The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-01-31

utterly dethroned. A cool civility took
the place of all the bows and smiles that
had been meant for the genuine Mr..
Jones. Everybody appeared to feel that
somehow he was an impostor, because they
had made mistake. 1t seemed as though
nothing but the extreme friendliness and
respect which the real Mr.. Jones showed
him saved him from absolute rudeness.
Fred's spirit was up. TO retreat un-
der the circumstances would be cowardice.
He stayed and went about his business
Just he had at first intended to, and this
time nobody interfercd with him. The
Severns invited him, but in such an en-
barrassed way, and with such readiness
to take his excuses, that he ceased going
there. at is awkward having two of a
name," he said, and stayed away
But at last he had what he came for
long wood ramble in the stiffness Of
perfect solitude. 1t was far more de-
lightful than the stale Hirtations and SEN
timontalities of the Miss Severns.
There was one companion, though, in
his rambles, whom he had not looked for.
The image of Clara Richmond haunted
him; not in the naughty guise in which
she had first appeared to him, but with
the wistlul eyes, that often sought his
now, and would not become angry at his
cold avoidance, with the soft voice with
which she addressed him when he would
scarcely notice her.
"She pities me because I'm slighted, he
thought, his cheeks burning with angry
pride. " | will let her see that she mis-
takes. What are these people to me !?
[ have friends who are wealthier and
higher in life than any Of them. And if
am poor now, may not be so always"
1t was true, the people were nothing to
him, and he was quite well enough con-
nectcd, and quite philosopher enough,
to laugh at these whims but that this girl
should pity him, as if it were in the power
of these country folks to disturb his Sc
renity, that was cruel No man worthy
of the name enjoys being pitied, and
Fred liked it less than most.
But all his GOODNESS and pride did not
chill the tender heart that was SO OPP
pressed with the memory of its own mis-
deeds toward him. She was determined
to speak to him.
eff you don't want to speak to me, you
need not; but ! wish you would" she
said one morning as he passed her on the
yeranda, on his way to the woods. Her
manner, in spite of its pretty archness
had touch of soft cntreaty and sadness
Why do you wish | would" he
asked standing beside her, and looking
down in her face.
The color fickerod in her cheeks
" Because think you worth talking
with"
al should have judged quite the con
trary," he replied, with touch OF cold
ness, but softening, too.
She glanced about and saw that they
were alone 81 owe you an apology
she said, hastily, her face rcddening, hel
eyes filing with tears. "Ano ! owe you
an explanation. We all heard that Mr.
Fred Jones was coming here, that he was
very wealthy, and that he had seen my
photograph somewhere, and was coming
to see me. didn't like the talk it made
Anne Severns heard it all from a friend
who wrote TO her. Anne jested about
my-well, no matter. | made up my
mind before you came that | would moi
speak to you, and when | saw what court
everybody paid to you, merely because
they thought you were rich, was disgust.
ed, and visited their faults on YOU
Forgive me" e.
This was poured forth in rapid words
and an impassioned tone, and at the last
she raised her eyes, overhowing with tears
to his face.
The look and sudden change in her
almost took his breath. q" more than
forgive you" he exclaimed, and turned
his head away, lest he should say more.
There was moment Of silence then
he said, Wont you come out for walk
The morning is lovely"
She started up brightly, ran for hen
hat, and in few minutes they were
walking down the village street, side by
side as happy and cheerful as two chill
dren.
May ask question? ?" said Fred
Surely" was The cordial reply
Why did you change your mine
about the rich Jones when he came ?
You have not been cool with him 7"
Because he was friendly to you" sh,
answered, promptly, then blushed at he
own admission.
Fred said nothing then Whether h
said more when they were out Of the vii
lage street, and walking in the lovel
summer woods, we must guess. Blu