Litchfield enquirer., 1870-04-28

But do mind,' l answered trying to 1 gain little more time. T can't bear so- lemnity-It worries my nerves
 But this need not worry you.' said | he.
 For half second, was vexed. Had he so much masculine conceit, that, in spite of my caution, he really supposed he had only to speak to make me willing to listen Then thought that could not be, and l did not snub him. but I could not hear him talk then; had got too nervous, and wanted to be perfectly composed, so that even while I told him how hopeless his friendship and sympathy, and calm his distress by my wisdom and sensible ad- vice.
 rose from the piano and said.
 Bless melt is dreadfully latel You must not stay another minute.
 Just listen-
 No, no, interrupted, putting my fin ger in my ears; mot word-the clock has struck eleven, and am always deaf as $ post after that
 He looked vexed so was less sorry for him.
 I did not think you would treat me like this, when you see how much in earnest l am, he said.
 Nov don't be cross, ordered. 'else I'll treat you worse. I'll show you now wick ed can be. I'll listen, then, promise; and I'm sure it is very good of me-
 Yes, and thank you, he put in, before I could finish.
 But not to night, said I; if it was only to punish you for lnterrupting me-
 sBut-'
 Now be good, and don't tease me- I urged. I will listen-indeed, I will, though I wish you wouldn't tell me anything sol emn. Oh! it would be so much better if you would not-so much better
 What do you mean? he asked, sternly.
 T didn't mean to say that, at all events, said I, getting little confused. Now please to go at once; Hannah will want to shut up the house.
 But Hannah says you will always do as you please returned he, smiling.
 But mean to be good; I've turned over a new leaf, and Hannah is cross for Q week if keep her up; besides, aunt Majorie has headache, and ought to go to her; please let me go.'
 You are very thoughtful and kind,' said he. I ought not to have detained you; she may want somethin g-I was wrong to stay
 Now that was very nice of him. and spoke volumes for his amiable disposition!
 Good night, said I, kindly. Remember we are always friends.
 Friends? Yes, I hope sol have need to hope so.'
 His voice shook again, and he held my hand SO tight that was sorry had given it to him: but he restrained himself, and added gently,
 Say good night for me to Miss Vane. wIsh her pleasant dreams
 He went away without word, and flew up stairs, so nervous and excited that l did not quite know what l was about. Aunty was in bed. could see her face looking pale in the moonlight, but she said her head was better.
 Mr. Cromlin has just gone?' said she.
 'Yes,' said I and gave her his message1 then, all of a sudden, l broke down, and beyan to laugh and cry at once.
 Aunty was so frightened by my absurd ity, that she turned as white as ghost, aud begged me to tell her what was the matter. So out it came, though l had meant to keep bis secret. told her what was afraid of, aud how hard l had tried to keep the man from rushing on to a dissappointmont; anu she listened in the most attentive way, ln spite of her head ache, which 1 knew was dreadful, by the look Tn htr eyes. She said very little, but advised me to go to bed aud sleep, and fo! get all about 1t.
 But am very unhappy said I. You are, aunty-you are growing elderly, aud have your feelings under proper control; but am So impulsive, and 1t makes me wretched to think of bringing m.sery on any body
 Yes she answered, shading her eyes with her hands, I am growing elderly you are right
 She added some words that I did not catch; but when asked her what she had sald, she only replied.
 sMy head aches so that 1 can't remem- Der. Go to bed, dear girl. God bless you!'
 I was quite touched by her kindness, for her voice sounded full of tears; and knew that she pitied me for being placed in snch distressing position. offered to sit by her and bathe her head, but she would not permit 1t, and hurried me away, she was so anxious that should not be any more troubled. dear oId thing!
 i went to bed, but I did not expect to sleep wink, and am shure don't know how it happened that did; but I was lost the moment my head touched the pillow, and never woke till Hannah thumped, like the Day of judgement, at my door the next morning. 'l-
 Aunty waslnot down to breakfast. Her head was so bad that she had told Hannah not to let me come in, because she was in hopes to sleep: after that sbe should be quite herself again. had dreadfully loiesome day, and was in mortal fear, eacu moment, that Cromlin would appear; but he did not; and in the afternoon Hannah told me that she had seen him drive tow. ard the village.
 Aunt Marjorie came down to tea. but went back to her room again; so started out for walk, in hoped to avoid Mr. Crom- lin. went through the orchard, and met him face to face. He looked 50 troubled ] and dazed, that could have cried, and l began to think that this state of things could not go on. I must have peace. If he would be silly he must, and l would [ end the matter.
 I was just coming to your house, said he. I have busy all day. in the village, about some tiresome land I own.'
 Don't speak disrespectfully of your said | Property is a good thing
 Yes,' returned he, and just now, l am more thankful for having it than ever
 knew what he meant. I could not be