North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1865-07-26

slowly to dawn upon her, the bushes would
surge over her beautiful face, and dye even
her pearly neck with their crimson STAIN
and her eyes would fall, and her head. droop
in the prettiest confusion imaginable, while
poor, bewIldere Dick looked on as if he
| thought her the most delicious, enchanting
bewitchiug, enrapturing, seraphic creature
that was ever named woman.
1t was. at a party given by an intimate
friend near the last of the season, that, grow
ing weary of the glare, the music, the dane.
ing, and the feasting, stole away unnoticed
to familiar readug-roo situated in dis
tant wing of the house, and curling up in a
luxurious chair that stood in the curtained
recess of one of its windows surrendered
myself to tho enjoyment of few brief mo-
ments of quiet and repose. But my selfish
pleasure was of short duration, for 1 pres
emily heard the sound of approaching feet,
and a murmur of voices which I instantly
recognized as those of Dick and Laura. My
first impulse was to retreat and leave th em
to the solitude they were in,search of; but on
reflection | resolved to hold my place, justi-
tying myself in the thought that was not
an intentional eavesdropper, though l must
own to womanly curiosity as to tho man.
ner in which Laura would receive th. con-
fession which some instinct told me was
about to be made.
They sauntered slowly into the room, con-
versing in low, tender, confdlng tones, and
brushing past me, sat down upon tete
tete in such close proximity to my shadowy
hiding place, that must have been discov~
cred but for their entire absorption in them
selves. ..
They had been more engrossed in each
other than ever hat evening, if such thing
were really possible. Every one was re
marking upon their wrapt devotion, and
meaning smiles were interchanged by those
who had good reason for knowing how the
affair would end.
could see in the dim light that Dicks
eloquent face was all aglow with passionate
tenderness, as he bent low over his timid
and expectant companion, and his deep mu
sIcal Voice vibrated with intense feeling as
he told his love in brave, honest, manly
wUIus ~uiIe d, auIIa 4A A.u uluenus
and trembling, yielded little by little to his
ciasPipg arm, until her siren face lay against
his breast, flushed and burning with his idol
atrous kisses. Then hurriedy starting from
his embrace, as if suddenly smitten with
sense of the improperly of the whole pro
ceedng, she exclaimed. in tones of conster
nation and dlspleasure- i
"Mr. Harrington, what do you mean 2"
IL love you, Laura" he said, seeking to
draw her again to his bosom.
"But you mustn't-indeed you must not p
she cried, shrinking slightly away. Ell
love-the fact is," she continued, with lu-
dicrous distress. I'm engaged, Mr.. Harring
ton"
Laura p ... .... !
"Yes. supposed you were acquainted
with the truth. Pm sure never dreamed
that You felt other than brotherly regard
for me-"
"Laura %
''Please don't look at me in that way, Mr..
Harrington. l really had no thought you
cared for me, excepting in hum drum, stu
pid brotherly fashion, you know"
sit has not needed to-night's confession to
assure you Of my love, Laura. You have
known it long, and you never repulsed me-"
Hypocrte and dissembler as she was, she
could not look in his grove, truthful face and
deny his words, and she sat awkwardly Twill
ing her fan, until no longer able to endure
his stern, silent regaad, she pouted her red
lips prettily, and said, half petulantly-
"Come, Come, Mr. Harrington, do put off
that woful visage, and take me back to the
drawing room. Peopl e will begin to remark
our ABSENCE" " ....-
He smiled little contemptuously, think
ing. no doubt. of the many times she had lin
gered apart with him, untroubled by any such
scruples. 3EH. H.EEEE ... .r...
"You have added another to your list Of
conquests," he said slowly, "but you have
lost in womonly dignity and honor infinitely
more than you have gained. feel more of
shame FOR you this moment than do of sor
row for the Illustration of my own late hopes
for since you have given me this revelation of
yourself cannot sufficiently express my graf
itLde for yOur rejection of INV suit pity
you, Laura Miller, from my soul I pity you
for the miserable, petty ends for which you
live
He rose and eravely offered her his arm,
which she, with steadily averted face, SILENT
ly accepted, and they passed out of the room,
in appearance as little like the pair that had
entered there half hour before as could we'll
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HDdst thou CLASH a fair woman LudwiO Ind