The Lincoln County herald., 1871-12-14

pltalltles OF MS nome.
Then for the first time did the thought
of an obstacle in the way Of the final
success of Ter plan present itself.
Amy had been regarded by this worthy
lady as a child, dependent, and by no
means to be dreaded us a rival. For
eighteen months, during the time of Mrs.
Fosters severe illness, and since her
death, Amy had been very much secluded
When, occasionally, she had been seen by
callers, they had noticed her but little
But it seemed to Mrs. Charlton that by
magic the child had become very beau
tiful and really charming woman.
Everything was in perfect order at the
Manor, and delicate aud tempting lunch
served, at which Amy presided with such
quiet dignity, that, to use very trite
expression, Mrs. Charlton was consldera
bly, taken aback."
In her expectations, Amy was to DO
dreaded. The Rector's wife wanted some
advice in this dilemma, and so she sought
the assistance Of Mrs. Fairfield, a very
handsome widow, but not young enough
to be feared as a rival of Adele's she
possessed Of quick wit
Quite forty, but looking much younger,
che had been thinking much of Mr.. Eos.
ter lately, and came to the conclusion
how we'll it would be for him if he would
take wife and that she herself could
bo the one to make him very happy.
So, when Mrs. Charlton came, the widow
joined with her very heartily in the idea
that Nr. Foster ought certainly to be Sc
cured and little Amy must surely be
gotten out of the way. Now when tho
thought Of getting rid Of the orphan girl
came to Mrs. Charlton's mind she never
for an instant thought of doing her any
harm. But the widow made up her mud
to get her away, at any risk. So there
was little word, very significant look,
a shrug of the shoulders given to Mrs.
Archer, the mother of five daughters,
ranging front twenty to thirty fve
This kind woran, too, had been con.
sidcring very deeply the lonely condition
Of young Foster, and thinking how she
would like to be mother to him, when
Mrs. Fairfld opened her eyes to the
/
that he was not lonely man. This
matter must be attended to Immediately.
And SO it went around and abroad, until
the Rector's wife said
"My dear, every one is talking of it !!
| never dreamed Of the impropriety, to
say the least Of it, until every one saw
and spoke Of it,"
"Oh, certainly, L must 20 Immediately y
and talk to young Foster on the impro
priety Of his course" said worthy Mr..
| Charlton.
And off he went that very hour. And
after considerable hesitation for when
getting face to face with the noble, grave
looking young man, the Rector found it
u most difficult and delicate matter to
approach q subject that would call 10
question the actions Of one 70 worthy of
respect-he ventured to tell the object of
his visit.
"What! not keep Amy. my child, my
little sister, with me? ? Send her away ?"
exclaimed George Foster, with intense
amaZemcnt.
MY young friend, you know, exccp.
by your mothers adoption, she is neither
For her own good, you should do SO
Can you not think that her fair name ma y
suffer, should this assumed relationship
be continued? During your RESP ected
mothers life, it was, OF course, perfectly
right and proper; but"
"But, sir, my mother bound me by q
sacred promise never to !orsake Amy
to consider her happiness always. Send
her from me How? Where? To
whom? She is without friends |" said
George Foster in an agitated voice.
"Procure her position as teacher, OF
seamstress-some respectable employ
ment away from the ueighborhood. |
will aid you in this duty you should con.
slider it, answered the Rector.
II cannot Il cannot. My promise
forbids it. My poor lit'le Amy Why
could not these people let her alone
Poor innocent child! How can shield
her from them p
"Give them no cluse to think wrong
of either her or you, my friend. Now, il
you were married, your wifes presence
would, of course, render Amy's presence
perfectly proper"
"Why, Amy is not the only woman in
the house. My housekeeper, e worthy
aged and Christian woman, is with US. It
my dear friend, she is your colorod
servant, bound to do your bidding. Her
presence is not sufficient"
marry have never though Of such
thing. And you say l must either
send Amy off or bring wife here, tha,
she may remain, aud evil tongues be
stopped p said George bitterly.
my young friend, you are excited and
unjust, | think. There are certain duties
we owe to society,"" said the Rector.
swell, we'll, to shield poor little Amy,
will marry. But who shall l marry y
"There are many lovely and most suit
able ladies 10 our congregation, several
OF whom you are already acquainted
with"
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