The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-07-01


er said to me: 20 ..ii
"Your Aunt Hastings was here today,
and she said that John Blaikle was fin
ishiug his house on the bill. Did you
hear anything about it at the pinnicF = !
NO." said, scarcely above whisper
"And she said if Fanny was going to
marry John, she kept it dreadful sly for
besides piecing few squares of patch
work, she had not made the first step to-
wards getting ready. What do you think
about it p uoa .aa a.e
"I think she will be ready as soon as
the house is" | answered, turning my
face towards the window, that she might
not notice the expression of my features.
"Well, take it altogether, Bessie, It's
queer piece of business.
| did not answer, only let my forehead
droop low upon the window seat. Seeing
this, mother came up to me, and resting
her hand upon my head, said:
"Poor child y #,. a.
How from my heart blessed her for
her quiet sympathy The next two
weeks that followed were sad and tedious
ones to me. ..s..a
Every way that | turned, news of John
Blaiklie's approaching marriage. Cous-
in Fannie herself, who had always been
very prudent about it, seemed pleas
ed in telling me of the arrangements
that were going on up at Johns new
house-of this piece of furniture he had
selected, of the carpets which had been
left to her judgment exclusively, and of
the beautifully toned soraphine that
Johns uncle had presented him for the
little parlor ."
"You will be very happy" l said ole
day, in answer to ali this. .
Fannie looked up suddenly into my
face. [ thought quizzieal expression
drifted across her features g..
How pale you look, Bessie" she said
"What is the matter with you 2"
Nothing, | am sure" [ answered,
with some little show of spirit.
81 am glad of it; but, indeed, you do
look downright i'll. Won't you go up to
the new house with me to o-night-per-
haps that will make you feel better |
believe you keep too closely it the house.
But you need not shake your head; you
will go, John will be there, and we will
have a pleasant time of it." a~. 4s
And | went in spite of myself, altho'
every step towards the house that was
once to have been mine, was like very
torture to me. 0, what pleasant house
it was and how simply and tastefully
furnished, from the cunning, neatly
grained kitchen to the well-carpeted par
lor Everything was just as had plan
ued it a hundred times, in laughing
jocose way to John Had he indeed re.
membered it all on purpose to torture me
with it now? 1t seemed SO.
"Do you like the house, Bessie p be
asked, SIS if diviuing my very thoughts.
"Very much indeed" | Answered.
"Everything is neat and tasteful Is i,
too early to wish you joy 2" l asked, feel
ing that he was expecting me to say
something.
mo, not too early, but it.may be too
late" -sa.
[ looked up into his face Its express
sion puzzled NE.
II do not understand you very clear
ly," | said. But never mind" | added,
noticing that Fannie had gone from the
room. Il have wretched headache
tonight, and hardly know what / am
saying" t... .v..-
Headache when all the time it SEEM
ed as if my heart was breaking
"Where is Fannie p I asked, mo-
ment after, seeing that she did not return
"Gone home" he answered, in the
coolest tone imaginable. .
"What, and left me herew
eyes, and left you here !! Are you
frightened ?" .n...
"Not much-my poor head-I VIII 60. )"
"Wait a moment, if you please" be
said, OBTAINING me. 81 have something
to say to you"
Something to say to me! Did he know
that every kind word that he spoke 20 me
pierced my heart like a barbed arrow?
This house is yours, if you wish it,
Bessie" he began, in a slightly embar-
rassed way. II am afraid you made a
in casting me off forever.
1t seems to me that | know your heart
better than you know it yourself"
[ looked up into his face It seemed
to me that I was dreaming. | told him
50, between my sobs and tears 20
"God forbid!' he said, taking both roy
hands in his. "But the past summer
has been wretched reality of doubt and
despair to me. Tell me, Bessie, is it
ended here p a.w ett a
| could not answer him in words, only
I pressed closer to his side, and nestled
my hands fondly in his. 5 lo f.