Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1871-08-10

nant response.
Then so much the better for her, that
I Shout ID leave her to be appropriated by
some One that is-you, for instance. II
strikes me that you used to be somewhat
interested in that quarter now is the
time old fellow, for you to go in and
win.'
Charles Hayden scarcely felt or heard
the covert sneer in these words, SO much
was be engrossed by the newborn hope
that had sprung up in his heart. anc
which made its pulses beat SO quickly anc
strong ly.
so you are to be married next month
my dear 2 said MIR Thornly to b is ward
Ellen Neal.
Yes, / Believe so,' was the rather in
different reply.
Mr.. Tho-nly studied his wards face fol
moment with his keen eye.
L don't believe you care three strawl
for Frederick Wells
'Oh, nots bad as that guardie,' sale
Ellen, with faint smile ; though I have
sometimes feared that don't give hin
the affection that he deserves. He seems
to be very much attached to me-
'Humph ! my opinion Of Frederick
Wells is, that he is too much IN love
with his own handsome face 10 be very
much attached to any woman
You are too severe. Any way | have
promise and can not break my word
'Oh, no, certainly not /; far better
break yotir heart
i do1't believe I've got any,' was the
laughing rejoihdsr. IF l have I've new
er been able to discover it Never fear
guardie, dare say | shall BE as happy
with Frederick as with any one
Yet in spite of these lightly spoken
words, there rose up before her mental
vision one with whom she knew she would
be far happier, But even had she been
free to choose, how did she know that be
would choose her. True, she had some
times fancied-but what right had she to
indulge such fancies?
When Mr.. Tbornly reached his Office
lie found Frederick Wells waiting to see
him; who accosted him it'll an air of
constraint, not to say embarrassment, not
at all remarkable, when we consider the
awkward errand on which he came.
I heard of NJ ISIS Meals misfortune last
evening. sir and I assure you with deep
regret
M iss Meals mis- fortune? what the
deuce we mean ? said the old gentleman
grufly, with whom the young man was,
by no means favorite.
why, the failure of Bolton Bank, to
be sure DIR. Wells responded quickly,
the suspicion entering his mind that the
shrewd old lawyer was trying to dodge
the question.
Oh, ah, yes I think do understand
you.
We'll, what ofit?'
Only this, sir, that deeply as 1 re-
greet the necessity, the high regard I
cherish for your ward and the know ledge
that | shall be Unable, at least for some
years, to offer her such home as she
is accustomed to and mer its, demand the
sundering of our engagement
That is to say, in plain English, my
ward. having lost her fortune, Mr.. Wells
no longer desires to marry her
In spite of all his efforts, Mr.. Wells
felt his cheeks tingle beneath the quiet
scorn in the eyes that rested upon his
coubtenance.
You put it rather harshl5,' said he,
forcing d smile; but we won't quarrel
about terms
very good All have to say is, that
what you are pleased to term Miss Meals
m isfortune, promises to be the best thing
that could happen to her. Good morn
ing.
When Mr.. Thornly saw his ward
again, his countenancc wore curious ex-
preston.
I have important news for you Ellen;
one portion of it, rather bad, but the 9TH
er so good as to more than make up for
it. Indeed, as l told certain young
man this morning, consider it the best
thing that could possibly happen to you.
First, for the bad the bank, IN which
your money was invested, has gone up,
and won t probably pay two cents on
dollar. Now for the good: in consequence
Of bis. Mr.. Frederic Wells called to ex-
press his regrets, that he must telinquish
tho honor and happiness Of making you
his wife,
SIS it possible ? exclaf fined Ellen. How
have been deceived by him. I thought
be loved me for myself alone. Oh, Mr..
Thornly, how thankful | ought to be that
have discovered how false his heart is
be fore it was too late.
Mr.. Hayden is in the parlor and wan is
to see Miss ElleD, said servant opening
the door.
Ellen entered the parlor in rather per-
turbed state of mind, much as she rejoic-
ed at her escape, she could not but feel
deeply grieved at this discovery of the
unworthiness of him. whom she had hith-
erto esteemed SO highly as to often re-
proach herself that she could not love him
as he deserved.
Mr.. Hayden's mind was, also, much
disturbed, through from a very different
cause.
It was ir VAIN that that young gentle
men tried to recall the neat little speech,
that he bad conned over on his way
to the house as is usual in such cases,
it..completely vanished from his mind SO
soon as he found himself in the presence
Of the lady. for whose benefit it was in
tended.
At last, making desperate effort. he
broke the rather embarrassing Hence by
saying
My dear Miss Neal, I have heard of your
loss of fortune, and cannot express what q
great burthen it lifted from my heart. |
was SO truly -rejoiced, as to quite forget