Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1872-07-31

ccs.
| She left blessing with us, and thel
slided swiftly and silently away. Lyn
don and l turned slowly towards home
The house seemed more brilliantly light
ed than usual, and upon our arrival VT
were informed that a young lady. Miss
Agaths Rodney. had just reached Maple
River, and the gueet chamber had beer
prepared for her. according to MIR. An
'hon's directions.
Lyndon smiled at this intelligence
for Miss Rodney was lis cousin. She
had been one of bis favorites in bis yon.
ger days, but he had rot seen her for
years, as both had been engaged with
their studies.
was greatly annoyed by what in
wardly termed Miss Rodney's un,imely
visit. l intended to leave Maple River
in mouth, at furthest, to be absent for
years, perhaps; and l dislikec to be
disturbed in my last days at the dear old
house. Still, | would not fail to well
come the lady for Lyndon's sake, aud SO
| met her with courteous words.
For Lyndon's sake tried to assist in
entertaining her first. and then it became
very pleasant to me to do so for my own.
Miss Rodney was dazzlingly beautiful,
with fascinating manner. whose inau-
ence sought in vain To resist. was
intoxicated with her beauty, for she
seemed to me the embodiment of all that
was good and glorious upon earth. l
had never been in the slightest degree
iinpressible to womans charms before {;
had never loved until l met her. But
there was a peculiar softness in her cx-
preston and manner towards ne. which
won me in spite of myself. l asked her
to be my wife, aud she prom;sc re-
meEbered the gipsey's prophecy. be-
lieved, aad was satisfied.
The WEEKS fled swiftly, and one morn
ing | went out to meet Agatha in the
garden. found her earnestly engaged
in conversation with Lyndon. His
voice was raised tn higher key than
usual, and he seemed to be postulating
with her. Wondering somewhat. |
passed on, until her words, flowing clear
ly through the garden alleys, reached
my ear.
Love him !" she exclaimed. with a
mocking laugh ; ii DO not, indeed He
is too ugly. decidedly. But l am poor,
you know, Lyndon aud Maple River is
a fine CID place. greatly prefer to be
its mistress. TO situation as teacher or
seamstrcss. can afford to tolerate Tom
for its sake, especially as be is blind
enough to. believe in me-"
agatha he answered, warningly,
You have gone far in presuming up
on my silence. Tom is my friend. l
love him far better than love You.
Rest assured that unless you break the
engagement in as gentle manner as
possible, | shall not hesitate to expose
you "
lyon dare not - she exclaimed, scorn
fully. at would be the height of folly
for you to do it, because he would never
believe you against ule. But. if you will
not listen to reason, you may do your
worst ="
81 will!' he cried, passionately.
"And he will know l speak the truth,
for never yet deceived him! :"
you never have, dear Lyndon !" l
exclaimed, breaking in upon them like
ghost in the pallor of my passion. GAS
for you," | said, turning to where
Agatha shrieked and feigned to swoon,
II must never look upon your face
again !"
think would have fallen but for
Lyndons protecting arm. He led me to
my room, bade me lie down, and bath
ed my forehead. soothing me into a sem
blance of quietude.
Agatha left Maple River; how, Or
when, know not: and l rose and
stalked about more restless than before,
hating the sunshine, the south wind, the
bird songs. the Aowers-loving the tenn
pests. the lig ghtnings and the storms. l
had no mothers memory to restrain me
for had not yet learned to love one
| had never known-and l cursed all
women alike, as hearted, frivolous
and despicably vain.
besought Lyndon to accompany me
upon my travels, but he refused. He
was already indebted to me for his edu-
cation-he must work now. was
wealthy, and could afford to travel. But
he was poor and proud-he would never
be an id!er.
So l departed alone. Hither and
thilher wandered, drifting like ves-
sci without moorings." Letters from
Lyndon reached me, telling me of his
labors, his triumphs. Then he wrote in
saddened strain. giving me the news
of his fathers sudden death.
mourued Mr. Anthem sincerely. for
he had always been to mo a valued
friend. l wrote to Lyndon, asking him
to take charge of my affairs at Maple
River, Just as his father had done After