The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-08-22

made such extra exertions to be cheerful,
that Aunt Ruth, who had for some time
suspected an affection of the heart between
the young people, was quite reassured, and
decided that girl who could revel in such
a flow of spirits all the time, could not pos
sibly be pining for an absent lover.
Amy received now and then letter from
her sister Belle, which was mostly filled
with commiseration for her lonely lot at the
and the delights which she her.
self experienced at Newport. In her last
letter she wrote:
"Mr Ralph Somerville has at length an
rived and created great sensation, for he
is perfectly splendid, so handsome, and
such perfect gentleman He is estimated
to be worth half million at least, and only
think what splendid establishment he
could give wife ! He shows me great
deal of attention, and you cannot think
how much envy it excites. He pays man.
ma more Difference than any other of the
ladies who have manageable daughters,
and she is confident that she shall soon
welcome him into her family as her son-in-
law. She thinks his attentions to her are
quite proper under the circumstances, and
proof of his serious intentions in regard
to myself, so you must not be surprised if /
return home engaged to Mr.. Somerville."
Amy sighed as she closed the letter, at
the thought that if such an event as
fashionable engagement for her sister should
take place, how much extra discipline she
would have to submit to, and what tire
some routine of ceremonies would follow
in its train. This prospect, that, i'll Bellies
view, seemed now to be among the posi-
bilities of the future, made Amy enjoy
with more Zest the remainder of her stay
1. i III
week longer than she at first intended, but
a casual remark in one of Bellies letters,
"that her father had returned home, and
had complained of not feeling very well of
late," quite altered her plans and she i'm
mediately left for home.
Mr.. Dayton was suffering from nervous
attack and his lowness of spirits was not
improved in the elegant but lonely house,
where lie missed SO much the presence of
his wife and daughter. He was sitting in
the library, with DEF ected look upon his
usually cheerful face, when Amy burst
like a sun beam into the room.
go papa p she exclaimed &c I'm SO glad
| found you at home. / thought perhaps
you might be at the office" "But, papa,
what makes you look SO sad ? has anything
happened" ?"
any sadness l cannot deny that l feel low
spirited, but I'm quite at a loss myself to
find the cause"
81 know what it is, papa. You have
quite worn yourself out delving in that old
Office, and all you need is rest. don't be-
lieve you found much at Newport, did
you, papa?'
80 dear, no such hurry and hustle, and
so many going and coming, it was impossi-
BILE to get any rest worth the name there. I"
Well, papa, am going to be your ply
sician and prescribe for you, and think l
can insure you complete recovery of your
health and spirits"
81 think, my dear, that your presence
has already made me feel better, so shall
place myself under your charge without
any hesitation"
Amy proved skillful physician for the
quiet drives and sails they took together
and the cheerful days passed at home, soon
dispelled the nervousness which was only
caused by mental fatigue; and long before
his wife and eldest daughter returned, Mr..
Dayton had regained his elastic step and
cheerful looks.
The six huge trunks, with their owners
at length arrived, and for week at least
the house was in state of confusion Incl
dent to the return of fashionable party
from simmer campaign.
Amy waited in vain for the announce
ment of Bellies engagement, and at length
asked how matters were progressing be-
tween her and Mr.. Somerville.
40, we are the best of friends" she re
piled, "and he limited in very significant
manner to mamma that he should take an
early opportunity of calling, upon his re-
turn to the city"
Belle was in flutter of excitement every
day during calling hours, and although a
number of gentlemen called, and among
them French Count, yet the one she most
wished to see failed TO make his appear
ance. sThe girls were sitting with their
mother one morning in the library, when
a servant entered, and handing Amy card,
said gentleman was waiting to see her in
the parlor.
Amy blushed very red as she glanced at
the card and quickly left the room.
"Who in the world can it be, mamma"'
said Belle.
II really haven't the slightest idea.
hope il is no clownish acquaintance she has
picked up in Shelby"
Amy was not superior to the common
weakness of her sex, and 1t must be con
fessed that she gave an extra brush TO her
hair, and fingered long enough 10 quell a
little the beating of her heart before she
descended to meet her caller.
Il was Herman Allen as she already
/ knew. and save that his noble face and form
were the same, she would have hardly
known him. lie was splendidly dressed,
and had sucha gentlemanly bearing that
Amy wondered If even Bellies paragon
could equal him. He made a long call,
and before he left, the blush upon Amy't
cheeks had grown brighter, and new
light beamed from her blue eyes. She re-