Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1869-08-12

II. rs soon as ! can find suitable up-
portunity."
The old man now left. and Eckert re-
manned alone in his study. He did not
feel at all comfortable. Old Mr.. Burns
wanted to take Ellen from him; she to
whom his heart was bound with the
strongest ties Of affection a bitter
smile passed over his countenance. and
the determined look ofhis eve said that
he would oppose the old mans desire
to the utmost. But Burns was very
urgent; what would few days Of res
pite avail hims as it was sure the old
man would not rest until he had ac-
complished his desire. Matters has
come to crisis. His heart beat vic
lently at the thought. lie did not lack
courage to carry out what he intended.
but he doubted the success Of his
plans.
Night had set i'll. but he hardly OBJ
served it. lie lighted the gas and rang
the bell for his housckcepcr. whom he
sent on an errand 10 town. He stepped
/ up Ia the window and listened, To make
sure that she had left the house. He
vas now quHe alone in the dwelling.
I as his man-servant was busy in the
/ stable.
few seconds after. he opened the
door. and walked rcsolutcly Ia Ellens
room. He found her reading a maya
zine, her heal resting upon her hand.
She looked pale. and her sad features
betrayed the sorrow she had experienced
during the last lew months. But she
had lost nothing Of her beauty. slowly
She rose when she heard the rap at her
door, and lovely smile passed over
her countcnancc when saw her guar
dian.
All Is it Nou:" she said.
did YOU expect any body else r the
doctor returned. laughing
''oh no, she replied Who would
come to see me: Even YOU are such
rare visitor here"
Il do not come often, because | fear
TO disturb YOU" Eckert said. seating
himself upon the sofa Girls have al
ways their little secrets. and therefore
DO not like to he surprised"
Il have no secrets" Ellen interrupt 4
ed him. while she looked sadly upon the 4
paper in her hand.
Come, Ellen" the doctor said. II .
have something 10 speak To YOU about. /
Sit down bv my side. She went To- take 4
her seat beside him.
do you feel lonely is i, too quie, in
my housc:'
Not at all ; this tranquility does me
fiA,S- ,ua r.tI ~I-iI,7. al i~aNc MY
house =
why. no, doctor" she replied. look \
ing inquiringly up 70 him.
\ smile of satisfaction stole over his \
face. You only need Ia express the /
wish. and | will take YOU most willing |
Is 10 the theater, to parties ahd con- /
ccrts You know well enough that II I,
would give me extreme pleasure 10 DO 4
So.
IL know il. doctor, and am grateful I
10 YOU for mentioning it hut really. | /
am contentei with my present mode Of
life"
Ellen. old Mr.. Burn. has just been
in my Office he has expressed the de-
sire TO receive YOU into his house, Ia
adopt YOU as his own child. He has
asked me to question you about II.
He looked iixcdly at her :: his fate de-
pended upon her decision. Ellen did
not answer TIN. communication came
too unexpectedly.
Speak frankly Eckert continued ,
..you have your own free will would
YOU like TO 20 10 the old mans house Z:
For one moment more she hcsitated
10 reply; then she said calmly and
firmly. .'les.
Yes Z" the doctor repeated in aston
ishment and fearfully annoyed; you
say yes. Ellen" His countenance had
become deadly pale, hut Ellen Gid not
observe il.
Yes she said again. IF he really
wishes il, shall consent. | will be "A
good daughter to him. | will try TO re-
place his Henry : for it was | who caus-
ed him the loss of his only child"
"You, Elem"
Yes was the cause Of the quarrel
between him and the forester. was the
cause of Henry's being shot.
And can you leave my house and
me with so little hesitation:'
..Oh no. no. doctor ! always liked
staying with you you have been faith
er to me. and never. never shall forget
you and your kindness.
Then stay here, Ellen. he said hast
ily ..stay here. will do any thing in
NV power TO make my house a pleasant
home to vou.
He had taken her hand in his. which
was glowing hot. She did not with
draw it.
sHenry's father" she replied timidly
.is all alone in this world it is his de-
sire TO receive me into his house, and l
think it is my duty to comply with his
desire. so that he may forget as much
as possible the heavy loss he has sus-
tanned.
Eckert remained silent. He pressed
his lips fl: mly together. His breath
came rapid. and his eyes glistened like
two live Goals. ELLEN, you must not
go!'' he said, with trembling voice.
..You must not leave me you-you-
are the only object Of my life. l love
YOU. Ellen; love you ardently. pas
sionately. Be mine-mine :" He folded
his arms around her, and endeavored
to press her to his heart.
In anguish she turned away from him.
His longing glance frightened her.
LET me go!" she cried.
BE mine?" he implored her. My
love is sincere and ardent. can not
live without you. Be mine, and every
enjoyment, pleasure, or desire shall be