The weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1869-18??, 1869-12-08

ton. Then could hear the subdued &C
cents of low, sweet voice, and in anothe
moment the door opened slowly and m
cousin Agnes stood before me, fairer AM
lovelier than ever, her handsome feature
now saddened with an expression of deep
est sympathy, her whole manner so changed
that looked upon her as some ministerinl
angel. made an attempt to speak, but sh
raised her hand and motioned me to keel
| silent.
"You have been i'll, cousin, very ILL.," sh'
said, in tone scarcely louder than awhis
per, "and now you must keep perfectly
quiet. Tomorrow, perhaps, you will bt
much better, and then you can speak to me
but not now. have been anxiously wait
ing until you awaked, that you may take
some refreshments that 1 have prepared fol
you; but I must beg your promise not to
think about anything until you feel quite
well again."
/ metioned obedience, and with faint
but grateful smile she Withdrew as noiseless.
ly as she came.
Many long and weary night elapsed
before recovered the shock my system had
received. Many times listened eagerly
during that long illness for my kind and
lovely nurse, and every time she came !
seemed to gather fresh strength and energy
to bear the bodily pain l was compelled to
suffer. .
At length found myself sufficiently strong
to read and walk within doors, and the re-
collection of the happy days passed as a
willing invalid at Marston Hall repays me
now for my previous suffering.
Well, 1 regained my wonted health, but
felt no desire to return to London. There
was something that kept flashing through
my mind, making my heart beat quicker
than usual, especially when CHANGED to be
alone with my cousin.
1 became dull, pensive and absent, a
change which my cousin Agnes was not long
in observing and calling me to task for, but
instead of making a rational explanation of
the cause, told her if she would join me in
a ramble through the park I would make an
important confession.
confession !" she echoed "Nay, don't
want to be made acquainted with your do
ings; but, if its anything that anpoys you,
and I can help you"
"My confession is not one of wickedness,"
said l, eagerly interrupting her; "and you
can if you will help me out of my trouble"
every well, them" said she smiling, "pro-
vided you ask me nothing repugnant to my
conscience promise you my help. But"
she added, speaking very deliberately, "why
delay your statement until tomorrow
There is no time like the present for peni.
tent people So if you will graciously re-
veal what it is that weighs upon your mind
1 will listen to you with the most exemplary
patience"
looked at her for moment in silence,
and then replied, mo, cousin; not now. 1t
is not trifing matter that wish to speak
OF, but one that involves the happiness of
two lives"
"Indeed % she exclaimed in slightly al
tered tone, while could detect a sudden
flush on her now halfaverted face.
Courage !" I whispered to myself. "Now
is the time to ascertain my fate" Then
Selling her hand with passionate tenderness
said: "Cousin Agnes-dearest Agnes-you
will not now deny me the pleasure of calling
you by that sweet name? Nay, turn not
from me" l continued, as she made des-
perate effort to release her hand, "until |
have told you how deeply, fondly, truly 1 |
have loved you; how, day after day, have
seen and felt your goodness and worth. Oh,
10 not then plunge me into utter despair by
'ejecting the offer l now make of my love,
ny devotion-of the most gracious gift man
IAN give to woman, and which you have al
eady taken from me-my heart"
paused, but my companion did not
peak. Igazed intently into her innocent
yes, and there read her verdict. 1 was
made happy for the remainder of my exist
nee.
But" said my beloved Agnes, speaking
-ery solemnly, and looked quite distressed,
thought, "you had better consider YOUR
words; for I'm afraid"
"Afraid of what dearest2 ~ 1 asked inter
upting her.
"That you have"
lone?"
made a fool of yourself" she replied
With merry twinkle of the eye
Isaw through the mystery in q moment.
reds wife had informed my cousin of the
conversation that had taken place between
red and myself on the evening previous to
~ coming to Marston Hall. So / laughed.
nd Agnes laughed, and then we both
,ughed together, until the joke had been
earthly appreciated on both sides.
And now it only remains for me to add
nat did not leave England; that shortly
fter had put the question to my cousin
-gnes, brother Fred and his family were
1mmoned to Marston Hall, where a very
Apply wedding took place, and then my
rother reminded me of what had done in
he way of making fool of myself, told
i'm l did not care, so long as Itelt convinced
lat l had shown nothing but sound sense
wooing, winning and wedding my odd
ut loving cousin Agnes.