Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1858-12-07

writing Jack was getilng down some
volumes, and as the one / wanted was be-
yond my reach, | ventured to ask him to
I get II for me. II was under his hand the
moment | spoke. He came down the
steps without 1t. and stood directly before
me, staring inio my face:
/ Pray, who was your last water?" be
said, Its an honor l decline
| Edward slrode forward, seized him by
the collar, and shook him until his teeth
rauled
Now, you monkey" he said, < climb
those steps this instant, and down with the
book Or, no Agnes may not like to
take il from slch unmannerly hands : l
will get it for her myself"
He gave it TO me with a kind bow, and
glance of apology toward Jack. who
capped from the room quite afraid of my
fierce defender.
Il was Charles turn TO meet with re-
proof next. He was asking LetitIa what
had become of his coat. | happened to
know. and she did not. / replied:
The tailor has taken it TO alter. He
wished to know if you wanted the sleeve
cuffs velvet lined. Do you know, Charles?'
He deigned me no reply. | cared
much more for him than for Jack, feI
myself flush painfully as / said
Il only asked because he is coming
again and desired word to be left about
it,
As usual, fed TO nv room to conceal
my tears. But | wes afraid | might be
missed if | staid too long, and thus excite
Edward 5 dangerous compassion. | wash
cd my eyes, and FASTENED down to find
my brothers in loud and high dispute,
which hushed as | entered. | knew "
the look OF hate which Charles bestowed
on me, that | was the suEiecr of it. saw
too plainly that Edwards championship
was doing me no good, and that | was
sowing dIssension IN the family. | must
60 way. This state of misery was kill
ing me. | had become so weakly ner-
vous that anything sudden or unexpected
made me scream out or faint away. |
could no. bear this much longer, and live.
even though Edward kindness had filed
nay whole heart with boundless gratitude
and love for him. While | was irving to
summon courage 10 consult him on the
subject of my future residence, he was
suddenly called away from home for some
weeks. The time Of his absence was q
time Of Interest trial TO me.
One Of his friends, a DR.. E, Of
ten visited at the house, and entering IN
TO Edwards feelings Of pity for my for
iorn state, (Which he perceived as clear
Iy as if he had been told it in words, be
often showed me little polite auentious.-
They soon became 10 me the sunbeams Of
my win,ry weather. After Edward left
home. his trieLd still came. | felt con-
scious ard Joyful; bat alas it was not
long before / saw change in his man
ner towards me. lie grew cold and dis
tant | often saw him regardit z me Gu
riously, with a regreIful expression, as if
the suspicion OF my uuworlhiness were be-
ginning 10 take root. This grieyed ne
past telling.
He had bunch Of pretty wild flowers
in his hand one day when he came-the
last blossoms Of autumn. He had always
brought them for me, before; but now,
when | expected them. and was so foolish
as to look glad when saw them, think
ing THAI, after all, he was not turning
from me, he gave them to Leti,ia, with n
air that seemed to say, = You need not
suppose they are for You
/ was 50 weak and so overwhelmed
with shame and grief, that for a moment
| felt FAINT, | sank down upon the sofa,
and Letie famed me. Just then Chales
came IN.
This actress is at her Interesting
tricks again :" he sneered. - Don't
waste your lime and sympathy on her
She Wi! come to quick enough if you re-
tire and leave 10 one to admire her airs =
Il do think she is i'll, Charles" said
Lettie, see her poor white lips"
Perhaps-tut If DR.. p, had
not been here as witness, she would not
have tainted"
l sprang uP-my nerves stuug to spas
modiC effort - and ran for the door
Charles low laugh sounded in my ears.
| reached my room, but fell again upon
The foor, where quietly lay until felt
stronger.
knew lhat comments would be made
upon sudden recovery. They would say
the sickness was all pretence. DR.. =
| hoped would think 50 yes. hoped i,
for If my fainting was not ." counter
felt, what Interpretation mus! he pul up
on il? Unsought love? ? This IS the
crime that woman fears most Of all
Ny shame and misery were more than
| could bear. l did not leave my room
again for a week. beng quite feverish
and I'll. But ] determined 10 be down on
/ Thanksgiving Day, when Edward was
expedted home aud when the day came
with all lis bus;ie and preparation for
guests and their reception, l was so much
better that | dressed to be present for
J kN hon tr1..-1
room that dinner was served, | hasiened
down, wondering that Edward stould
have arrived without my knowing il. since
had spent most OF the morning listening
for him on the slairS. | did not think
they would have dined without him, and
| had to Try hard to keep my JOY, { the
idea OF seeing him again, within bounds.
As quietly entered the dining room,