Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1868-05-14

upon the river path in front of them
Guy saw look Of surprised displeasure
|dsrken over the lady's face. and walked
quickly to the gate, hoping to avert the
rising storm.
"Walk in Mrs. Gibson. . he said, witt
his most winning smile; 'syou have not
seen the view which I have had opened
through these pines. I have just per.
suaded Miss Deane to bring in her paper
and pencil and make sketch. :"
''Thank you Mr.. Britton, I have moi
time just now She looked at her watch,
shutting the case With a spiteful snap
s'Miss Deane, do you know that it is very
near school time p
II will go in directly" was the quiet
answer, s'I must have mistaken the
hour"
As the two walked away together, Mrs,
Gibson said, in low tone which, though
not intended for his es be could not a.
void overhearing:
''Miss Deane, never was 80 astonish-
ed in my life. Such boldness as this from
q person in my employ! Making sketch
indeed p
The reply was inaudible. Guy flushed
to his finger tips with anger; but reflect
ing that Miss Deane's modification would
doubtless be increased by the knowledge
that he had heard the cruel words, be
pressed back the indignant sentences that
rose to his lips.
From that moment his resolution was
taken. ..She shall not long be subject to
that woman's petty tyranny-not if can
win her for myself" be said, closing bis
lips tightly ashe walked up the garden
path.
Early on the following day he saw the
Gibson's drive away with party of guests,
followed by light wagon packed with all
the equipments of rustic pic mic. Miss
Deane was not of the number; indeed,
he had noticed that she very rarely shar-
ed any Of their frequent pleasure excur-
siops.
'fShe is alone; I will speak to her this
very day." he thought.
AS he passed up the avenue that after
noon, he started to hear her voice again
as on the first day when he. had met her.
He stood still moment. aFd the words
came floating to his ear on ihe wing of a
melody sadder than pr Dnhaa ever
chilli
Late, late, so late but we can enter still
Too late! Too late ye cannotenter nowp'
Following with his eyes the direction Of
the sounds. he saw her sitting on the
grass, half hidden by treliis which sup
ported some clambering vine. The last
note had died away in tremulous sob,
and burying her face in her hands she
burst into a spasm of weeping.
Guy stood irresolute, fearing to startle
her by sudden approach. but as dry
twig broke beneath his foot she turned
quickly and recognized him. She rose
hastily, dashing away her tears. and her
face glowing with painful embarrassment.
Guy was at her side in an instant.
Il beg a thousand pardons," he said
hurriedly; indeed, did not mean to come
upon you so SUDDENLY
''The family are absent for the day,
Mr.. Britton.'
Il know it don't wish to see them
Miss Deane, they are miserably unkind te
you here" said Guy, impulsively.
"No, no. it is not that! they do not
mean it. )" she answered. striving to regain
composure cit is because I am not Otter
so weak as this!'
"Oh, Miss Deane! if you would only
take place in my heart and home. Tel
me that you will give me the right to guare
and comfort you. Be my wife,
Her face lit up for moment will
strange radiance. then the light passed ant
left her calm and pale.
"Mr. Britton," said she, II need no
tell you how totally unprepared I am TO
this. You do me great honor-thanl
you, but this cannot be. You are not tn
man to be content in marriage that hat
its origin in a mere sympathy, howeve
noble; and forgive me that say it, lionel,
and poor as I am; I should want NOR
than that in my husband"
Guy would have interrupted her will
passionate protestations, but she had 81
fenced him with quiet firmness.
Il am almost stranger to you" wer
her parting words, ''some time you vii
thank me for what may seem now lik
rank ingratitude.
She held out her hand with sorrowfu
smile. Guy pressed it to his lips.
"Miss Deane," he said. Il don't won
der that wretched abruptness has rune
my cause. Forgive it-and me. I ar
going away tomorrow. on urgent business
1 shall be at home in fortnight, then
shall ask you to answer me again"
The end of fortnight brought Gu
Britton back but Laura Deane had bee
gone week.
Il don't know where she went," sal
Mrs. Gibson, with something like sneer
in answer to his anxious inquiry. g
didn't trouble myself to ask and no refer
ence did she get from me either. Th
ungrateful piece! Wash t her quartz
finished did you say? What if it was
She knew I depended on her. After a
my kindness too! It's always the wa
such neonle as tell Mr. Gihson mipt