Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1870-01-12
CHAPTER ".

It is scarcely necessary to say that
Charles Wentworth sought and obtain
ed an introduction to Miss Mary Smith :;
and as the packet, from low water and
other causes, was detained several days
over the regular time, the acquaintance
progressed and Tipened. It was strange
and powerful the influence the bright
girl exercised over usually calm, digni-
fed Mr.. Wentworth, How he loved to
linger by her side, and listen to the sweet
thrilling cadence Of her voice, and when
at last the steamer hove in sight of the
port which was to separated him from the
object of his alteration, he felt with re-
doubled force, how wildly, passiOnatelY
he loved. But did she return this ardent
devotion The question continually har-
assed him. How else was he to o0nstrue
the bushes that deepened upon her fair
cheek whenever their eyes met? What
other conclusions could he come to what
in their evenings gs-prOmenades on deck,
he felt the little hand THAT exquisite
hand) tremble on his arm, if he essayed
q compliment? His fastidiOus scruples
about familypride melted before the
speaking eyes like frost before the sun.
He did not care even to inquire about her
lineage. Smith was a common name,
it was true; but, then, there were
plenty of Smiths who had been uncOm-
mon. She might be a direct descendant
of the P0cahontas Smith, or she might
be related to Sir Sidney, or she might be
nobody but Mary Smith, plain daughter
of plain Mr. and Mrs. Smith. No mat
ter, he felt that she was noble, and pure,
and good. All he cared was to know
she loved him, and would smile upon his
suit-that she would eventually be his
his only. She loves me- he thought
s0T she is the most COnsummate cOquette!
am determined to know the truth ?'-
With this resolve, he sought her and
poured forth, in passionate language, the
tale of his devotion. She listened with
wrapt attention, but no word escaped her
lips. What must he infer from this si-
Ience? ? Had he offended her? He
knelt, and, in the fervOr Of the moment,
pressed the tiny hand to his lips. She
permitted it to rest a second, then, with
one Of her sweetest smiles, begged him
to rise. The very sound Of her voice re-
assured him.
ttI may dare, them, to hOpe?'i he said,
anXiously, as he drew her hand gently
through his arm, as they began slowly
to promenade the deck,
t'This earnest declaration israther has
ty, Mr.. Wentworth, for one Of your tenn
.perament: and it is asubject that should
be considered; them
"Hasty? ?D echoed Wentworth, vehe-
mently. Eyes, because even now the
spires Of yon city warn me that in a lit
tie while we separate, and, as q despeF-
ate man, desire to know my fate.' His
voice s0ftened. Say, my beautiful one
that you do not spuFn me-
''Spurn you o, no % Though a tell
tale blush suffused her face, she laughed; I
yes, a wicked little laugh, that haunted
the ardent lover long after. Assuming
a serious air, she continued. ''I have,
Mr.. Wentworth, as needless as I some
times appear, sOberly and seriously
thought about matrimony. / use the term !
seriously, as I look upon it as a matter
that ought to command deep eOnsidera-
ton; you must, therefore, permit me to |
think about your proposal"
90 dearest you do not, you cannot
feel the sincere, all-absOrbing love that
do, else you would not require this. y /
A deprecating look from the clear eyes !
made him pause then, pressing the
hand that rested on his arm, he said ~
''FOrgive me, if I doubted your affec- /
ton; with wait your pleasure, and in !
the meantime live in the blissful antiei- /
patton of claiming you as-n
'tBIary, Mary, Mary !' cried a stentor-
ian voice from below. Where the |
deuce can the madcap be? Here we are, !
ready to land Tut, tut, tut! girl on with 1
your things, or Wen be too late to make 4
the connection ~
Wentworth snatched enc hurried kiss
from the band that still fingered in his
own, and then relinquished to the less
ardent grasp Of plain uncle Billy,