The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1869-06-30


heavy sorrow fell upon me, that our &c
mountaineering ripened into familiar friend
ship. 1t was then discovered how much
sterling goodness lay beneath the quiet ex
terror of Miss Dundas.
She had a considerable Fortune some
thing over twenty thousand pounds. The
pretty house at Hampstead, with its we'll
stocked garden, and the neat brougham,
were kept mp chiefly by herself. Mr.. Dun
das, in his stupid, blundering way, had
speculated with his money till he had lett
himself but small residue. Fortunately,
his sisters had not been touched and five
thousand pounds, lett her by an uncle, had
been securely settled upon her, tn prevent
Christopher from making ducks and brakes
of it, as he said
One day Miss Dundas was spending an
hour with me- The remembrance OF that
afternoon at Cintra had been recalled by
the scent of a heliotrope amongst some
flowers she had brought upon me; we were
speaking of that bright little episode in our
lives, when the drawing-room door opened,
and who should be announced but Dominic
Moore .l
Whether it was the sight of my black
dress and pale, worn face,-so different
from what it used to bel do not know,
but he was much subdued in manner, and
made himself remarkably pleasant; Miss
Dundas seemed to think so, as she willingly
accepted his escort home. From that time
we saw him constantly. He had come to
settle in England, he told us, as the agent
of his fathers house; he appeared to be
well to do, and to have plenty OF time on
his hands, much of which he bestowed on
us, and still more on Miss Dundas.
Some months passed on, and winter was
approaching, when Miss Dundas came to
me one morning in state of nervous ex-
citement most unusual with her. After con-
siderable hesitation, she begged me to tell
her frankly if had any attachment to Mr..
Moore If had any reason to think his
attentions to me meant more than friend
ship.
smiled at her needless question. She
knew as well as did that there was grave
in the protestant cemetery over the sea, that
would have come between me and Dominic
Moore had his fluctuations been as great as
Miss Dundas seemed to imagine they might
be.
She read the expression of my lace, and
rising from her seat came up to me and
kissed me begging my pardon with tears in
her eyes.
Then it all came out. Dominic Moore
had asked her to marry him, and her only
hesitation arose from an idea she had taken
up that he was attached to me.
must confess | received the news with
no small degree of CONSERVATION. Was it
possible that reckless, giddy-headed Domi-
mic had really fallen in love with this quiet
little woman, nearly ten years his seniors
And yet she was so good; loved her so
much myself, that could only trust that
Mr.. Moore had more solid sense and judg-
ment than l had given him credit for. On
the other hand, had no right to think that
Dominic Moore, Eighty as he was, would
not make good husband; he belonged to a
well-known and much respected family, and
of himself knew no harm; did not like
it, and felt that my congratulations were
restrained. aft..,
81 am afraid you think am acting foolish
w." Miss Dundas said; "but have thought
overit very seriously, and if he loves me as
he says he does, 1 believe l can make him
happy. He knows the worst of me,n she
continued, with smile and blush that
made her almost pretty; "my marriage will
not interfere with Christopher's comfort !;
we shall all be together in the house where
We are now living; Christopher has always
had his own sitting room, you know, so he
will not be disturbed, -and- have been So
lonely"
Twas hard hearted enough not in the least
to care whether Christopher was disturbed
or not; but did care about Miss Dundas
However, could see she had made up her
mind, so what could do but put my arms
round her and kiss her, and hope, in spite OF
misgivings, that she might add to her hap
piness by the step she was about to take
have no doubt she did feel lonely; and as
little doubt that Dominics imperturbable
good and constant flow of spirits had
been the great attraction, from force of con-
trast to her brother
tried to talk seriously to Dominic Moore
about his engagement. but he either slipped
through my fingers like running water, or
saucly told me it was my fault for not tax
ing him myself. What his real thoughts
and feelings on the subject were could not
make out.
The wedding day was fixed for the first
Wednesday in December. 1t was to be a
quiet affair; Mr. and Miss Dundas stood
very much alone in the world. and had no
: near relations l was to he the only bride
maid. The newly married couple were to
spend a fortnight at Brighton, and be home
by Christmas. Miss Dundas limited that it
would be a kindness if 1 would stay and
keep house for Christopher while she was
away, but | begged to decline the honor.
The wedding day was clear, bright, and
frosty. l arrived at Hampstead early, and
found Miss Dundas pale and nervous; when
the carriage drew up to take us to church. |
noticed that her hands trembled so much she
could scarcely draw on her gloves. Domi.
MICS manner was not reassuring; when he
met US at the church door, lie appeared
troubled, embarrassed, gloomy so unlike
his usual self, that it struck chill to nv
heart, and I could not divest myself OF the
idea that he was repenting, and would have
been glad to get out of it il he had known
how. us5
Miss Dundas had her veil down, and
believe was too much agitated to notice hel
bridegroom's manner, or l think even Al
that last moment she would have drawn
back. 1t was an uncomfortable wedding
or else my own fancies and foreboding:
made it appear so to me. However, the ir
revocable words were spoken the book wa
signed, and Miss Dundas was Mrs. Dominic
Moore as sNA
| observed peculiar expression pass Owe
! MIR. Mnores countenance as he examined thu
copy of the marriage certificate. that he hat
asked for-somewhat strangely, thought
1t was likes CLEAN of exultation. and We
the next moment the former moodiness O
demeanor returned. adj,
There was a few friends to breakfast
! only q few. At one o'clock Mrs. Moore re
tired to her room to change her light gra,