Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1865-03-02
CUMBERLAND. MD, THURSDAY, MARCH 3 1865.
open to one coming with she high s,lnmenda-
tiois o possessed. .E....f T..

I* X =
Six months few by. frightened by weekly
letter from Maine. bat still no word Of her
engagement What could it mean 7
Surely" he thought she would not hide
anything from me. She looks up on me
almost in the light of father, or at least an
elder brother, and am certain she would not
keep suoh a thing as that hiddeh from me-"
And the thought gave him more pain than
he wa, willing to confess even to himself.
Even the society Of the Cauerons. a child
ish old couple, for whom he felt sincere
friendship, and At whose house he spent many
a pleasant evening, now ceased to have even
the faintest charm for him aud an unson-
querable desire to visit his home aud soc
Maine took possession Of him. . .,...
Placing his business in form that would
allow Of temporary absence on his part.
without n word of notification to his friends be
started back to Nashville.
1t was quite dark as he walked up the smooth
gravelled path to Nj. Evermorss house, apG
as he reached the steps, he paused = moment
to still the beating of his heart.
In that pause he heard the light laugh Of
young Wilder, and, turning hastily from the
door. he walked away into the night out Of
sight and hearing of the house, strolliug away
Far beyond the suburbs of the city, whore he
could be alone with bis sad thoughts.
At half past ten he returned again, as he
reached the gate, passed young Wilder going
out, without, however. either appearing to
notice the other. Again he paused at the
door, and then. with firm hand. rang the
bell. 4 sleepy servant opened the door, and
passing her without word. Harry entered
the parlor.
Maine was there and alone, unconscious of
the presence Of another party, was leaning
with one elbow upon the piano and gazing
steadily at miniature before her.
Harry. seeing how she was employed, hes
itated moment and then spoke to her. She
started suddenly, and, with a deep blush.
/ hid the miniature in her BOSOM and then,
J for the first time, becoming aware who her
visitor was, and sprang towards him with q
glad cry. and hid her face on his shoulder.
| Harry held her there for moment, and
then, leading her to sofa. sat down with her
md, assuming gayety he was far FROM feel
ing said,-
We'll, Maine, have I not surprised you.
| have come back to plague you with nv
company for the next twenty four hours, and
l shall expect all sorts Of attentions you
know"
Twenty four hours exclaimed Maine
why, surely, Harry, you are josting. Why
you have been away six months, and nor. at
your very first visit, you are going to stay
with us but one day. Indeed indeed will
never consent to any such thing"
"Ah.. - said he, laughing, "yoa have dc
velopcd into perfect tyrant, see, but the
simple fact Of the matter is that MUS: 90,
and there is no help for it."
" almost fear Harry" said she, q that
you do not remember your friends So we'll as
| they do you. Who is there in your new home
that proves more attractive than we do herc!"
Harry quicted her with a laugh, and led
the conversation into other canncls till the
warning clook bid them separate for the
night
4 + x
Great was the astonishment of Mr.. Ever
more and his good wife in the morning. when
they found Hairy at their table. and num-
berless their protcstations, and still adhered
to his original intention Of takidg his depar-
ture at twelve that night. ...
Then" said Maine, 81 ain not at home
to-day"
She carried out her resolve, and refusing
to see the many visitors who called at the
the house, spent the time talking Of by-goncs.
and rccountng to him how she had passed
the time while he was away, until the night
had we'll begun. and but u few hours more
we're left before he took his leave.
But Maine" said Harry. as they again
sas alone in the parlur "you have not said
one word to me about young Wilder am
siirc believed you would have told me as
soon as you we're engaged to him
Engaged + said Maine, in astouisliment.
"Why never Thought of such thins, am
surc. And" she added, in lower tone, Il
should have asked your consent first, Harry"
How relieved he felt. .t.
"Why, don't you love him 7" he asked, in
pretended surprise.
Maine burst into merry laugh.
I" Not bit of it, assure you, my worthy
guardian, and don't thiuk ever shall D
How much brighter and happier Harry felt
he was sorry now he had fixed his departue
for so early nm hour,
"Gracious." he exclaimed, how time fies.
but an hotr and half before I'll be rushing
away ffcm this dear city as fast us steam can
carry me- m1a
" j wish; Harry" said Maine, With sigh
"you cared enough for US to remain here a
few days lohger" if.l