Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-07-15
ing cheeks, and her averted face dropped

ing cheeks, and her averted face dropped
upon her bosom.
Mutely they went through the flower
garden From the open windows of the
breakfast-room came the sound of voices,
and the clattel of cups and plates, so at
the first door they parted.
In the evening, when the party were
united, Laura sat with her embroidery at
distant window as wholly unnoticed as
if she were some beautiful but despised
statue; and when Hugh, who saw that
her eyes were heavy with weeping, made
his way to her side, the old repulsive
manner had returned, and left no trace of
the gentle companion of his walk and
so it was every day during the remainder
of Mrs. Sandford's stay at the Grange.
It was only on rare occasions when he
won her to Il solitary stroll, or when no
one was by but the gay and kind hearted
Eda. that Laura Vivian yielded to the
charm OF his delicate and brother y atten-
tions, and was herself again.
Mrs. Sandlori returned to her pretty
cottage at Hastings, and thither Hugh
followed her. AT his first visit she looked
gratilied, at his second uneasy, and on the
third morning, when she saw him sasln-
tering up from the beach by the side of
Laura. in whose ear he WAS whispering
something Which made her smile in spite
Of herself, she was annoyed, and on his
entrance curtly and halfangrily asked
him what he had come for?
With manly straightlorwardness Major
Carlton replied:
"Eor Laura. My dear, dear cousin,
did not mean to be so abrupt for Miss
Vivian sank upon chair in pitiable con.
fusion" but why should hesitate. OR
beat about the bush? If you cannot love
me, one word from you will rid you OF
my presence; but if you can"-and he
took her unresisting hand and bent his
knee beside her-"oh Laura, what will
not endeayor to repay you for the pre-
cious trust u
"My poor, poor, Hugh" said Mrs.
Sandiord. remorsefnlly, why have
been so blind? Come away from her.
she cannot be yours; she IS not worthy.
Hugh laughed learlessly, and looked
into The sweet face, whose shy and con
scinus bushes were haf.hidden by one oi
the hands which had struggled from his
grasp. But Laura, aroused from her
trance of bliss, grew deadly pale; and
with piteous, haIffightencd air Of Ell
treaty, extended her arms to her aunt
then dropped them listlcssly by her side
81 would iain spare YOU Mrs. Sand
ford replied to the heseeching gesture
"bnt dare not. Stand away from her
IL Hugh : t,:lar! ear!t0n;o . stand away | say-she
Still Hugh knclt there, and his arm,
stole round the waist Of the slight figure
beside him.
"Say on, madam"
"l loved and trusted her as my own
chld!' Mrs. Sandford passionaleiy cx
claimed. ''God knows ! did until thai
day. You remember sending me pair
OF indian bracelets? was i'll when the
packet arrived, and they were laid in the
drawer where kept all such things unit
was able to sit up aud find room fol
them in my jewcl-casc. 1t was then lnat
in replacing its contents, discovered thai
Il valuable diamond brooch which Laurs
had always coveted-she ayerred because
it had been her dead mother's-was miss
ing. know that the last time the box
was in my hands the brooch was safe
and also knew that no one had access
to that drawer but Laura. You look in
credulous. You think have accused hel
on slight grounds, but it is not so. had
no maid, and my keys were never from
under my pillow except when inlrusted
to Laura, whom had seen serreptitiousiy
opening this drawer when she thought
me asleep. Why, she evaded telling me
at the time, and has since refused to con.
feSs. believe that she yielded to a mo-
mentary temptation, and painful as it has
been to discover that my confidence has
been misplaced, have repeatedly prom.
ised to bury the past in oblivion if she
will but whisper one word of regret for
her fault. Oh. Laura, Laura, it is not
yet too lae-speak speak; u
81 am innocent, Hugh! Aunt, am
innocent! But why do | repeat this g
walled Laura; "who will believe me 81
and she strove to rise, but was 'prisoned
in Hugh's embrace.
And you persist in marrying her 2?
said Mrs. Sandford, halfangriy, half
sorrowfaIIy; you know that she will
have nothing from me"
81 only want Laura" was the quiet re-
ply.
''This is madness, Hugh Carlton.
When you have looked at the affair in
all its bearings, you will repent it.
Laura shuddered and tried to withdraw
herself, but in vain.
"l have looked in Laura's eyes, mad.
am, and believe in what saw there"
I" Bless you. dear Hugh" sobbed Laura,
"bless you for your faith in me! Aunt
Sandtord, he does rightly in refusing to
near Your predictions, lor ne VIII never
repent it Your betrothed promises you
this, Hugh Carlton, ,"-and she drew her
self up with dignity, her eyes sparkling
with happiness" she, Laura Vivian, who
would not put her hand in yours if it
were sullicd by theft"
And so Hugh Carlton and Laura Vi
Wan were married, although somehow
the story of Mrs Sandford's brooch oozed
out, and many one shook their heads
aud pitied the infatuated young man who
had made so rash venture. But as the