Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-11-27
WHOLE NO. 41O.

must TAX your patience once more,
he said, also in lower voice, to show
you one thing more. Do you mind
coming with me?'
But week ago she would have gone
with him to the end of the world. Be-
cause he had been unkind-nay, only
because he loved Isabella-should she
refuse so small courtesy !? and surely
he needed some advice, for truly and
without mistake he was pale and almost
agtated now. Perhaps he thought Isa-
bella over forward and bold. She could
assure him she had good heart at bot
tom, though careless of speech and self
willed in manner.
She rose from the seat in which she
had been resting and trying not to look
listess, and followed him. Mrs. Penn
broke would have gone with them, but
Mr.. Sanford said, what have to show
is only intended for Miss Pembroke, and
her mother let her go.
He led her across short passage, and
paused before a closed door.
This is Blue Boards chamber he
said, then turned the lock and entered a
pretty room-small, indeed, but perfect
of its kinda lady's sitting room, with
work table, writing apparatus, and even
furnished work box open on the table.
He led her in and closed the door.
She betrayed no surprise as she looked
quietly round, then turned to him and
raised those sweet brown eyes, so true to
the heart within, kind, lorgiving and
gentle.
You wanted me- she said with digni-
ty. She had no wish for te:e.a. .tetes
with other girls lovers, and showed that
she had no intention to lengthen out the
interview.
i wanted to know if you thought my
wife could be happy here p
IF she really loves you.' she said, af-
ter pause, which she had pretended TO
spend in surveying the apartment, 9th
erwise even such pretty room as this
will fail to make her happy
AYE, if she loves me- he said. SAL
though | admire her more than my life,
and respect her more than ! admire her,
| begin to doubt whether she loves me-
She will not give you any doubt if
you make yourself sufficiently under
stood
i have often said that never would
make an offer of marriage unless certain
OF being accepted. / find now that il
was an idle boast no man can be cer-
tain on that point, though of another still
more important | am certain.
what point ? asked Mary innocently.
OF the merit of her | love; of her
sweet temper, spiritual frmness, and fem
mime delicacy.'
Mary knew that love is blind, yet she
was little surprised at such very inap-
praise.
And in what way do you wish me to
help you?' asked Mary.
Satisfied on all these points, want
you to enlighten me on that | do not
know. Mary, does she love me !?
i do not know, said Mary, simply.
you do know
Il am not my cousins confdant.'
But are you not your own Mary,
can you forgive my little deception +?
You must know that every chair and
able in this house was bought and chos-
IN for you-that the house was built for
1ou.'
'But Isabella stammered Mary.
is engaged to my cousin, said Mr..
'andford. You need have no appre-
tensions about her.
Was it well to put me to this trial? P
aid Mary. You do not know what
ave endured
Not kind, perhaps, and altogether
elfsh; but, Mary, never should have
onored you half so mueh--never have
nown all your worth, if l had not car
ed out my idle whim.'
Not idle-cruel, said Mary.
Dear GIRL he whispered, drawing
oser, forgive me, for l cannot repent.
only love you a hundred times more
ian | did last week. Come and let me
k your father for you, for my house is
rnshed, and / am impatient to get my
ife.'
He led her out, her hand upon his arm.
Mr. Pembroke he said, leading her
} to him, i have furnished my house;
i'll you give me my wife? p
Before the astonished father had time
answer, the impuIsive Isabella ran up
Mary and threw her arms round her
ck.
Dear Mary, believe me if | had
t known that you we're as true as gold,
would have given you a hint to keep
ur temper, lest this jealous man should
ID you out as it was, had no need.
ill you forgive me for helping to make
m see how much superior you are to
her women ?
Slowly the snow fell-but who cared
r the snow ?-as they returned to Chill
lgham, Mary with renewed happiness,
aning upon the arm of Arthur Sand
I'd, and Isabella rat,ling over her con-
ences TO her amused and easily forgiv-
3 uncle and aunt.