Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-07-26

steps to the house, Mr. Howard observed
the movement, and said" Pray, Miss Carl
ton, do not let my presence prevent your en-
ioyiug this cool breeze" Seeing She still hes
itated, he continued 81 understand you
have been here for some time but do moi
believe you have yet discovered all the hid
den hooks in this ground, and if you will ac
company me will show you my lavorite re
treat, and think you will agree with IN,
that it is well worth the trouble Of a few
steps to reach it, Edie felt glad of an OK.
cuse to remain out Of doors. \ few minutes
walk brought them to a beautiful little grotto
where rustic benches had been arranged
which were oyerrun with ivy and myrtle. y
tiny stream Of water flowed past it, making
soft, sweet music very pleasing to the ear
The whole place was ovcrshadowed by majes
tie trees. Nowhere could more lovely plac,
have been found They fingered in the grot
to for some time Elie was quite charmed
with it, and her escort seemed equally well
pleased with his companion. He scarcely
withdrew his eyes from her face and when
Edic babe him good night, after returning to
the house. he said" Miss Carlton | hope
we shall be good friends, for already feel
very friendly towards you, and hope shall
have the pleasure Of your company many
more times while | am at home"
Weeks glided by and Edic still faithfully
performed her duties Phil Howard often
sought her company for walks aud drives
urging as an excuse that she needed the exer.
else. On all occasions his manner was so
respectful and tender that Edio, in spite Of ali
her efforts to the contrary, was fast learning
to love this talented young SoutherDer.
One day Edie quite unexpectedly encoun-
tered Miss Clair in the paror. That lady
only favored Edie with a prolonged stare,
without so much as word or bow. Miss
Clair was niece of Mrs Howard, aud had
come to pay them visit She had not for
gotten the manner in which Edie's singing
had affected Phil Howard the evening of the
ball, and she seemed to owe her a grudge on
account of it. Ede though she did not
know the cause Of her dislike, could not help
being aware of it, and attributed it to the feel.
ing of hostility which many Of the Southcrners
have against the Yankees; and especially
those who are obliged to work for living
For the next few weeks of Miss Glars
stay, Edie carefully avoided her, for the feel
ing of dislike was mutual
One afternoon, as Edie was crossing the
long hall, she met Phil. She bowed slightly
and was about to pass by, when he stepped d.
rectly in front Of her, so as to prevent her
making an escape. " Really, Miss Carlton, ~
he began, "you must give an account of your
self, and inform your humble servant what I'M
known lands you have visited for the past few
weeks, either bodily or spiritually, for you
have certainly been invisible Edie replied
in the same light strain, and endeavored to
pass on, but he urged" Really, you must
come back to every day life, and in honor of
your return invite you to a sail. You need
not refuse, for | shall understand nothing
but yes" That evening gay sailing party
sped swiftly over the lake Mr.. CRANKY sat
by Edie, aud pointed out every object Of in
terest that they passed, but Edie seemed sud
denly to have lost all interest in the beauties
of nature. Her eyes constantly wandered to
the other end Of the boat, where Miss Clair
and Howard were seated lie was bending
over her, listening attentiyely to something
she was saying, and her face was up-turned
to his in a way that showed she was more
than pleased with her company. Others be-
side Edie noticed them, and remarked in her
hearing that the incorrigble Phil Howard
was caught at last beyond all hope of escape
After the sail, as the merry party landed on
the shore, Howard was rapidly making his
way to where Edie was standing, She no.
ticed his approach, and her heart beat quick
ly, but at that moment Mr.. CRANKY offered
her his arm, and she could do nothing less
than accept Miss Clair had observed all
that had transpired, and an angry light fash
ed from her eyes but when Howard reach.
ed her side, and offered her his arm, she was
all smiles and good humor
Ede retired that night feeling more miser
able than she had ever felt before. Sh'
heartily wished herself far away, where Their
was no Miss Clair or Phil Howard, or an
thing else to remind her Of her folly Sh
now owned to herself that she loved Phi
Howard, but she would sooner have die
than that he or any one else should hav
known it. The next morning as Edie wa
engaged with her pupils she saw Howar
and Miss Clair ride out Of the yard. Sh
looked dazzlngly beautiful on her snow-whit
pony, her long dark habit sweeping nearl
to the ground. The morning wore slowl
away and when at last Edie's duties wer
over, she sought the grottc at the foot of tn
garden, where, feeling secure from all eye
she gave way 10 ft of passionate weeping
So violent was her grief that she did not hea
footsteps approaching, nor did she becom
aware that she was not alone, until she hear
her name spoken in low tones by her sid
She started to her feet and angrily confronte
Phil Howard. He placed his arm arouu
her and drew her down beside him on IL
bench.
Edie, my darling, forgive me for intru'
ing bat l did not know you were here. Bl
you must tell me what it is that troubles yor
for cannot endure the thought that one
love better than life itself should have a so
row that cannot share. Edie, love 20
as man loves but once in lifetime. Speak
dearest can you-will you--be my wife ?'
Edie's low-spoken " Yes" at once ended a
doubt on his part, and the two soon sougl
the house. On the yerandah they met Mi
Clair. She knew from their happy looks TIL
it was beyond her power to destroy their ha
piness and nj dinner that dav she announc,