Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-09-23

nounced her intention Of returning home the
first of the ensuing week.
ihey all entreated for longer visit, but
hnding their entreaties unavaling, expressed
their regret and then there was an embar-
RAISING pause.
Mrs. Rathburn waited expectantly, too we'll
assured that her darling Edith would be the
favored one invited to accompany her home,
to find any anxiety.
Edith was no less certain than her mother
Of being the favorite Of the lady and was com
posing graceful sentence of acceptance Of
the anticipated invitation. Eva also looked
conscious, and toyed with her bracelets.
Annie, only. had no hopes, no plans.--
Since the night of Wilie's death, she had not
exchanged more than two or three sentences
with Mrs. Lothrop. and she alone uttered no
regrets at the announced departure, or en-
treaties to remain longer.
Mrs. Lothrop continued
81 believe you were so kind. Mrs Rathburn,
as to promise that one Of these Young ladies
should accompany me home? Annie" turn
ing to her, "will you do me the favor to ac-
company me- will do everything in my
power to render your visit pleasant. Can you
be ready by Monday :"
The young girl was too much astonished
and bewildered to reply.
Mrs. Rathburn, white with rage and dsap-
pointment, made an excuse for leaving the
room. She was shortly followed by Edith
and Eva. The former burst into tears Of jeal-
ousy and modification the moment she reach
ed her mothers room, while Eva gave free
vent, in words to her indignation.
When alone with Annie, Mrs. Lothrop
leaned over her, and said, archly:
Come with me, my child. and will prove
to you that my umbrella is large enough, and
strong enough, and blue enough to protect
you, both now and always. if you will permit
it although" she continued earnestly, IL
trust you have found the Better Ones" look
ing inquiringly into the young girls eyes,
and reading Alright the serene glance that told
of heart at peace with its Maker.
She resumed ! cannot fully explain to you
the reasons for my strange conduct during the
time have known you; but when you shall
understand them, think you will forgive me
for all the unhappiness have directly OF in
directly caused you. Suffice it to say, that |
knew you instantly the first morning | saw
you, from your strong resemblance to your
father. followed you few steps, to intro
duoe myself, when | accidently overheard your
vealed much to me--more than you thought
and my plan was instantly determined up
on"
They continued a conversation, till il was
interrupted by the arrival of Mr.. Kirkwood,
who had been absent for few days.
Mrs. Lothrop met him in the library. AZ
ter informing him of her departure, she said
81 fear you will be disappointed, Eustace,
xphp I,
is to accompany me home
A glow Of undisguised pleasure illumined
the gentleman's face.
81 am glad of it," he replied, heartily.
Mrs. Lothrop was astonshed for she had
believed him interested in Edith; and she
looked at him inquiringly.
He replied to the glance frankly.
ut is true; cannot deny it. Annie, with
all her GOODNESS and reserve, interests me far
more deeply than Edith, with her beauty and
brilliancy"
Mrs. Lothrop's face expressed her pleasure
at this avowal.
He continued 81 must confess to you,
however, my dear aunt, humiliating as is the
fact, that this young girl is ice so far as re-
CARDS myself. 1t is evident she dislikes me-"
"Ice will thaw," replied Mrs. Lothrop,
with smile. "You will have an opportunity
at Oakwood to endeavor to conquer this dis
like"
Monday morning came, and the three de-
parted. The carriage was watched from the
windows till it disappeared from view, by
Mrs. Rathburn and her daughters, with feel
ings of inexpressible jealousy and bitterness.
They said to themselves and each other, that
they had been deceived aud injured. They
felt no gratitude for, or pleasure in, the ele-
giant and valuable gifts Mrs. Lothrop had be-
slowed upon each of them.
In the new atmosphere of love and kind
ness in which she now lived. Annie gradually
became different being-although never the
gay, laughter-loving girl she would have
been, had sorrow never touched her.
She never returned home. She became as
a daughter to Mrs. Lothrop and only left her
to become near neighbor-the mistress of
the beautiful mansion adjoining, and the hap
py, honored bride Of Eustace Kirkwood.