North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1866-01-24

could not have been wild enough to fancy
that Mr. Spice had deserted the villa for
his sake, and left him free to idle there
and make love to Hetty forever. Yet the
evelation was shock.
Home! And Miss Spice, that illtem-
pered, ugly heiress would be there, and
Hetty's place would be the background. =
Stay--woo and win the lady and forget
this girl. Not he. He would transact
his business with Mr.. Spice and ride away
at one. But something must be done be-
fore even this could be accomplished
Something in which Hetty was interested.
He .stoop'd down and touched her shoulder
with his hand.
"Hetty,' he said, "leave those flowers q
while and come and walk by the brook
with me- / have something to say to you.
Don't refuse me. 1t is something serious
Hetty." ..... ''.... ............ ...
Hetty arose, tied on her garden hat, and
looked down at her flowers still. She
would not lift her eyes and he saw on their
lashes two tears. Those, and smile about
her mouth, made perfect Aprirs day of
her sweet face.
"You will walk with me, Hettya" he
asked. ......
Ind for an answer she turned and took
her place beside him. So they sauntered
on down to the brook side, where the pur-
pie fage grew amidst green sedge, and
deep in the clear water you could catch
glimpse of shining trout. For awhile both
kept silence then John Morton spoke
suddenly
"Hetty;; do you know l love ou?"
That was all? no preface-nothing to
lead to the subject no prelude to the mu-
sic-the whole sweet tune broke upon the
girl at once:
"Hetty, do you know love your"
Hetty stood still; her hand trembled in
his-her bosom rose and fell. In moment
she began to sob.
Then John Morton's arms creps around
her waist,
"NIy darling" he said, "look at me
speak to me. Tell me that you return my
feelings-tell me that you will one day be
my wife -
At that shespulled her hand away from
him.
oYou came here to be Miss Spices suitor
she said; 81 know it head it talked
over when / could not help listening. Say
those words to her-not to me-"
"To herr l hate her very name, said
John" Il love you Hetty.".
ga poor girl, almost servant :"
"Why should / care! / love you, oh,
Hetty, l love you better than | love my
life. Hetty, answer me-will you be my
wife !? 1t needs but one little "yes."
An odd convuls;on, between laughter
and weeping, passed over her face. But
she commanded her voice and said slowly :
"You belong to Miss Spice"
Her words made John Morton flush
scarlet.
"Miss Spice is nothing to me-" he said;
I've never seen nor do | desire to see her.
Hetty answer me-"
Hetty turned quite away from him and
in a sort of choking voice replied:
This is the only answer l can give you;
If Miss Spice will not be your wife, [ do
not know. of any woman in the place who
WILL and fairly ran away. ..
John Morton followed her, only little
way however, for coming to spot where
the path took a turn, he spied her through
the bushes, sitting under great tree, laugh
ing in the mcrriest manner, The sight
turned his heart to stone.
The heartless jade he muttered "and
for her would have givensup anything
beside in the wide world. All women are
alike. Rustic simplicity in pink calico
differs not a whit from city airs and graces
in moire antique. I'll 60 home. Miss
Spice may come or 60, for all | care. Oh,
Hetty, Hetty"
With these last words on his lips, John
Morton made his way to Spice Ville,mcun-
ted to his own room and proceeded at
once to pack his port manteau; cramming
his wardrobe in pell nell, and using nc
gentle language towards the innocent gar
ments which would bulge over and forbid
the fastening of the lock. Just as the pack
ing was completed there came sudden
racket in the garden, sound of wheels
and of merry voices. And his attention
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