North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-02-27
"Nell how can you 2"

our own father" .-. ......
20, Nelly no, no, thousand times no to
yonr question. He. so good and noble,-
and I-what am p and she touched the
shoulder that rose some inches above it:
natural place. ......
"But dear me Agnes, he's as old as the
hills, and as stupid as possible. Of course
he cannot expect youth IN. beauty too,in a
wife. think lie will propose to you, and
so does Harold"
"HaroId !"
'There.don't look astonished OF course
you know what Harold came here for"
"But Nellie"
"Here me ont He came to make love
to me, and propose well, he has proposed,
and said yes, and in January next l shall
be his wife,"
"N~lIie !"
WHY moi ~ and the young girls head
rose with a naughty look of defiance.
"IIe--he you know, Nell, they Say is
not very constant"
Fudge parcel of old maids who want
to win him and cannot, tatte for revenge.
| tell you, Agnes, am sick of this life, "and
she spra"g from her seat, paced the floor
with quick steps, to aud fro, like .one
beautiful wild beast, Gagged but untamed.-
IL m sitk of drn.iging over stupids who
won't learn; sick of hearing glorious mel
ody tortured into hideons sounds sick of
being chained to houIs sick OF poverty,
obscuriiy aud toll Harold Granville is
rich. He loves me he will take away
from this wretched village to circle such
AS once reigned
"Do you love him, Helen"
"WelI enough to get along. He adores
me. and that is much more to the point"
"But, Nellie-his --his--intcllect."
"Oh, he's fool, | know. So much the
better-I will rule him You may tell old
Humdrum to night, Agnes, and he can
send my bridal present at New Years" Aud
she lett the room, singing as she went gay
air from TraviatIa.
Agnes sank into deep reverie. Her sis
ters's questions had touched upon bitter
memories and painful present. Back,
over intervening years, her thoughts trav-
elei tu recall the lover Of her gir.hood.-
>he pictured again the frank, handsome
face heard the tender, loving voice, felt the
t. nder caress Of long ago, aud then came
,he agony of parting. She heard tile plead
ing words to which she would give no ray
of hope Loving him utterly, she had re-
<olveh never to burthen his brillian: career
by giving him an aiing crippled wife. new
er to hear rcpl oach for loving he's If bet
ter than hlm. He had left her. left the
city, and she knew nothing more. Was
SIZE to have another trial now?
Probing her heart with firm, unshrink-
ing touch, she found there respectable af-
fection for her kind friend /; sense of de-
pendence upon his advice and friendship
that it would cost her much pain 10 wound
him, be sore trial TO see hm no more yet
she did not love him.
Yet, if Helen was right ! If he loved
her and was seeking TO win her love, what
had she done In ber gratitude for his
kindness her real frankly expressed pleasure,
in his society, had she not encouraged him
to think he might win dearer place still !
Hot tears were coursing down her pallid
cheeks, when her hands were taken in a
tirm clasp, aid a grave, gentle voice spoke
her name, Agnes, are you in trouble"
She knew the voice, and the hot blood
rushed for moment to her face then she
said hesitatingly-
IL was-thinking-of the past"
''You must not think too sadly said
ner friend seating himself beside her; per
kaps the future may have bright days too.
I-vou know tomorrow is New Years, land
have an offering to lay at your feet, my
little friend, that you may not altogether
despise. have long
Good afternoon 2"
Nrlie's gay voice interrupted them. She
was followed soon by her lover, and the
teL n, ,tete Was not resumed. 1t was late
before all the visitors had departed and
Nellie threw herself at her sisters feet.
Well. old Humdrum must See how
Harold and stand, and if he don't send
me something nice tomorrow, he's too
mean to live .......
"Oh, Nellie, don't talk so -
"Was he proposing, Aggir, as 7 came
in? did not see him ,Ill it was too late
10 get away. or should have kept Harold
i'll the parlor while longer
"PIrase, Nell
"Well, won't tease you. You are the
dearest of all sisters after al, and may be
sure OF the best room in my future home
and all the love your majcap sister can Civ
to you.
Thanks, dear; but I never can consent
10 be dependent upon Mr.. Granville
"a "Sluff and nonsense! You may sew
your dear fingers off if that will ease youI
conscience. I'm sure it will be as W, II fol
me and Harold as for old Mr.. Lawrence.
But .n q. ....
"There, don't say a word. Tomorrow
| will convince YOU by all the rules of log
ic that it would be barbarous cruelty to de-
sert me, but now Pm too sleepy. Coco
night. Bat by the way, won't the maids
tongues run? Harold and ! will be servec
Il