Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-07-26

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was more than usually pressing. The
next day her web was exceedingly
troublesome, and she left work after
sundown. The gate was locked, and
she was obliged to retrace her steps
and cross the footbridge above the fall.
She hurried over the bridge, and
struck into the street, the tall build
ings making it dark and gloomy. An
nette felt frightened, and fear almost
lent her wings.
There was quick, firm step be-
hind her; but she did not look around
not even when it halted at her side.
The voice which addressed her drove
all fear from her heart. 1t was that
of Mr.. Templeton.
"You are late tonight, Miss Burns.
Permit me to attend you"
He wrapped the shawl which he
was carrying carefully around her,
and drew her hand within his arm
This protecting care was new to her,
but it was very sweet; why, she could
scarcely have told, yet she knew that
all fear and GOODNESS had gone away
from her.
They went on little way in utter
silence, then he said:
"Annette, may | talk to you freely 2"
At being called by her Christian
name, her heart beat fast.
"Yes," she said family.
"Thank your He was holding her
hand now. "It is abrupt, know, An
nette. But cannot see you wasting
your youth and bloom away. You
must quit this factory life at once;
it is killing you. From this night it
is ended. Do you hear me Annette ?"
Certainly she heard him; but she
was utterly at loss to comprehend
his meaning, although she bowed her
head in response.
"Well, then; the existence that
you take from toll must be given to
me! Annette, | love you. | have
watched you when you little suspect
ed me. Speak to me, Annette. Is
this love to be sent away uncared for :?
Is it,"
Annette saw, as with a flash, into
her own heart, the scaled chambers
of which she had not recently dared
to fathom. Thank God for it! Yes,
she could speak now. But when she
essayed it, her speech was only tears.
Mr. Templeton stopped to kiss them
off.
"My darling! Your face has haunt
ed me since the first look | had of it.
The shadow has been always with me
now | am to have the substance
Blessed reality
They turned an angle of the street,
and into q sheltered covert. A horse
attached to a sleigh was tied to a
post Templeton mhitched the ami,
NAL, lifted Annette in, and took his
seat beside her. To her surprised
inquiry he said:
Forgive me, dearest; but was in
the ante-room last night, and over
heard you wishing to be home on
your birthday. l am going to take
you there now. We will celebrate
the day together, if your parents will
receive me"
"Oh! Mr.. Templeton Y
That Sabbath-that quiet, sunshi-
ny Sabbath-what a joyous day it was
to the residents of Elmstead. A day
of praise and thanksgiving, and tear.
full offering of thanks to the God Of
mercy and love.
And before Reynor Templeton left
Farmingdale, EImstead was reclaim
ed from the shadow of debt, and the
mind Of Annette at rest.
In May, the month Of blossoms, the
bridal took place, and the beautiful
lady whom Annette had once enyieG
as the promised bride of Mr.. Temple
ton. was the bridesmaid. Isabel Cor
don was a tried and trusted friend tC
Mr.. Templeton-nothing more-and
in after years she became as sister
to his fair young wife.
Elmstead was kept in the family a;
country seat; but through the colo
months Annette's parents shared will
her the stately elegance of her hus
bands CITY home.