Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-12-07

Annie could fill the void in his heart.
He became frequent visitor at the
house, but as he had usually some os-
tensible business with her father, it
never occurred to Annie that his Wis
its had any connection with herself.
fancy he gave Mr.. Linn a hint from
the first; but the old gentleman wise
ly held lis peace, and suffered events
to take their course, never dreaming
that any daughter of his could be in
sane enough to refuse one of the rich
est men in the county, and in every
respect all that any reasonable woman
could desire.
When the truth first dawned upon
Annies mind, she was sorely troubled,
but it was difficult to know what
course to pursue.
Martin began to ask her to drive
out with him, and as all the invitations
were given in her fathers presence,
he accepted them fol- her without the
slightest hesitation.
At last people began to gossip and
to make remarks. 1t was currently
reported that the pair were engaged,
long before Martin had found the cou-
rage to show her more than common
civility.
At length Martin made her an offer
Of his heart and hand, with the air of
man who did not dream of a refu-
sal. as was natural after her fathers
encouragement.
q am sorry (she was obliged to
interrupt him in order to speak, II
was not expecting this. | cannot be
your wife, Mr.. Martin.
He stared at her in astonishment
for an instant. but could not believe
her in earnest.
You think | ought not to have
spoken so abruptly, and want to pun
ish me for it, he said.
No, indeed, l cannot marry you.
| do not want to give you pain, but
please don't talk of this any more,
Mr.. Martin. shall always be your
friend, but | can be nothing more"
But your father always gave me
reason to hope he said, turning red
with mingled pain and modification.
Il never gave him any cause to do
so, believe me. 1t was not until very
ately that | ever dreamed your visits
were intended for me.
But you will think diferently--I
will not take your answer now"
'' You must, Mr.. Martin-indeed
you must. | shall never change"
You don't think me worthy of
you?" he demanded, angrily.
d" 1t is not that" she answered, sad
lv. Il have no heart to give any
man"
She grew so white that, for the first
time, he remembered the talk there
had been concerning her and Charley
Manson. That thought helped to
check his rising anger; but he began
to plead his cause again.
She was very kind, but perfectly
firm, and he was at length obliged to
acknowledge, in his own mind, that
she was perfectly serious, and that no
persuasion could induce her to take
her station in the world as his wife.
He sought Mr.. Linn and informed
him Of his i'll success.
She can't mean it y exclaimed the
old gentleman, all the advantages of
the match rushing more strongly than
ever upon him. Z" These girls never
know what they want"
Miss Annie seems to, at all events"
| Nonsense She wanted to tease
you"
u never saw a girl show less in
clination."
Il will talk to her. returned the
old man in an imperative way. a
shall see you to mOrrow-it will be
all right"
Mr.. Martin went his way. divided
ia his opinions, and greatly chagrined
at the probable overthrow of all the
pretty castles in the air he had been
industriously rearing during the past
weeks of blind obscurity.
What's this Martin tells me ?" de-
manded Mr.. Linn, abruptly entering
the room where Annie still sat, her
thoughts going back to the previous
year whose narrow round had swal.
lowed up the brief summer of her life.
He says you refused him."
Il did, father" she answered, trem-
bling little before his power, but re-
tanning the composure and courage
which she had gained from sorrow.
a should like to know why"
She took his arm and drew him to
the window, pointing toward the dis
tant graveyard, bathed in the soft
light of evening.
because, when you laid him down
, there to rest, you buried my heart
there, also"
The old mans arm fell to his side.
She went out of the room in silence,
J leaving him, for the time, so much sha-
ken that he could not pursue the SUBJ
ject either by argument or threat.
Y
Three years more had gone by
Mr.. Linn was grown an old man, and
as he neared the grave, his rugged
nature began to soften. He turned
from his sons coarseness, and sought
/ comfort in Annie's affection and gen.
tie ministering care, which did not
fail him; and, chcered by her pres
ence, he went on toward the moment
: when he put off humanity and its tri-
ais, like worn out garment that the
eager soul despised.
: The brothers were greatly dissatis-
, fed with the will-Annie shared
t with them. 1t would have been quite
: enough for her to have been left in
, their care. What did she know about
t the use of money?
1t was of no avail to grumble, how
: ever; the matter was settled. Her