National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1871-08-04
LUCY'S DIAMONDS.

81 declare, Lucy. full thirty minute
have passed since you lave spoken, NOV ed
or even raised your eyes from the one spo
in the carpet A penny, nay hundred O
them for your thoughts, said mcrry Haiti
Kennard.
"Oh, | will tell you and if ] am right
Lucy shall own up, and I'll claim the pen
nies. :" answered Belle, Hattie's sister.
"Very well; agreed" said Lucy AM
Hattie simultaneously"
"Well, Lucy has been thinking of thre,
young gentlemen, her most ardent ad
mirers. Gus. Hartley, the handsome, fas
cinating fellow. Then of Austin Well
worth, Esq. If were ambitious of wealth
Pd certainly take him. And last, ant
least too, in Aunty's estimation, know
John Fairleigh good, honest John, but
poor, dreadfully so. Now Lucy has beer
for the last half hour thinking of these
three; if she should make supremely happy
one Of them, with which would she be
happy. Am right, Lucy ~
After moments hesitation, Lucy re-
plied
eyes, | wss thinking of them, but not
Just as you have stated it. But you have
idhiy "oh ehc PchiioS
Here she was interrupted by Aunt
Hannah:
81 hope not just as she stated. The
idea think there are only two to be
considered at present. John Fairleigh
don't know how he presumes to come
here Poor worse than poor, with his
mother and sister to support on an income
of a thousand dollars a year m
"Aunty, believe John Fairleigh most
worthy. His poverty | very much regret,
alike for his mother and sister, as well as
for himself. But | think them very rich
IN possessing such son and brother.
However, don't think you need be un-
easy about his coming" answered Lucy.
You know he loves you," whispered
Belle.
Indeed, think it is quite time you
should decide between your lovers While
you are hesitating you may lose the right
onen
"Who is he, aunty /"
"Why who else but Mr.. Wellworth ?
He is the only one you could be sure was
not after your fortune. more than your
self" answered Aunt Hannah as she left
them.
Mr.. Fairleigh failed in business, and
died, when his son was about eighteen,
leaving the widow and daughter to his
charge. OF course his studies had to be
abandoned then, and all his time devoted
to their support.
II Lucy had kindlier .eeling for John
Faireigh than either of the other mention
ed gentlemen, her cousins failed to dis
ocUivr it.
half hour after, the door opened and
Lucy's guardian, Mr.. Clayton, entered
Smiles were still lingering about his lips,
and he said
81 think you have been teasing your
aunt sadly, Lucy. She has just been open
ing her heart to me. She is very anxious
about your selection of a husband"
81 know, Guardy. SO she has decided
for me. How do you like her choice -
"l'm glad he is not yours. That is,
hope not"
"Why, Guardy ?"
because | know nothing certainly of
his wealth-oDly what report says. He
may be just what your aunt fears for
you"
what Of Mr.. Hartley, sir7" asked
Belle
"A good naturcd, good for nothing
young man, who will spend all he can
without earning dollar"
"And Mr.. Fairlegh h-tell us of him."
said Hattie.
A noble fellow. But not the husband
for any one; that is, during his mothers
life, unless his sister should marry some
one able and willing to care for her mother,
or unless some unlocked for good luck
comes to him. John, poor fellow, his life
Is welded to those depending on him for
support. He has fine talents. His father
was anxious for him to study law. Any
commands to-day, Lucy p
Not to-day, Guardy. Do you remem
ber.next week | shall belong to my
self"
"Oh, yes; I've been thinking about it.
And you want to let me know now, you
are going to he just as extravagant as you
choose, and | will have no longer the right
10 chide. That is it, little lady. Well,
m quite anxious to see how you will act
when you belong to YOURSELF as you
say And, with pleasant smile, the
good man took leave of them.
Lucy Nelson was an orphan, in the COM
'ortable possession Of hundred thousand
aollars consequently was courtcd and
ha'tered. Notwithstanding which, she was
sensible, sweet, affectionate girl And
John Fairleigh loved her with ali the fervor
hope.
few evenings after the above converse
uon, John Fairleigh stood in the door Of
n's humble home. Coming down the
s,reet' bent. and with feeble steps, he saw
an old woman. When she reached hi.
aeor she stopped, and said, in . low, trem-
hung voice: