Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-08-02

Ashley and Harry Vincent, who were
busiIy engaged in sketching, noticed
their absence. Then, quickly gath er-
ing together their books and pencils,
they hastened down the mountain path.
They had gone but a short distance,
when Margaret, by a mistake, slipped
and would have fallen, had it not been
for the timely aid of her attendant. As
she attempted to go OH, an audible ex-
preston of pain escaped her.
'Are you hurt?" Harry Vincent
eagerly asked.
1T is nothing she said, quickly re-
covering herself But a few steps furth-
er seemed to contradict her statement
for she was obliged to stop with the ex-
-cuse-I fear have gprained my ankle;
1 must walk slowly
Even the sIOwest pace soon became so
difficult as to be attended with severe
pain. What was to be done? All the
rest of the company were now beyond
call. There was no means Of descend
ing the mountain except on foot. So
summoning courage and will to her aid,
Margaret went on supported and some
times almost carried by her companion.
Much as her pride rebelled against this,
there was no way by which it could be
avoided. Every step was attended with
sharp shooting pains, every movement
of her foot was torture.
This beautiful girl, bearing her suffer
ing with such firm endurance, drew
forth from Harry Vincent the tenderest
care and sympathy. That night, he
knew what before he had been unwill-
ing to acknowledge even to himself,
that he loved Margaret Ashley with all
the depth and intensity of his nature.
His remark upon the night of the Arriv-
al came to mind, with the thought
''Will she raise me to heaven or drive
me to desperation"
. At last they reached the foot of the
mountain, finding their companions
surprised and almost alarmed at their
long dalay. Margaret, receiving many
expressions of sympathy, was assisted
to a carriage, and soon all were upon
their homeward way. For. nearly two
weeks Margaret Ashley remained in
her room.
''The sprain," said the physician,
twas very severe, having been greatly
aggravated by her walk down the
mountain"
Each day Mr.. Vincent's compliments
were conveyed to her, together with in
quiries for her welfare; often accom-
panied with a few flowers, a specimen OF
delicate moss, or a new book.
One fresh, beautiful morning, Marga-
ret came down from her room, leaning
upon the arm Of her aunt. A low easy.
chair was placed for her near one of the
large bay-windows, and it was thus that
Harry Vincent, entering the drawing
room, saw her for the first time since
the night of their mountain walk II
former attentions could have been mis-
understood, the happy smile and eager
ljoyousness with which he hastened to-
wards her, coulI not fail of inteTpreta-
ton. And surely the bright picture be-
fore him was well worthy of admira-
ton. Her usual paleness was replaced
by vivid flush, which enhanced the
brilliancy of her dark eyes. Never, it
seemed to Harry Vincent, had he be-
held such intensity of expression, such
Intoxicating beauty as lurked within
that fascinating face. He remained by
herside as if controlled by. some potent
spell, whose influence he had no will or
desire to resist.
One by one the occupants of the room
left to join some game or proposed
amusement, until the two remained
alone. A moment of silence fell upon
them, then all the passionate love Of his
heart found utterance in a single word:
margaret"
Had the word been one of death, it
could not have produced a greater
change in the face into which he was
gazing. All light and color faded away
and paIlid cOldness rested upon every
feature. Turning from him and raising
both hands as if with sudden terror, she
cried, implOringly:
'sNOt that! not that! I cannot listen
to you. If you have any pity for me,
go!"
Surprised and grieved, he would have
demonstrated; but, half-risiBg, she
again, in tone of positive anguish, re-
peated her request. AS she rose a pansy,
purple to the very heart, dropped from
her bosom, where it had been fastened.
STOPPING, he raised the flower, and,
pressing it to his lips, went slowly out.
The next day and the one following,
Margaret Ashley remained in her room.
The third night there was to be ball in
the hotel parlOrs. AT this all her
friends declared she must be present.
Her evident reluctance was finally over
ruled by May Huntington, who earn
estly urged that she should attend, for
"even if she could not dance she would
enjoy the occasion" Thus the night of
the ball Margaret again entered the
parlor where she was soon discovered by
him who was so eagerly watching for
her appearance.
"HO# strangely she is dressedw was
the universal remark as she entered.
Her dress, which was entirely Of black,
fiosted around her like a dark cloud.
Though light and gauzs-like in its text
ure, it was unrelieved by q single color.
Even her Iaces were black. Upon her
bosom, and in her hair, were punches
of large dark pansies, which, instead Of
Frightening, seemed to add still more to
the darkness Of her costume. But to