The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1871-09-28

the disposition and character of his inamorata
He soon left me, joined the lady in ques,
ton, and I saw them afterwards, strolllng,
arm-in-arm, upon the piazza, as, with an
acquaintance, / passed out of the crowded
rooms to enjoy a few moments in the cool
air. On re-entering the house, feeling some.
how disinclined to minge with the throng,
I soughta quiet nook, where l was not like
ly to be disturbed entered small room
IA sort of boudoir, at the extreme end OF
the hall. The gas was turned off, so as to
afford only weird, partial light, and l sank
upon sofa, thinking to enjoy revcrie, tor
| certainly felt in the mood
The soft, velvety carpet had not echoed
my steps, and had been but momentseat,
ed when found that was not alone in =
room. By the dim light I detected tha
outlines of two figures at the opposite side,
seated by window. Twas about to retire
when my ears caught few words, which
arrested my steps and decided met remain
even though was playing the desplcable
role of eaves-dropper. -,
"Oh, Anne, how could you be so cruel "
slid u soft sweet voice in distressed tone.
"You know you have encouraged him, led
him to believe that you cared for him, and
he is so handsome, so polished, and above al!
50 good and noble-why, I should be proud
to win such man" ''-
"Don't be ninny," was the reply, in
harsh, ringing tone; one would think you
were in love with him yourself. If persons
will be 80 foolish and conccited as to aspire
to marry their superiors, why they must ex'
pect to be trihed with. Marry Bane Oar
we'll, my uncle's clerk! Indeed, I'm not in
sane quite, think"
( "Ah, then, 'tis not the man whom you
! will one day marry-'ti the money" -
ttsYes, if you will have it So; since you
are so much Interested in the affairs of. un;
| cle's. clerk, fancy that you ought to rejoice
that have rejected him; you may win him
yourself" : z. t'->, >. ~: ...-
tsFor shame. Annie, you arc ungenerous,"
reSlied the other in indignant tones. 2 -
only hope that Iimay be fortunate enough
to win one so noble, even though he be ever
50 poor. 1 have money enough tor both,
thank heaven" - 80
So saying, she rose to leave the room, as
tall form glided from the doorway, and 1
quietly crouched closer in my seat, feeling
that a discovery at least would be unpleas-
ant. o. '..t:-
The next day Bane called to see me, and,
although his manner was somewhat deprcss-
ed, no allusion was made to the affairs Of the
previous evening. ..
After that he came often to see me, and
attsHanE rgd e III lis I ddt1es ta as s gf6seF
clerk. -zHe often spoke of Miss Langdon,
but more frequently the name of Lucy Mel-
ton dwelt on his tongue. He still continued
visiting at the house of his employer, and, l
having become acquainted through him,
often accompanied him there of an evening.
1t was little curious that Mr.. Crank and
his family should be on such familiar terms
with the poor clerk, but then he was 80
sentemanly and nice, the ladies said, that
it was really treat to enjoy his society:
One evening accompanied my friend to
the home of his cruel charmer, and we were
seated in the parlor with all the members of
the family excepting Mr.. Crank.
Bane Darwcll and Lucy Merton sat apart
from the rest, apparently absorbed in the
examination Of book of drawings, though
l thought it quite unnecessary that they
should be so utterly oblivious to all else
Bane had seemed of late to ignore the fact
that Annie Langdon had refused him, and
at times, l was puzzled that he had never
betrayed, by word or glance, the fact that
he had overheard the conversation between
the two young ladies' on the night of the
party.
III fancied that Miss Langdon half regret
i ted that she had not accepted him but, ii
she did, it was evident that her regrets were
useless, for he treated her with cordial
friendlincss that utterly banished all senti.
ment.
busted myself in attempting to play the
agreeable to Miss Langdon and her aunt
until the evening was nearly spent when
Mr.. Crank rushed in, and, without giving
look to any one else in the room, seized the
hand of Bane, and exclaimed: 49,,
"Ah, you SLY dog-to impose on us all at
this rate Now. to punish you, Iwillread alouc
letter have reccvedr p and fumbling in
his pockets, he produced a letter and read
OFFICE oF--BANK, =,
No.--ST., N. Y.
MEssRs. CRANK & GRINDER: Yours ii
at hand requesting an extension ofyour note
without extra endorsers. This we canno
do, as our rules will not allow it, on such
LARGE sum. We would refer you to Mr. Ban.
Darwell, who is one of our directors ant
largest stockholders. We understand tha
he is at present in your city. lfhe will en-
dorse your paper, we will agree t.. your pro
posal. Truly yours,
A. BOND, Cash..
I looked at Bane, who, with flushed cheel
and brow, arose and said
, aNIr. Crank, I have to apologize to yo'
, and your family for the part have bee
7 playing. grew tired of being valued TO
: NV money, and not for myself, and con
: ceived the idea of performing the role of
s poor man. I came to your city, an
nroducinp reliable references, was enable