The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1858-04-28
I'm not at all afraid

DO you think SO ? But I ann willing
to risk the chance
Very well, Frank, it is at your peril
my friendship for you will make it quite
impossible for me to become enamored of
Miss Ellen, and run against you homer
bright, and there's not particle of dan
ger there. But womca have u ridiculous
preference for men Of my style, YOU see
I'm thinking aloud, and if your lady love
iorgets you, don't come here and murder
,ue.'
Again, | am willing to risk it, Frank
said laughing, as lie gPzed at the Inimila
Oly foppish Mr.. Tom Wellsby, so it's all
agreed, and | must get on
The young men then shook hands, and
, separated.
Frank Lee remained absent for three
weeks and OF his return looked decidedly
! gloomy. One morning he looked gloom.
/ Ter still, AS he perused letter which his
servant brought from the post Office
lie read the letter agau-folded it care.
fully, placed it in II drawer, and then ris.
{ inS, began to pace up and down his office
buried, it seemed in absorbing and sor-
! rowful reflections.
I lie was interrupted bv the entrance
OF Tom Welisby, who WAS clad in the
height of the fashion, and carried his
whaIebone cane, with exquisite grace as
he stroIIed along.
All! you',e re,U:sred have you, F,...nk?
he said I'm glad Of it, and ] give up
my charge ..... -.
Have YOU fallen in love with her -
SAID t',e young man with All uneasy
laugh, which was painfully forced, why
something must have happened, for YOU
really are blushing, Tom
'Pshaw y replied Mr.. Wellsby, how
can you make sach a charge against me,
don't you know l rogue, as they do in
Paris 4
Andy return me my-my lady love,
heart whole /
Quite replied Mr.. Wellsby, with a
sigh and an undeniable constraint of man
ner, she is really deligh,ful-but can,
stop now-Ive An engagement. Call
soon, my dear delighted TO SEQ
YOU
And Mr.. Wellsby hastened out with
out giving his friend time TO reply. Frank
gazed after him in silence for some mo-
ments; then going into his chamber,
which adjoined the office, be made
rapid toilet aud fastened 10 the fine man
sion OF Mr. Orsin.
Miss Ellen sent word that she was en-.
gaged-would Mr.. Lee please excuse her?
The young fellow gazed at the servant
with perfect bewildcrment, and was only
awaked from his reverie Of surprise, so 20
speak, by the closing door. Then with
an up and down movement. Of the head,
he ret:eaied aud soon reganed his Office.
On the next morning, he called again;
Miss Ellen regretted that she was indis-
posed-a violent headache must be her
excuse for no; seeing Mr.. Lee.
Very well, said the young man com.
pressing his lips, tomorrow shall termi
nate the affair
And duly on the next day he made
his decisive trial. This time Miss Ellen
WAS mot at home and her visitor bowed
calmly with the air Of man who is not
at all asionished. lie walked ten PAGES,
and then quickly turned his head, fixing
his eyes upon Il window which he knew
to be that Of the young lady's chamber.
AS he did so, n corner OF the gauZe cur
tain fell, and an arm with bracelet up.
on the wrist, was quickl Withdrawn
Now, this braceIe. was turquoise which
frank had presented TO Miss Ellen.
The young man went without a wcrd
TO the lodgings of Mr.. Tom Wellsby and
his visit seemed TO disconcert that gentle
man greatly.
WHY, how goes it Frank = he said,
poin ling to a cigar haven't seen you
for three days. Where have you been Z
he added avoiding his friends eye.
Calling upon Miss OrSin,' was Franks
reply, as he declined the cigar.
''Ah! calling upon Mss Orsin, not up
on Ellen = was Mr. Weilsby's rather un.
easv question. .-
i say Miss Ors1,' replied Frank, 'te-
cause having made threo visits, and found
myself turued away at the threshold, l
can no longer count the young lady as
one of my friends
'Ah! is il possible said Tom Wellsby,
coIoring with pleasure, but really, Frank,
tudt u sUdlbcluI.
'Yes-perhaps.'
t.Aud III tell you what is more shame
ful stillr cried Tom, throwing aside his
dressing gown, and rising suddenly, III
make clean breast OF il, Frank and
acknowledge my Disgrace | have been
false friend have betrayed my trust
have gone, day after day, and looked
into those dangerous eyes, and played
, my airs and graces, like u miserable sham
gentleman! and made your sweetheart for
get you--give you up for fellow that's
one ,enth as worthy Of respect | say
I've acted like q scoundrel--that have
no respect for myself--that this lady loves
me, aud love her, there il is I've talk
ed tout miserable bumbug that ! am
and il YOU wish, you may take that stick
: and cane me as deserve 49, Il.
/ The honest fop had quite forgotten his
drawn aud ianguor--his eyes flashed, and
= ~. go. s..n,. .,sat..l,t al ,Oopiv os i,o