liked i1im-I dared say no more.
Sometimes dream, wilder than any l had ev-
or cherished, rested for moment in my heart,
and / would shut my eyes until thought and
hope fondly fingered oyerit; then, by strong
effort, would leave the absorbing fancy and
come to real life. All, those were strange
days when the sunshine lay at my feet, and
dared not let it warm my heart. When he
met some one, handsome. and withal winning
as my sister Ada, alas how soon he would for
get me.
That visit seemed whole lifetime to me;
could desire; then came the parting. He was
to take a journey some distance beyond my
brothers, and, therefore. accompanied me.
Jennie was delighted with the apparent sue
cess of her plan. Hugh and were to stand
with her when she was married; "And
then you will go home engaged" she said.
joyfnlly.
The journey with Hugh was a pleasant
one. He was looking forward to the time
XCh hn vic
after my return, he thought, as his business
would detain him but a short time, and lie
gave me to my brother at the railway station.
Was there deeper meaning in his parting
words than was apparent? | thought so
then.
When Arthur asked me about Hugh, my
heart beat tumultuously, and l could feel the
color come and go in my face until feared /
betrayed my agitation; but he was so intent
on telling me how mother had enjoyed her
visit, and how the children had improved, that
l gained courage, feeling my precious secret
was safe.
After while mother and l went to pre-
pare for Ada's return. She came looking low
lier than ever and with a selfpossessiOn fairly
regal, yet she had lost none of her sweetness
and truth. Aunt Wheedon was delighted with
her, and predicted brilliant future charging
her over and over again not to spoil it by mar
rying poor man.
1t was not until she left MS that Ada and /
bad chance to talk as we desired. Then she
told me how well she had enjoyed every thing;
how happy she had been meeting so many
pleasant people, and mingling in such gay
scenes, having lovers to praise one and crafty
the slightest wish; but, after all
''Well?" l said, interrogatively.
Il don't think | should ever meet any one
there that could love much as want to when
l marry. The people seem well enough for
company, but think they lack heart. Iwant
some one deep. fervent and tender. strong of
mind and will, who can love me and vet re-
tain his own individuality. I've been think
ing, May, if it is possible ever to meet such a
person. Perhaps, after all, 1 have dreamed;"
and she sighed little, | thought.
Hugh Wilton was such person.
For weeks after Ada's return we were very
gay. Every evening there was company. and
parties without number filled in with walks
and drives Ada was certainly favorite for
no party seemed complete without her. Amid
all the faces | looked for one that came not
l did not conjecture why Hugh Wilton's few
weeks had woven themselves into two months;
if had asked my heart only painful long
ing could have echoed the question for an
swer. True he had not gone beyond the bonds
of friendship. and in my heart / absolved him
of all neglect, for l could not then have
blamed him. There were weary hours in
which an unquiet shadow paced up and down
memory's halls, saying never a word to break
the sorrowful stiffness.
One rainy November evening Ada and sat
before the glowing CRATE fire, on an otto
man, she on the rug with her sunny head in
my lap. For a rarity we were alone. After
talking awhile she began to say over old bal
lads, in her peculiarly rich, low tone; and so
intent were we in our enjoyment that neither
stirred, though we heard the door bell; then
the parlOr door opened, and the servant said,
Vincent
Ada always answered that name. Now she
rose, shook out her long ringlets, saying,
half petulantly, "Too bad ~ and went for
ward. l paid no attention until the visitor
said. at was Miss Mary Vincent / wished to
see"
That voice! With beating heart | went
forward, and Hugh Wilton took both my
hands in his saying.
II have thousand pardons to ask, and the
same number of apologies to make for wait
ing so long ere | fulfilled my promise, and
hen coming at this unreasonable hour; but
when you have heard me through, perhaps
you will be disposed to have mercy"
said l should be merciful, for knew he
must have good reasons.
He had been detained in his business, for
the suit was carried up to higher court then
it. but il was prolonged almost beyond endur-
ance, and he had just arrived in the city
Rainy as it was, and late in the evening, he
could not resist the wish to come: and after
giving us such proof of his anxiety to see
Us, he hoped the rest would be excused.
| remembered had not introduced him TO
Ada. For "A moment her beauty seemed to
dazzle him, then he turned to me saying.
What were you doing when entered? 1t
for boo, fft,l nj, a. 4:
there, framed. as ii was, by the fire light Let
us go and sit down-it looks so inviting"
We returned to the fire. Ada sat on one
side, L on the other, and Hugh directly in
front; but after few moments he said laugh
ingly,
This is not so pretty a picture as before;
will you let me have your seat, Miss Ada!'
and he rose.
Ada changed places with him.
It's not right YETI he went on. "Sit
down by your sister; and what were you say
ing! Something very low, l think it must
have been love secrets; don't let me interrupt
you"
"Oh no, shouldn't mind you at ALL" Ada
said, a little saucily It's no love secrets,
however, only some old ballads was repeat
ing"
"verses then you will surely go on ont of
pity for me. AS | have nothing bat dull dry
law till am tired. Why don't you resume!"
he continued, after pause.
Ada looked II little surprised at his cool
manner, then replied, archiy,
do not think am very good at obeying."
"O,h he returned, gravely, do you know
that refractory little girls are put in dark
closets, or sent to bed supperless?
I've had my supper, thank You" said she,
laughing triumphantly.
But the closet!"
There are none here;' and she looked
around.
Then | can stand you on stool in the
corner, and pin my handkerchief over your
face
But she met him there with IA little retort.
and they kept up a spirited conversation. she