The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1866-07-25

But" I asked myself, /" why did she
not tell me the whole truth ~.
| found no difficulty in answering tha
question. She had shrunk from woundine
my feelings. / knew how sensitive sht
was, and / know she was afraid of offend
ing me. Perhaps she thought me prout
and headstrong enough 10 resent such il
berty on her part, and perhaps she imagin
ed might look upon her as the Offering o
ner hand in consideration Of renouncins
the wine cup and that might spurn her offer
On Friday Jack Stanton lett me. and or
Saturday evening called at Mary's board
ing house. Mary herself answered my
summons. She started when she saw me
and | saw her right hand mpve quickly to.
words her heart.
"Mary." / said; speaking calmly. for
had mighty strength ut will TO suppo:
me, 81 have not come to distress y0u;
have come as friend, and humbly asI
that you will give me an audience for
few moments"
She went into the parlor, and followe,
her. closing the door behind me and wheI
we we're alone, she set the lamp on the ia
| bic and moiioned me TO seat.
"No." said l. al win not sit down yet
Give me Jour hand, Mary"
Mechanically she put forth her hands
and took them in my own. There was
wondering look in her eyes. and sligh
flush came TO her pale cheeks.
MARY" I continued. speaking slowl,
aud softly, and know that moisture wa
gathering in my eyes, "you must answe
me one question. Answer il as you please
and take my solemn assurance that asl
il only tor your good. Tell me do yo
love mes No, no-do not take your hand
away yet. Answer me if you can. Fea
!uot-o fear not for had rather 90 int
endless night than do you wrong. Tell m
Mary, do you love mel" 4.
81 cannot speak falsely" she trembling
whispered. "for my own peace. perhaps
love you too WE'LL"
"Listen tome for one moment" added
drawing her nearer to me !" when / hav
told you that which have TO tell. you shal
be the judge" sGi
She did not strive to free her hands. bu
looked up eagerly 10 my face, and her sy
beamed with a hopeful light.
You know Jack Stanton?" said.
EYES," she replied.
/" He was my best friend when we wer
q. college. and my,iriendship haslnot grow
less. He came 10 see me, and told me th
trials and suffsrings Of one Of the school
mates Of his earlier days."
ooh. Mary, ] know well why my ban
vas refused. and blame ynu not. IL ma
be that our paths will be different throug
life, but you shall at least know, that b
whom you have loved will so live. that b
shall not be unworthy Of kindest remru
brance. know that have hitherto wsr
dered into the path Of danger, bat hence
forth | am free from the dread snare. Ur
der the new light that has dawned upon N
hold the wine cup . be fearful enemy
| will shun il as would shua shamefr
life and a clouded deathbed. For nv ow
sake will l do this. so that my sainte
mother, II sheican look upon her boy. ca
smile appro,insly on the course he h'
chosen.
"Ani now. Mary, IL at some future tim
you should feel that you can trust yourhaE
piness In my keeping, you will give m
some token thereof. and will come an
ask k..ior yourEhsnd; aud should IL be m
blessed LOT receive il I will devote ever
energy in my being to make your life
Joyous and peaceful oue.s
Ilet 60 her hands. and bowed my hea
to wipe away tear. ! turned towards u
door. really intend ing to depart and Civ
her time for reflection, when she pronounc
ed my name; looked back and her hand
were stretched out towards me.
"Not now" I whispered. 81 will M
ask your answer yet. Watch me-prov
me. Only give me to knew that l ha,
your love-"
4 Istopped speaking. for Mary's head hs
been pillowed upon nv bosom, and she W,