The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-11-08

''sN WV bNioiO hV bNei - u""s' :" WV
house, all the inmates had given Charles
Foster Us lover Of his young cousin !;
and she, when rallied on the subject, cried
fe and pish and shaw and wondered
how people could talk such nonsence-and
liked to have such nonsencc talked to her
better than any thing in the world.
Affairs were in this state, when one night
Jane appeared even graver and more thought
full than usual, and far, far sadder. She
sighed deeply; and Patty-for the two sis
tiers occupied the same room-inqulrcd what
allied her.
She burst into tears, whilst Patty hung
over her and soothcd ber. At length, she
rousei herself by a strong effort, and, turn
ing away from her affectionate comforter,
said in low tone
Il have had great vexation tonight,
Patty; Charles Foster has asked me to mar
ry him.
Charles Foster? did you say Charles Fos-
tcr?' asked Patty, trembling, unwilling to
turn even her own senses against the evidence
of her heart.
'Ycs, our cousin, Charles Foster
And you have accepted him !? inquired
Patty, in hoarse voice.
'0h, no-no-no! Did you think had
forgotten poor Archibald? Besides, am
not the person whom he had ought to have
asked to marry him, false and heartless as
he is; would not be his wife, cruel, un.
feeling, unmanly as his conduct has been.-
No not if he would make me queen of
England y
You refused him, them?
NO; my father met us suddenly, just as
was recovering from the surprise and lndig-
nation that ut first struck me dumb. But
shall refuse him most certainly-the false,
dcceitful, ungrteful vilain'
poor father, he will be disappointed. So
will mother
They will be disappointed, and both an
cry; but not at my refusal. Oh, how they
will despise him. added Jane.
Poor Patty, melted by her sisters sympa-
thy, and touched by an Indignation most un-
usual IN that mild and gentle girl, could no
longer command her feelings. but threw her
self on the bed in that agony of passion and
grief which the first great sorrow seldom fails
to excite in the young heart.
After awhile she again resumed the con-
ycrsation.
we mdst not blamc him too severely
Perhaps my vanity made me think his stten-
tiops meant moro than they really did, and
You had all. taken up the notion. But you
must not speak OF him soynkindly. Hc has
done nothing but what is natural. Yon are
30 much bettcf and wiser than am. my own
dear Jane lie laughed and talked with
mc-but he felt your goodness; and he was
right. ! was never worthy of him, and you
are and il it were not for Archibald,
should rejoice from the bottom of my heart,
continued Patty. sobbing, 'ii you would ac-
cept-,' but unable to speak her generous
wish, she burst into fresh flood Of tears :;
and the sisters, mutually and strongly affect
cd, wopt in each others arms and were COM
forted.
That night, Patty cried herself to sleep,
but that sleep is not Of long duration. Be-
fore dawn she was up, aud pacing with rest
less irritablity the dewy grass walks Of the
garden and orchard. In less than half an
hour, light elastic step-she knew the
sound wcll-canc rapidly behind her; a
hand-oh, how often had she thrilled at the
touch OF that hGnd tried to draw hers un-
der his own; whilst well-known voice ad.
dressed her in the soitest and tendcrcst nc.
cents and tones.
.Patty-my own swee. Patty have you
thought of what | said to you last night?
Said to mc?' replied Patty with bitter
ness.
AYE, to be sure-to your own dear self 7!
DO you not remember the question asked
you, when your good father-for the tirst
time unwelcomc-.joined us so suddenly that
you had no time to say Yes and will you
not say yes now?'
MIR. Foster, said Patty, with some spirit,
you are under u mistake here II was to
Jane that you made the proposal last eve
ming, and you are taking me for her this very
moment y
Mistake you for your sister! Propose
to Jane Incredible Impossible! You
are !jestng!'
Then he mistook Jane for me last night,
and he is no dcceiyer.' thought Patty to
herself, as with smilcs beaming through her
tears, she turned at his reiterated prayers,
and yielded the hand he sought to his pres
sure.
'llc mistook her for me lie had deiied
us to pcrplcx him,
And so it was AN unconscious and unob-
served change of place, as either sister re-
sumed her station beside little Betty. who
had scampcrcd away after glow worm, ad-
ded to the decpcned twilight and the lovers
embarrassment, had produced the confusion
which gave poor Patty night of misery, to
be followed oy alifetimeo Of happiness. Jane
was almost us glad to lose lover as her sis
ter was to regain one. Charles has gone to
his fathers, to make preparations for his
bride.
Archibald has taken great nursery gar.
den, and there is some talk in Aberleigh that
the marriage Of the two sisters is to be cele-
brated ON the same day.