The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1871-06-22
WESTMINSTER, MD, THURSDAY MORNING. JUNE %. 1871.

my love for Alice. Now must hasten
to tell him that it was Hetty u.ea,
y iear, what whirl my poor brain is
in
At last, to my great relief Mr.. and
Mrs. Gordon entered. Mrs. Gordon
shook me warmly by the hand, aud
said
Dear Mr.. Gwyune, there is no one
| would rather give my wild birdie to
than you. Alice, though younger, is
so quiet and steady; she il far more
capable Of acting for herself. You'll
always be kind aud tender TO Hetty,
won't you 7"
OF course he will, Of course he willP'
cried Mr.. Gordon. Come, Gwynpe,
and wash yoar hands"
Deeply grateful for the chnuce, not
that my hands were dirty, but because
| felt | should burst out crying or do
something equally absurd If | stopped
there) followed him.
What time do you diuc, Mr.. Cor.
dony" | asked.
Six" he replied lit is now
quarter past ivc.'
All" | shall just have time" said
q | fluid | have forgotten to leave orders
about certain medicine. If you'll
allow me, III just run down to the sur
gerry; for it will not do to be SO careless
about physic."
Certainly not, certainly not" said
MIR. Gordon; "though very excusable
uuder the circumstances make hustle
six, sharp"
almost ran off. | let myself into
the surgery by my Ltch key. o Joy 4,
It was empty. Locking the door, sank
into chair and paused to think. What
should | do? The only time for escape
was now. Should l send up q note to
say | was suddenly called out, and see
what TO morrow would do2 Should |
pack up my things, throw my character
aud profession to the wind, aud bolt
They we're not tempting alternatives.
| almost did the first But / WIS not
mean coward was l going TO act
unworthy a gentleman? After plight.
ing my troth, aud receiving her shy
kisses, could | now EXPLAIN And yet
and yet, was it right to marry one
sister, loving the othery Why had they
net seen that | loved Alice, and told
me at once that my case was hopeless ?
Why did not | opcu my eyes aud see
that contrary to appearances, she was
the younger? No use to ask that now.
My duty was clear, my course was
plain. l smoothed my tumbled hair,
bathed my hot temples in cold water,
and determined TO be man aud no
coward. | would act my part, and trust
to time to make it natural to me.
So | reiracej my steps, aud eutered
the Gordon's drawing. room just a, it
struck six | was of course Introduced
to Cousin Willie lie was tall, fair.
bearded fellow, looked and spoke like
gentleman, and seemed very fond OF
Alice, aud she Of him. Somehow felt
better When saw them together. After
all, iiet,y was just as pretty, with her
wavy, glossy hair, her bright eyes, with
their new, sottened expression, aud that
shy smile round her rosy mouth. |
declare | found myself comparing them
to my little ones advantage, aud felt
quite proud us | led her into the dining.
room.
What need | say more? Day by day
my lot grew SUMMER, my little Hetty
dearer aud dearer to me. | never knew
her otherwise than bright aud good
tempered; while Alice--but [ must not
tell tales--Alice is dear girl, aud an,
very fond Of her, aud my uephews and
nieces, but all my heart and my love is
for my own merry lletty.
We have been married for some years,
aud little ones patter about our home;
aud as ! write, my own sweet wife leans
over my shoulder, aud reads how out of
my mistake grew my lile's best and
traesthappiness; aud she says, mischicv,
iously,-
"My dear, old Phil. what happy
man you are, although you had to get
married in spite of yourself"
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