Litchfield enquirer., 1860-07-05

'CHFIELD, CONN, THURsDA
give me an opportunity to earn SO much, j
would be equally wrong to refuse"
II like your scruples. Mr.. Barnard; AM
take pleasure in assuring you that the sum
mentioned is the same we have always pal,
for work which I'm sure you can d."
"Then I shall be right to undertake it.
He spoke very slowly, but not a look CAM
from the brown eyes to interrupt him; ant
so it was decided be- should 90. %
Uncle Harry mourned the loss of bis pupi
as though he were son. eve shall mis-
you so, my boy. was in hopes you'd staJ
with us; yes, Barney. did hope you ane
my girl would keep stroke well enough t.
row in the same boat all your lives"
Such words might have made Barnard
repent bis decision, and remain long shore
man yet, but that Nelly continued obdurate
as ever. Annie Wilson's winning face would
come between er.aad Barnard; and if bit
ter tears fell upon ber pillow she was onlJ
the more cold and distant in Ills presence
And SO the young man went away, grieved
and almost hopeless, yet wearing the ring
which she gave to him long ago.
Hardly was Edward installed in his new
position when be was called upon to endure
another effusion of grateful thalks. A gen.
tleman, whom Mr.. Wilson Introduced as
Bentley, called at the Office and was unspar
ing in professions of obligations and offers Of
friendly service. Moreover, With much tact
and delieacy, he really did render much aid
to the young stranger in the metropolis.
Edward did not quite understand all this
kindness at first, but Annie Wilson explain
ed the mystery, and, blushhgy, told him
all about it, In return he coufded to her
all his troubles with Ellen; and SO it hap
pened that in writing to Ellen, as she had
promised to do, Annie's letters were filled
with Barnard's praise-he was lall that is
good, noble, brave, and kiid. Annie was
greatly surprised that these lettrs were not
answered thinking she had written pleas
antly and politically; not dreaming that her
words Of admiration would be rs gall and
NORWOOD to the lonely girl on Sandy Hook.
Barnard had been in towp about month,
and was visiting Annie one svesing, when he
was taken into confidence W Bentley-who
was there of course-aud he great secret
was diyuIged to him. The wedding was to
take place on Armies birthday, in February.
"And now" said Bentley, "Annie and l
want you to stand up with Jus, and Annie
says Miss Warden must beone of the BRIDE
maids"
Edward would be only too happy, but
Nelly-that is Miss War cn-he did not
know, perhaps she might Gjcct.
"Oh, you can persuade her, I'm sure"
cries Annie. "At least pa will ask her,
will you not?' 81
Yes, certainly, he woul ask her. And
so the next Saturday fouh him on the way
to Sandy Hook.
Even period so shor as a month. in
city like New York, serNs to effect great
change in the appearance, the mien, Of o
young man, when 6ssi broaght in. enptact
with its influences. The change is not only
in his dress-which sure to be vastly i'm
in his Character, which may be
or thereyrse. In Barnard's case,
associations Of the lest class, surrounded by
the highest refine euts Of civilization. had
given him gracehl suavity. certain air Of
elegance, which he was scarcely conscious of,
but which was veN visible to those who had
known him before. Uncle Harry could hard
ly restrain his adniratiog while Ellen was
timid, little afuid Of the fue gentleman;
but be soon convinced item that the same
honest, manly heart thDbbed beneath the
broadcloth us aforetime ander the Gurnsey
frock. Nelly made Vigorous attempts to be
formal aud distant; but heartfelt pleasure
would make the brown eyes seek the well
come face would give to her manner the old
kindly familiarity. But after supper, when
he intimated that he would like to see her
alone moment, he had an important re-
quest to make, then oil Ter pride returned.
Did he think to subdue Ter in o moment, be-
cause he had grown so refined and handsome;
or did he wish to, make his important re-
quest, in order to satisyhis conscience and
leave him free to take Annie Wilson? Yes,
she would grant the interview, and if he
wished to be free, she v, uld take back her
mothers ring, and never, never part with it
again.
This was the first prarranged tcte-a.te.e
be had ever sought with ier, aud he found it
rather formidable. INDEED he was so much
embarrassed he hardly hew what to say.
II supposed Annie-l nfan Miss Wilson
has told you-that is written to you abou.
the wedding?"
"Wedding?" cries Nelly aghast. II had
not heard. When is it t, be?" .... ...
"On the 9Th Of Febru.ry-Annie's birth
day !,
$50 soonw murmured the stricken girl
$50 soon!" @
Eyes. / hardly thought it would occur SC
early; but the preparations are nearly oil
made, and my request to you is that yor
will be one Of the bridmaids. Annie has
her heart on it, aud perhaps I need not ado
that l too would be very glad if you would.
Poor Nelly! Where was all her prid'
now? Covering upon tie sofa, her little
frame convulsed with soibing, her face hid
den in her hands, she walled out, "Oh, Ed
ward, have 7 deserved tAis?" ....
Deserved" says tie dismayed youth
Chow deserved? Would it be such pun
ishmeut, then, simply to stand up with me?
Don't, Edward. Please don't. It woul,
kill me to see you married. know it would
When your wedding-dg comes, / shall wis
l was in the bottom ofthe ocean,"
'.My wedding-day? See me married? II
| not going to be married. Mr.. Bentley is t
| be tie groom. Oh you dear little blush-ros,
have you betrayed yourself ct last? NJ