The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-09-12

be more to his discredit than mine. By
the time we reached the veranda | had be-
come quite cool and collected. There was
not the slightest apparent sign of recogni-
tion, unless it was perhaps just quiver of
the eyelids, as we were presented to each
other. No one would have imagined for q
moment that we had ever met before. /
could not help thinking what consummate
pair of hypocrites we both were. There
was one thing however, l prided myself
upon experienced man of the world as he
was, /, a STRIPPING, mere tryo in life's
mysteries, was his equal in coolness and
selEpossession.
Treating me with the most marked con-
every occasion, covertly, to make me appear
in ridiculous light before the ladies' fling
ing little quiet sarcasms at me in way
that could not be resented, without making
me appear unreasonably hot-headed and
sensitive. rather enjoyed this keen en-
counter of our wits, for l gave him as
good as he sent, as it proved he was annoy
ed at Edith's evident liking fol my society.
The ladies had no suspicion of the ill-feeling
existing between us. Edith looked little
surprised at one or two of his sneers, and
seemed disposed to resent them. She more
than suspected this mans true character,
and respect for her sisters feelings alone
made her treat him with common politeness
He could not influence her against me-that
was one comfort.
Mrs. Briscoe received telegram from
her husband, stating that he would be home
by the evening train.
l." He will be here by nine o'clock to-
night" she said. "He always walks up
from the depot"
remarked that thought it risk to
run, he having so much money about him,
her house being in the outskirts of the
town, and some portions of the way quite
lonely. had observed that in my walks
about the place.
go, there is no danger" she answered,
lightly.
"Is he armed?" ] asked.
"He never carried a weaponin his life, "
she returned. DO you?"
"Not exactly" l made answer. 81
have one-though do not carry it about
mean heirloom in our family, n relict OF
the olden time-a Scottish dirk that be,
longed to namesake Of mine, Malcom
McVeigh, corporal in the celebrated High
land Regiment, known as the 'BlacB
Watch that was SO distinguished at the
battle of Dettingen. have it up stairs il
my carpet-bag now."
The ladies expressed desire to see it,
and / went for the dirk, and brought il
down for their examination. Alfred Bris
coe was present when this conversation
took place, and he examined the dirk crit
ically. After their curiosity was satisfied
l carried it back to my chamber.
stopped awhile to making some changes
in my apparel, intending to take q lonl
walk after dinner Returning down stairs
l found Edith alone in the parlor, looking
l thought out of sorts, as if something hat
ruffled the natural serenity of her temper.
"What's the materP' P'' asked, taking ;
place beside her ON the sofa.
"I've settled it." she cried, petulantly
GIVE settled it for good and all ~
"Have you2 Well, l am glad t.
hear that but what have you settled ?''
She smiled, and her good humor cam'
back again. ....
"Mr. Alfred Briscoe proposed to me, tel
minutes ago, and rejected him."
"And he VOWS vengeance, presume p
80, no-he would never dare to threatel
me. Covertly he would do me mischief il III
could. 1t is great disappointment to him
! know, as he is very anxious to have the
spending of my money" n,slt rat
edith, wish you did not have an,
money" cried, suddenly.
"WhyP" she demanded, in surprise.
"Because don't wish to be accused o
mercenary motives-don't you seeP"
"But why should you beP' 'n.'i o
"Well-I have been thinking-for som
little me-that-I-should like to MARI
you myself" -o.'" ll
"Well, Malcolm 9'' ..i '-h''
@ But the confounded money makes
look as if it wasn't love that swayed me
entirely and purely" .,,.
"I think we can get over that difficulty,
she said, quietly. "After we are marie,
will give it away"
"To whom ?' asked.
"To yOu, dear" she said, with mos