Litchfield enquirer., 1863-05-28

. proud of his handsome brother, and, knowing his passionate love of beauty, he wondered much that he did not seem more attracted to Nelly. That she was dear good girl lie was sure, and their evident dislike to each other puzzled and even painedhim. In the presence of others and they had many visitors while Nelly was there-they were stndiously polite; but in the family circle, Arthur, at least, was sarcastic.
 But message came to Nelly, recalling her home for visit to the seaside.
 'Oh! if you could only go with us, as in the olden times. Amy. I declare, Henry, am afraid some dreadful punishment will be inale- ted upon you for taking Amy from us,' and tears came in her eyes and color in her cheeks
 What can it be, little sister have had nothing but blessings siucs took her ; and last, but not least, has been your visit
 Thank youl And that reminds me of the way in which the punishment is to come. l shall be an old maid, and come and live with you, cats, parrots and all
 What on farm, Nelly, where you would be buried alive?'
 Don't, sister, please! am ashamed of all those silly speeches. Your home is perfect paradise, and could stay here with you, Amy, forever, and not be lonely. And then l did not know of the pleasant friends you have all around you.'
 Arthur seemed to be reading, but the leaf he was turning trembled in his fingers strangely. Nelly was to go to the cars the next morning, and towards evening she went out to see her pets once more. She took some bread-crumbs and salt, and made her way to the chicken coop. But the careful mother had tucked h. [ large family nicely away to sleep, and gave a spitefal little chir-r-r. as Nelly offered the crumbs.
 That is the way she said bitterly. And they will all forget me as soon as l am gone. But her heart warmed up again, as her little friends, the white lambs, came running to meet her, and ate the salt from the dish in her hand Good bye r she said. batting their soft heads you will not forget me if all the rest do" and turning to go she found herself face to face with Arthur Kingsley.
 It was the first time he had ever sought her and she stood embarrassed and confused.
 Pardon me- he said gently, if intrude, but the dew is falling. Here is your shawl. Will you permit me P And he laid the shawl care les.ly about Der shoulders. Why did Nelly feel weak and faint for an instant, as those hands fingered about the duty they were per forming3
 And he heard me talking like . baby to those lambs,' she thought, as she turned to go.
 She took his proftsred arm and they returned by a more circuitous route than she had come. Twilight was deepening into darkness, as they stood by the hall door. But few words had been spoken by either but now Arthur said, while his arm frightened the little hand, w ill you visit the garden as well as your pets? 7 Nelly looked up. Was he teasing her about the lambs But no-those eyes were earnest now. She made no reply she dared not trust her voice, but walked as he led her to garden chair near the fountain. She was glad he had selected that chair; for the trill of the water, as it fell in the marble basin, broke silence that was becoming painful. And you leave us to morrow7 Do you regret it just . little. or were yoa testing when you said you could st y here for Amy's sake r She did not answer. May I it by you while ! tell yoa storyf' he asked. She made room for him by her side, and he began:
 I am farmer by birth and education. This farm with all its broad acres belonged to my father and his father before him. When our father died it was left to Henry and me, with m injunction that it should not rass from our hands while we live. And it is no restriction. for we both love the old place. When Henry brough. his city wife home. I expected to hear complainings and repinings. But bless her loving heart she made us all 50 happy. She told us of your horror of tho country. and when you came you corroborated her testimo- ny. But I loved you from the moment saw you, and have been tugging at the chain that held me ever since you came; and to-day when you said what you did was tempted to th's act. Will you come for my sake-fsr my love. Nelly? Be my own sweet wife. and be loved
 
 as woman was never loved before !!
 For an instant nothing was heard but the fountain, aud then little hand was laid softly in his. and she answered in words so low that no ono but lover could have been sure ot them ]; I will come for your saksp
 A they stood in the hall Nelly whispered; Don't tell Henry and Amy now, for they will tease me-
 .My pay, Aen and he stospsd Tor the hrst kiss from the lips of his betrothed.
 Arthur followed her to the seaside, where he had no difficulty in obtaining the consent of the parents to the union. The coming Spring saw Nelly loving wife, in dwelling that had sprung up as if by magic, nearly opposite the one occupied by her siste.. And she often laughs as she recalls her positive assertion-I