The Van Buren press., 1861-04-17
He interrupted her quickly. almost
harshly.

She went away silently, but turning at
the door to say good night. once more. he
fancied lie saw tears glistening through the !!
shadowy black veil over her face.
He started to his feet but thought
seemed to strike him, and he sat down to
his papers again. muttering-" She II make
me make fool of myself. whether will or
no. with that voice and those pleading eyes.
Pshaw q man of my age ridiculous T.
And on went his pen. faster than ever.
Hour after hour passed on, and still he
was bus.iy at work. One-two-three
O'Clock struck. There was sound of bus
tic in the hall below. He heard Alice's
clear, ringing laugh. that laugh that was
like no other. He heard Mr. Bray brooke's
hearty voice. and another--s voice he did
not know.
They came up stairs-Alice. her father.
and tall, elegant looking young man in
uniform.
Mr.. Waring. Capt. Ray" said Mr..
Bray brooke" and then the three began to
talk over the ball. and apparently forgot
the very existence of the writer at the sofa
table.
Jonathan Warnings heart grew full of
bitterness. Alice glanced once toward him
and saw him pale and with compressed lips
Her eye grew brighter. her laugh more
joyous Capt Ray thought her each mo-
lnent more and more lovely.
Refreshments We're brought in, and soon
after the Captain took leave--not however,
before he had promised to call on the NOR
row, and bring Alice book he felt quite
sure she would like.
GO am sorry you sat up for u.s." said
4 Nr loo Al
letters in hand you look quite tired out. 3"
Thank you, but do not feel so.''
1t must have been lonely evening for
you"
:" Not at all was too busy to find i,
either. Good night
=" Goodnight. cousin. How do you like
Capt. Ray ?''
al think he is very elegant man"
Z" So do /; very fascinating. too"
II can we'll fancy it."
:. Good night"
She ran up the stairs alf-way. then tur.
ned and ran down to him again.
cousin Jonathan. will you tell me il
you think l looked nice tonight? Really
l mean--"
"To me you looked just as usual
Well, many people told me H.
"Looked lovely, no doubt and as plen.
ty of others told you SO, there is all tn,
less need for me to do it. Now, good night
Go up stairs you will be tired out, to
morrow, If you do not
Alice, when in her own room, wept bit
terlys~
.' Hc sees that you care for hiri. ant
shuns you. He wants to guard you from
YOURSELF" whirpered bride.
Some weeks had passed away since AL
ices first ball. 1t was the height of ths
season. and Of all the beauties futterin,
nightly from one scene of gaiety to anothe
none we've more admired, more courted thar
the lovely Alice Baybrooke People Dill
say she was bit of Hirt, and perhap.
people were not very far wrong certainl,
her lovers, and she apparently enjoyed thei
admiration to no small degree.
Sometimes "that q6iet Mr.. Waring ,
was seen with herself and her father, bu
not often. No one took much notice O
him. ant he did net keep with Miss Bray
brooke much. unless she happened to be tir
ing herself with dancing too long altoge,h
er. Or resting where there was chill draugh
then, Cousin jonathan was sure to be nea
with kind word of warning, or her scar
ready to put on.
One morning. AS she lay buried in tn,
cushions of q luxurious sofa. trying to reae
q newly published novel, Mr.. Waring cam,
into the room. and struck with the wcaried
listless expression Of her face stopped, an,
asked if she had headache.
1 No. not much, thank you. What tim
is it.
Nearly two. May I sit with Won
little while, Alice? have great zeal t,
say you"
The weary look was gone in . moment
it was very unusual thinging for him t.
ask to stay with her, and it made her colo
sOme.
u He brought chair and sat near her, bu,
where she could not sec his face. H
took up the book she had been reading.
Who sent you this, Alice Which o
the adoring swains %
MIR. Craven sent it to me-"
u Ibid you ever hear an old song Heigh
ho, heigh-ho? I'm afraid too nany %
Hush !" cried Alice, rather psttishly
elf you talk in that way, shall send yo'
away"
He took her hand and held it in both hi
own" My dear little cousin. will you TAX
. word of advice from one who has reall,
your good at heart.
i She neither spoke. nor yet withdrew he
hand.
"You have no mother to watch ove
you, dear Alice. and are placed in what
know must be . very trying position.
am sure you always wish to do right bu,
it is very hard to escape FROM the unkini
remarks of the world. You are verv youna
and very lovely, many envy You. many cen
sure you"
II He paused a moment, and Alice hid he,
face upon the arm of the sofa.
"Do not think me presuming. dear al.
ice. in speaking thus /; We are old friends
1--WE skall always bs friends. shall ".
not ?''
i Her fingers closed on his.
Remember yuu have much to answer
for-many responsibilities. Above all
take care that you do not make others. nm
happy or triae with affection. which, if trus
is more priceless than all the wealth of ,h,
world. You know what I mean, Alice p
i Yes
do not raise hopes unless you mean ,e
fulfil them"