The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1870-04-09
TALES OF THE BORDERS
THE GHOST oF oAIRVBURM.
BY ALBxASDEA BkTHrHE.

It is probable that other schemes nigh
have been devised, or the same ones nigh
have been prosecuted to still greater ex
tent: but what had been already done
aided by his own observation, bad opened
bis ewes to some things of which be was moi
before fully aware. Hitherto, be seemed tC
have supposed that he was himself the only
sufferer but be now discovered that there
was another whom be was making unhappy,
and her unhappiness evidently panied him,
adding, at the same time, to his Other
causes Of anxiety, whatever they were, and
consequently to the tboughtfulness Of bis
looks. But still be seemed to fear coming
to an explanation, as much as If be had
been certain that such step would destroy
bis last remains of hope. He could not,
however, long endure such an idea and
adopting what bad become the least painful
alternative, he seemed to have made up his
mind to the unfolding of that secret which,
hitherto, be had kept TO himself.
"Jenny," said be, one day, after long
and thoughtful silence, for some months l
have scarcely known what it was to be happy
for single hour and, strange as ye may
think it, love has been one Of the principal
causes Of my misery. Had it not been for
that, l could have thought lightly Of
poverty and everything else. l have acted
foolishly, perhaps, and made myself alto
gether unworthy of the woman whom
love but, yet, would fain hope that she
will not despise me, and | am now re-
solved"
AT hearing these words. Jenny's heart
had begun to palpiate violently. But, just
as be uttered the word resOtred," arsP
was beard at the door; and, on its being
opened, Betsy Braikens came in, and
saluted her cousin with a ProfusiOn Of
smiles; while poor Jenny, to conceal her
own agitation, was glad to make an excuse
for leaving the house.
As soon as Betsy's coming was known,
people we're on the alert On Sabbath she
accompanied her cousin 70 the church, and,
on the road thither, it was observed that
the thoughtful expression Of his countenance
had passed away-that, after making the
proper allowance for the solemnity OF the
day, be was to all appearance rs cheerful
as ever he had been in bis life and that be
he behaved to bis relation with the Creates
kindess, accompanied by an easiness Of man
ner for which the wise women could only
account by supposing that a still nearer re
lationship was in contemplation, or, il
other words, that the marriage-day was al
ready set The star Of the BrGikenites wa
now in the ascendant they began to fel
certain that their opinions had all along beer
correct and they uPraided their opponent
for their slowness Of belief, and their back
wardness to place implicit confidence in th'
understanding Of those who were evidentl.
wiser than themselves
The Tuesday following was that OF
which AMchtsrmuchty Market occurred
Betsy remained until that important day
went to the market with ber cousin like
betrotbed damsel while Jenny, who ha'
also been invited to accompany him, pre-
ferred staying at home and, to place tn
matter beyond further dispute, he bough
and presented the former with q gown, O
fine and 50 costly, that those who had seel
it declared "tbere Nasna anthem like
selled that day i the town" No man,
was affirmed, would thus throw away none
in buying gowns, unless be expected to b
benefited by the wearer-and the triumph
the Braikenites was now almost complete.
While these important events were pass
ing, it was not to be expected that Jenn.
should remain an unconcerned spectator. Sh
had been the first to notice that remarkabl
change for the better which bis cousin
presence had produced in the looks an
manners Of Sandy Crawford. She saw hi
cheerfulness restored-she saw bis kindnes
to Betsy; and, for the first time in her life
she believed that he really loved her.
On the day after the market. Betsy Bral
kens was to 60 home, and her cousi
galIantly offered to accompany her as far q
her fathers Shortly after they were gone
Jenny hastened to tell her mother what sh
had seen and heard. Nelly now considere'
that her own character for prudence an
management was at stake and Jenn
was prevailed upon to adopt her views, an
to promise to be directed by her advice.
In the evening, vhen Sandy Crawfor
returned from escOrting bis cousin, be wa
in high spirits It was also evident that b
had drunk a glass or two more than va
his usual, though mot % much as to injur
bis understanding; and he now appeare
, most anxious to obtain a private conferenc
With Jenny. Between her and the her
laddie sort Of tacit understanding appeare
: ! now to exist, for be did not leave the hoas
. to follow his pastime, as was bis wont ant
: when his master babe him gang and cles
out his byre," the boy told him be had dor
J 50 already. He next desired him to "brin
some water from the well for . drink, as !
; was thirsty" But Jenny, who answers
for him, said that, cas- the COW had bes
I -ying in the afternoon, he would be tire
with chasing her )" and she took the pitch
ard went to obey the order herself: IT
individual who had given it followed her on
but she was at the well, and had filed b
!. pitcher, before be could come near enOul