The Van Buren press., 1870-07-19
MISCELLANY.
One Way Of Courting.
BY FANNY ELLIOT.

Remember, you will never have simllal
opportunity again
Amber Melton glanced up from the
crocheting in her fingers, and steadily
surveyed the pretty. piq1ant face leaning
half dejectedly against the window pane
on the outside Of which dreary Novem
ber rain storm was pitilessly heating
She was an interesting girl, this dark
haired Dell Cameron a triae higher than
most women of her age, and certainly
much more matured in mind.
To day, when the world outside seem.
ed sobbing itself away for very dismal
ness, she made a peculiarly pretty pic
turc in her warmhued crimson wrapper
and dainty, ruffled white apron her
cleaning watch aud chain, and the tinv
crimson satin bow peeping f,om hcl
dark hair.
Mrs. Melton thought so, too, as she
gazed at her, for she laughed rs she re
turned to work.
ats not much wonder he's in love
with You, Dell I think any man in his
senses would lose his heart to see you
just this minute"
Dell smiled family, as she glanced ian.
guidly at her watch.
so rare an article as a genuine cont
plment from ones married sister orgh'
to be duly appreciated; but, truth to tell
ma chere soeur, l am ia a very i'll humoI
this afternoon
"All because ofthe horrid equinoctial
or on account Of Mr.. Sterling's proposal
eh, pussy ?"
A faint blush came to Dell's cheeks
and she tapped against the glass impa
tiently. For several seconds both main
tanned an unbroken silence; then, sud
denly, Dell arose from her seat, and flung
herself on the hassock at Mrs. Melton.
feet.
Amber, dear, you can not imagine
how perfectly miserable l am. Some
times think | would give all possess
to die"
Mrs Melton laid her hand reprovingly
on Dells quivering lips"
THAT is wicked, my darling. Oul
lives are given us to improve. not to de
stroy. DELL" and her tones fell to a ten
der, ANXIOUS whisper, ~ have suspected
something grieved you for scvera
months. Will you tell me?"
Some girls would have blushed per
haps, and coquettishly refused their con
tidence but in her own straightforward
way Dell answered Mrs. Melons ques
ton.
81 detest Morton Sterling, Amber, ant
yet | have never seen him. / think it il
that very reason why l dislike him so
to think that any one, who pretends tc
be gentleman, would ask in marriag,
the hand of a person that he had not seer
in ten years
Delps voice grew indignant, and Mrs
Melton smiled amusedly.
You forget, Mr.. Sterling is one o
our dearest, longest-tried friends, sister
Besides, father sent your picture to hin
but few months age, so he can judg'
for himself what you loo klike.'
Which is more than | am permitted
to do. But, Amber, besides hating Nor
ton Sterling, there isanother impedimen
in the way. like somebody else p
A delicious little blush accompanied
her words. out she 1rmly met her sister,
half-horrfied eyes.
You love another? Dell, Dell, wha
what will father say"
"There, that's just the way it Away
is It's only what father says and thinks
| am a secondary consideration.
"But / am surprised, SO completely
taken back, Dell. You never have 81
much as intinated to me the existence o
another lover. Who is he?
Dell did not reply for several seconds
Then she raised her eyes and looked
steadily, dedantIy in Mrs. Melton's curl
Gus face,
You'll be surprised, then horriAed
then angry. | am ready for all Of it
Amber Melton. | am going to marry
Ed Winchester"
Her cheeks reddened and her finger
trembles as they lay on Mrs. Melton
knees.
Ed Winchester
Her sister repeated the name in intens
amazement "Surely not that youn.
LAWYER! Oh, Dell Cameron. you neve
will throw yourself away on him p
Dell $ eyes fairly blazed.
"Throw myself away on him tel
you Amber, he's too good for me and
tell you too ask no brighter fate thi
side of heaven than to be Ed Winches
ters wife.
Neither spoke for long time; am
the rain came IN a driving storm agans
the paror windows. and the dr ear autumn
wind shriekod past the house aud dow
the drenched streets.