Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1858-08-19

Him who is ever ready to receive the penitent.
Elmer's conpanionship and counsel were Of
great benefit to me- BY degrees, learned to
Il ok upon him as dear friend but the thought
of his being ANYTHING, nearer never occurred to
me. Judging from my experience on the sub
! irct, | thought love mental hallucination.-
/ Some writer has remarked, "there is no anguish
J like that Of an error of which we are ashamed, F"
and felt this truth deeply. regarded Ru.
pert as a brother and therefore great was my
surprise when informed by my father that he
had asked his consent to address me. The old
gentleman had assured him Of his warmest
wishes for his succC IS and although he forbade
| to urge me, saw that his heart yearncd to
embrace him as a son. Firmly resolved, as |
believed myself not to accept him, could not
bring myself suddenly 10 disappont parent
whom | loved so fondly, and avoided giving
direct answer
Perplexed and sorrowful, left him, and
sought relief in the open air. Stepping out Of
the door, found myself in the very spot where
| had parted with Lawton just eight months
before. 1t was a lovely month Of June ; but
was too perturbed to notice its beauty Rest
lessly paced the piazza, unable to define my
own feelings or to form any settled determina-
ton the more thought, the more my first
resolve wavered ! considered the character
of my lover in every position of life firm as u
rock when duty required, yet on every other
occasion ready to sacrifice his own pleasures to
promote the happiness of Others | dwelt npon
his strict integrity, his manly honor and deli
cacy, his warm friendship.
90 4 voice pronounced my name, and he was
by my side | did not tremble my heart felt
warmer, hut It's motion was net quickened. I
did not Withdraw my hand as he drew it within
his Own-in short, my love, there was nothing
romantic in the whole affair We walked be-
meath the bright moon, and conversed calmly
and seriously npon the proposed change in our
prospects All my agitation, the etfec: of ire
solution was gone. | refused to give definite
reply bnt he was not very unhappy when We
re-entered the house.
A" At the end of the time had asked for de-
liberation, during which had reflected much
and solemny, | yielded my consent and, q
few months after, took the name of him whom
| now loved and honored more than any human
being With a full sense of onr frailties, and
an humble dependence upon One who could
alone make our life one of peace and happiness
we entered upon our new state and | can say
that my lot has been happy, far more delight
ful than | deserve"
But Lawton," said drawing a lcng breath
" did you ever meet him again Perhaps you
would have been equally hlest with him."
She shook her head with half sad smile.
al have seen him but my cup was none
the less sweet after our meeting. About two
years ago, we were returning from visit to
Ruperts relations, who reside in the State of
New York The fashionable summer season
was Just over and the steamboat, as it ploughed
its way through the noble Hudson, carried
crowd of living beings within its bosom. We
were seated on the upper deck, enjoying the
cool breeze that sprung up at sunset, and ad-
miring the splendid view spread on both sides
of us, when | discovered that | had left my
retjcule in tie ladies' saloon. Rupert Instantly
offered to look for it, and went below accord
ingly. Just as he disappeared, became con-
Scious that pair of eyes were surveying me
from the other side of the boat. with q gaze
more eager than polite or agreeable. At
length, annoyed by the pertinacous and con-
tinued stare, raised my head and looked the
owner OF the Orbs fully in the face. There was
something strangely familiar about his conn
tenance. Where had met him before That
he was an acquaintance I coud not doubt. My
glance perhaps expressed this conviction, for
he arose and approached with smile. knew
him well enough now that smile brought back
a thr0ng of recollections.
Forgive me but can he mistaken in sup
posing that address Miss HaIland p
Mr. Lawton, believe" said as he offer
ed hi, hand.
Il was perfectly selfpoSSeSScd, and must
have appeared far less delighted at the recog-
milton than he did. He probably had not alter
ed much but he was so unlike Lawton the
ideal that | did not wonder had not observed
him before To my no longer blinded eyes he
was less stately and graceful his eyes wero
keen. but not so beautiful as of old his voice
had little of the melody that had once thrilled
my heart his smile and teeth alone seemed the
same. With an air of easy assurance he drop
ped into the vacant seat beside me.
1ou have not changed | have been watch
ing you for the last half hour in the vain hope
of attracting your attention, and had become
almost savage in my intentions towards the
happy fellow who seemed to interest you SO
! completely. Pray who is he ? Here he comes
again"
"With sensation of proud satisfaction, l
introduced " My husband, Mr. Elmer"
Both gentlemen bowed one with an air Of
Surprsc-thc other thought, rather distant
ly. Before could form any conjecture as to
the cause of this coldness, Elmer turued to me
met with a friend just now to whom
, wish to introduce yon-Mrs. Lawton, Your
lady, presume, sir "
Lawton nodded.
/ promised to conduct yon to her pursu-
/ ed Rupert " / tried to induce her to como
upon deck but she feared you wonld not think
it prudent addressing her lege lord. She
/ looks delicate; is she an invalid ~
Not particularly Like most ladies. sha
imagines herself nervous and ILL., | do not
oppose her coming into the air. For my part
! | Monld not he cnnfncl To thai hot salnnn y